Re: A New Beamsplitter Design

[John Roberts <roberts@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>Date: Fri, 24 Nov 1995 12:55:03 -0600
>From: JakeKristy@xxxxxxx
>Subject: A New Beamsplitter Design

>George Themelis recently referred to this posting:
>>>This distortion could be avoided by building a beamsplitter that *replaces*
>the main camera lens (instead of attaching in front of it). This replacement
>beamsplitter would incorporate two lenses side by side, with a divider so
>they expose different parts of the film.  Does anybody know whether such a
>device has ever been produced?<<
>Geogre asks: "I wonder if such a device should be called 'beamsplitter'..."
>To me, it sounds like attaching my stereo camera to my mono camera.  Would
>this combination be useable?  ;-)

The difference would be in the placement of images on the film. A stereo
camera such as the Realist interleaves the image pairs on subsequent
photographs, so that special mounting is required. This approach would put
the two lenses very close together so that both views will fit on a standard
35mm frame. (The mirror arrangement is still used, to get a reasonable
interocular.)

Come to think of it, the Loreo uses a similar dual-lens-plus-mirrors
arrangement. The difference is that it would allow you to use the modern
conveniences of your SLR, plus possibly allow focus.

(I wonder if Loreo would be interested in selling such a device. :-)

John R


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