Re: l'Oreo

[michaelk@xxxxxxxxxxx (Michael Kersenbrock)]

> You wrote,
> >1. You could get a Realist stereo camera for less money than a Loreo.<
> 
> Yes, you can _get_ a Realist for cheap, but you can't _use_ it well!  What of
> the "hidden costs" that are conveniently not mentioned?  Using a Realist
> properly will require an exposure meter, so add at least $70 (up to $250!).

I've bought usable used light meters for about $5 and a used 1-degree spotmeter
for $50, and have seen one or two offered for even less (albeit in questionable 
condition, depspite assurances).  One can pay really big bucks for really good 
ones, but it isn't *necessary* for using a Realist.  Get both the accessories
used, as well as the Realist camera itself.


> Realist is over $250.  And that's if you don't want a case ($25), which is
> included with the Loreo.  FLASH?  It's built into the Loreo.  For the
> Realist, be ready to shell out more money for an electronic flash, adapter,
> and mounting bracket.

At a camera show, one might have to go for another $20 for all those things
and still have a better quality (brigher at least) flash, even if it says
K-mart on it and is a little dirty.

> <3. Your local friendly drug store will process your 36 exp. roll for $3.
>    That's cheaper than making 4x6 prints.>
> 
> Yes, if you don't count the "cost" that your slides must be properly exposed
> on a film with far less latitude for exposure compared with print film.

That was the exposure meter cost wasn't it? :-)

> redo them free of charge.  Take a few bad shots? you won't be charged for
> those prints (at most places) whereas the chrome film offers no such
> guarantee.  Further, a 36 exposure roll will yield 36 exposures in a Loreo,

You aren't charged for prints they don't make in both cases, this is probably
why slide processing usually is cheaper.  They *always* don't charge for printing
exposures that didn't work out, because they don't charge for printing those that
do (no printing at all).  :-)

> <4. Time-consuming?  One hour per roll of 36 exp. is time well spent.>
> 
> If only the beginner could do this well, this fast!  Stereo window?  We're
> talking beginner stereographers here, and I don't think anyone would consider
> George Themelis a beginner.

One can be lazy and use Kodalux to mount the Realist format slides.  Zero work,
albeit with a couple week turn-around time (3 weeks if Xmas is during the period
in question).


Mike K.


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