Mounting film chips; NSA convention; Wanted-Realist?

[PHOTO3DGUY@xxxxxxx]

MOUNTING FILM CHIPS:  After 20+ years of taking twin 2x2 3D slides, I finally
decided to dupe some of the images and give a go at mounting them in realist
style carriers.  Oh my.  The info I received with my order from Reel 3D (and
from Joel Alpers web site) was very informative, useful, and practical.
 Without it I am sure I would have spent half a day mounting my first pair of
film chips instead of the two hours it took me to get it right.  But the
second slide only took an hour (fast learner with fumble fingers....only
broke one glass).  My first goaround is with Albion sandwiched between glass
with official Reel 3D aluminum tape to wrap it up.   

Was disappointed with the glass as it seems to have some kind of foggy
(moldy?) flaw on every piece that takes heavy duty scrubbing with windex and
good natured alcohol, and even then it isn't completely gone.  Hopefully it
won't be visible in the finished product. 

Trying to get everything lined up with the mounting gage lines and control
the roll, pitch, and yaw was almost more than I could endure.  I had to try
it to fully understand and appreciate the appeal (or lack of appeal) of this
technology . It does seem a bit archaic, antiquated, cumbersome, difficult,
tedious, time consuming.....and yet, it is said that nothing good comes easy.
  At least now I really do appreciate what goes into creating these little
bundles of joy.  

I've only mounted 4 and will continue on until I use up the entire order of
50, just to see if I get the hang of it.   I think I will do half between
glass, and half between the cardboard. After "mastering" that, I will do the
same with RBT mounts and will divulge my first impressions following that.   

NSA CONVENTION:    I have been reviewing airfare rates between San Diego and
Rochester and the costs are sky high.  Getting to and fro Atlanta was only
$278 round trip; but Rochester is in the high high $300's and low $400's.
 Plus room plus meals plus trade show etc. etc. is going to push it over $1k
just to go and look-see. 
If anybody can suggest a nearby major airport to fly into, that's within
rental car driving distance,   I'm looking for ideas. (Reply direct to my
E-mail and thanks) 
I won't fly on those little prop-hop planes either,  nothing less than a 737.
 

OR

WANTED-REALIST?:  I'm thinking with travel+convention costs so high, maybe I
would be better off to  just just skip the convention and place  a WANTED ad
to acquire the items I want (or maybe just skip both ideas and wait til it's
in Washington and take Amtrak).  Anyway,  If anybody is interested in selling
a::  "works absolutely correctly,  even if not in mint-proof appearance
condition, but must be already reconditioned with papers"  Realist, I might
be interested if it's at going (not gouging) rate.  (Reply direct to me).
  (After all the "collector vs user" thrashing that's been going on,  maybe
some accumulated, or residual,  guilt might instil someone to sell).  PS:  I
already own a case and don't need another thanks.  

Glenn Stokes, San Diego, CA.  (It's not a good idea to look at 3D images on
your PC at work, somebody might notice your going cross-eyed and fire you
before you file a workers comp claim).     


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