Requesting an RBT Stereo Camera Review

[JValaVIDI@xxxxxxx]

   I am interested in purchasing an RBT Stereo Camera and would like some
information either from those of you who own them or anyone who has reliable
information about them.  I will be talking soon with some professional folks
who shoot standard (planar) images of  Indy cars and other popular sporting
events.  I would like to equip them with a stereo camera system which will be
as non-invasive to their traditional methods as possible, and feel the RBT is
the only camera to choose from.  I know the FED camera may also be a choice
but Im concerned about handing someone a camera which is so.... different.
 Im expecting to give them some training on the fundamentals of stereography
but would rather not complicate their experience with capturing stereo images
by handing them a twin rig on a slide bar and having them compute the proper
stereo base before they push both shutters.  I know we can twin two SLRs (on
a fixed bar) and reliably sync the shutters if we pick the right cameras, or
hand him an antique and send him on his way, but for these folks ( who are
only doing this as another assignment and have no other interest in
stereography) I want it to be as close to the world they are accustomed to as
possible.

   So, what I would like to know is;

1.   Do/did you own an RBT and how did you like its performance?

2.   Is it a reliable camera and did you have any service issues with it?
 Where is service handled from?

3.   How is it to use, are the controls and metering as simple as a
conventional SLR?

4.   What do you think about the quality of the product, will it survive the
rigors of assignment shooting?

5.   Is there someone stateside who is handling the distribution and service
of these cameras or should I
      call RBT Raumbildtechnik GmbH in Germany as found in the Product and
Service Guide ?

6.   How is the flash sync with them and what shutter speed does it work at?

7.   And finally, what should I expect to pay for one (or a few) of these?

8.   Please add any other comments or suggestions you feel I should be made
aware of.


   Any help you can be would be very appreciated.  I know a lot of you have
your favorite camera systems and preferences for format and ortho-accuracy,
but I will be dealing with people who really dont care too much about all
that and if I expect to get their cooperation, I will have to come "down" to
their level as much as possible and work with equipment which is somewhat
familiar to them.



Sincerely,


John D. Vala
Virtual Imaging Devices, Inc.
15063 Lakewood Drive
Plymouth, Michigan  48170  USA
(313) 420-1780

P.S. If any of you would like to consider doing assignment work (using any
equipment you choose) please get back to me as I may be in the market very
soon for this resource.  Additionally, I will be in the market for Stereo
images from existing collections.  If you have a series of high quality
images you would like to offer, I am willing to pay a fair price for the use
of those images.  Just contact me at this E-mail address or call me at the
number above.



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