RE: Arcadia Viewers???

[P3D Paul A. Lehman <PALEHMAN@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear 3D'ers:

This weekend I found at a local flea-market, and purchased, two Arcadia "Realist" 
format viewers. I was wondering if anyone (especially Dr T?) could provide some 
information about them as I have not seen their mention on the digest in the past.

The viewer is about the same size as the smaller ST63 Realist viewer, has thinner 
plastic, single glass lenses, ocular adjustment and focus adjustment. It takes two C 
cell batteries. The battery compartment lid is held in place with a metal strip 
spring clamp. Clearly not the quality of a Realist, but very functional. The 
manufacturer was:

   Arcadia Manufacturing Co.
   3214 West Lawrence Avenue
   Chicago 25, Illinois

The viewers I found appear in mint condition, as if they were never used. The battery 
contacts are so clean that I cannot even see any scratches to indicate battery 
insertion or removal! One included the box and instruction sheet. I paid $30 for 
both.

My questions are: When were they made (late 50's?)? Were they common or rare? Was 
this a company which made only viewers? (as I have never heard of an Arcadia camera).
Any information will be appreciated as their history gives them a life of their own.

Thanks

Paul A. Lehman
Little Rock, Arkansas  







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