Re: Wolfie's request for 3D camera

[Jim Beals <kgrafx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>I would love a 3D camera of my own but I don't know one from the other.
>I would like to have some idea of what is available that I suppose uses
>35mm film and produces slides which I could load into a viewer.
>and something that would allow me to send slides back to the chemist
>to be blown up into regular poster size prints [2D] which I could frame.

Hi, I am not a collector or anything, but I have taken lots of 3D slides. I
have 2 standard 3.5mm Realists and a Nimslo, but for most of my 3D work (as
Date: Sat, 9 Mar 1996 00:50:13 -0600
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long as there is no movement in the scene) is done using a single SLR on a
slide bar. I realize that you asked for a good camera, not something to
start out with and then need to get another one later.  However, I find the
3 cameras I have are each needed for specific needs.  If I want to make a
really good 3D image of a scene and I want full control of inter-ocular
distances and focal lengths and, as I said, there is no movement in the
scene, then I go with my first choice, a single SLR (Nikon) on a slide bar.
If there is movement in the scene, then I can choose either the Realist or
the Nimslo.  And, I know the collectors and affectionatos may not agree with
me, but I actually prefer the Nimslo for most such occasions. It is fixed
focus and has a self-metered shutter, making the taking of real-action type
shots a lot easier (aim and shoot - as opposed to metering and setting  (or
guessing) exposures and focusing).  Nimslo/Nishika cameras take 4 shots at
one time.   The newer breed of these are the 3 Lens cameras from 3D Image
Technology (they even have single use disposable 3 lens 3D cameras, w/ or
w/o built-in flash).  With these cameras you also have the option of
shooting neg print film and getting lenticular 3D prints (which I have used
to make 16x20 blow ups) or use slide film to make 3D slides.  (using 2 slide
projectors and custom mounting each 1/2 slide into a glass mount with
blackout material - which gives you the freedom to center the slide and crop
it for best 3D window).  3D Image Tech. offers several reloadable aim and
shoot cameras, from $35 on up.

To be honest, unlike many of the 3D photographers on this forum I really
haven't used my Realists cameras for years. 

Another way to get a good 3D pair of slides of outdoor scenes where the
breeze may be moving leaves or other things are moving in the scene is to
use 2 SLR's side by side. I have seen bars available for mounting 2 SLR's
side by side on a tripod (keep the cameras horizontally level).  And, one
that I haven't tired yet, but will work, is to tape 2 disposable (single
use) cameras together (keeping them horizontally level) and snapping them
both at the same time. The advantage to this is to be able to take full 35
mm slides or negs of a scene where motion is involved and yet not be
encombered by the cost of buying 2 matching SLR's w/ matching lenses.  (of
course any 2 small reloadable aim and shoot cameras would also work). (the
quality of the lenses leaves lots to be desired, howver) You can easily make
hyper-stereo shots this way of distant skylines without the expense of
matching SLR's and lenses.

So, my opinion is there is no singlularily best 3D camera for all occasions. 
Jim 


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