Re:slides vs prints

[P3D Dr. George A. Themelis <fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Edward I. Comer writes:

>Sort of depends what your interest is in stereo. I shoot print film almost
>exclusively. It is partly for the latitude, etc., but it is mostly because
>my interest in stereo is almost exclusively modern viewcards...

And what determines what your interest in stereo is?  How does a beginner
know if his interest in stereo is viewcards or slides?  When someone
starts a new hobby, like stereo photography, he is usually open to
suggestions and he is (should be) open-minded to try different things.  The
fact that a beginner is familiar with prints (from 2D photography) does not
mean that he should stay with prints for 3D photography.  My recommendation
is to try both and see what you like.

There is a bit more than prints vs. slides.  Even if you shoot prints, you
can choose and mount them in viewcards and use a Holmes viewer or use the
View Magic system.  With slides you can mount them in Realist-format mounts
or keep them separately in 2x2 format.  As Marvin said, how you want to
view the stereo pair will determine the choice of film and mounting format.

I do all my work with Realist-format slides (which includes mounting
full-frame stereo pairs from twin camera rigs in 5-p or 7-p mounts).  
This is the most popular and universally accepted format since the 50s.
I can share my slides with most stereo photographers, most PSA stereo
competitions and stereo clubs use this format, and there is a wide choice
of viewing and projection equipment available for this format.  The fact
that companies, like RBT, make new products (mounts, viewers, projectors)
is an assuarance that this format will be around for a long time.

Slides or prints have advantages and disadvantages... It is a good idea to
try both before you commit yourself to one medium or format.

George Themelis


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