Re: PHOTO-3D digest 1155

[bsharp@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

I have a Nishika and recently ran up against the same problem as your 
friend in that Nishika is out of business and there is no known lab 
that now prints the film taken from the Nishika (4 half frames).  I 
have been asking a lot of questions and will tell you what I have 
learned.

Nishika is basically the same as the Nimslo but it is a cheaper camera 
with 1/60 second exposure and 3 F stop settings (I have read that they 
are F8, F11, and F19).  I have had good results with the film that I 
used to send to Nishika.  Image Tech used to print this film but last 
December they decided not to as they sell three lens cameras and it 
takes a lot of time and effort to reset their equipment for the four 
lens film.  Rittai no longer sells their 4 lens cameras in the U.S. 
and that apparently left all of the Nishika, Nimslo, and Rittai users out 
in the cold when it came to developing and printing the lenticular 
prints.  The WideScreen Centre in England will print the 4 negative 
prints for Nishika etc.etc. but it is probably quite expensive to send 
film that far.

I was advised, by someone on the net, to try Ritz Cameras as they may 
print these films.  I phoned Ritz Cameras two days ago and was 
advised that they will process the 4 lens films but they only use 3 
of the 4 negatives as they are set up for 3 lens printing.  
I am advised that there is hardly any difference in 
quality.  The following prices were quoted to me:

Processing of a roll of film (36 exposure) to produce 16 prints cost
$18.45 which is broke down as follows:

Developing:  $3.95
Printing: $0.75/Print
Postage/Handling:  $2.95

RITZ CAMERA CENTRES
6711 RITZ WAY
BELTSVILLE, MARILAND
20705/1384
1-301-526-6296

I hope to try Ritz in the near future.  I don't know what size the 
prints are and will have to wait and see what the quality is like.
Although I have not tried it yet I am advised that the Nishika can be 
used as a Stereo Camera simply by blocking off the two inner lenses with 
electrical tape.  This will produce 1/2 frame pictures (one 1/2 
frame on each full frame) which can be later cropped and 
viewed with a stereo viewer.  You could also have them 
print all of the negatives and use the inner two as 
ordinary photographs.  The Nishka can also be used for stereo 
slides by blocking the two centre lenses and using the two 
outer 1/2 frames to mount slides and view in a slide 
viewer This camera has limited exposure control and this 
may be a problem with slide film.  I hope this is of use to 
you to pass on to your friend.

Bill-


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