Re: 3-D lives!

[P3D Gregory J. Wageman <gjw@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Gerry writes,

>"3-d was a fad."   " 3-d died in the 60"s"  " 3-d is limited to a special
>roadshow feature at a few tourist attractions."...  Nonsense. Repeat,
>nonsense...I continue with stereoscopy, despite a manual, cock-the shutter,
>set the aperture, forty year old camera.

Yeah, well, so do I.  Most of the quotes listed there came from me (and are
out-of-context, I might add).

>As Themelis notes, mass acceptance is not the definition of value for a photo
>process, a hobby, or an art form. I mean, some people still coat plates with
>home-made emulsion and sepiatone the result.  And I respect them and their"
>eccentricity "( which is almost a synonym for the stereo hobby.)

Of course mass acceptance isn't a definition of value.  However, mass
acceptance brings with it certain distinct advantages to any "process,
hobby or art form".  I know, I have a distinct tendency to prefer processes,
hobbies and art forms which are definitely obscure, stereography being
just one.

For example, I own and use Atari ST and TT computer equipment.  How's that
for obscure? The funny thing is, mention of Atari computers gets me *exactly*
the same funny looks as mention of my collecting/using stereo cameras.  "Oh,
how quaint.  Didn't they go out of business in the <insert decade>'s?"

o Atari software is impossible to find in retail stores.
o Atari hardware isn't made anymore, even though it is perfectly usable.
o There is a small but devoted user base for Atari hardware.
o Lots of commonly available accessories are compatible with the Atari,
  but you have to provide your own support.

Now, take those statements and replace "Atari software/hardware" with
"stereo photographic equipment".  Sound familiar?

Mass acceptance would mean easy accessibility to supplies and suppliers,
competitive pricing, the ability to purchase equipment at common retailers
instead of via mail order or from a few rare, expensive specialty dealers.

None of the above has anything to do with the value, usefulness or quality
of the results.  It just means that being an Atari user/stereographer is
more expensive, more inconvenient and ultimately, more fun than owning a
PC and a point-n-shoot.

	-Greg


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