Re: Viewmaster Projection etc.

[P3D Steve Owsley <scooter@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I am one of those people with narrow interoccular spacing, which makes it difficult to 
use a Viewmaster viewer, and I have all of them up through the Model D plus the new 
orange 'toy' type.  OK, sometimes, I'll pick up a viewer and I'm able to converge 
marginally well, but usually it is pretty clear (or fuzzy) that I cannot see both images 
through the center of the viewer lens.  If I center my left eye for a good focused 
image, the right image goes all blurry.  AAARGH!!!!

It's enough to make me (almost) put all my Viewmaster equipment up for sale except for 
one thing.  I bought a Stereomatic 500 projector a few months ago.  Though not cheap, 
this beautiful machine can make your reels come alive.  I have no problems at all 
viewing stereo pairs with this projector.  Grain problems and small magnification  
inherent in all Viewmaster hand viewers are not a problem in the projected image.  

I was initially concerned about plunking down my scarce financial resources on a 
Stereomatic 500 until I talked to David Starkman on the phone one day.  He mentioned 
that in his experience, few people would notice any difference in projected image 
between Realist or Viewmaster unless the comparison was done side by side.  I will say 
from my own experience, he is correct.

How this can be the case when mounting film chips in those awful Viewmaster Personal 
Reels, with no control over stereo window, infinity points etc. is beyond me.  For some 
reason, it just works (usually).  :-)

I do 95% of my work in Realist format, because I prefer a good quality hand viewer. My 
Red and Green Button Viewers provide a lifelike image I can be immersed in visually, 
much in contrast even with a Model D Viewmaster viewer, modified and cleaned with the 
help of Dr. T's fabulous Model D servicing booklet (George's booklet, btw, is well 
worth the money he asks for it).

I would recommend that anyone interested in the Viewmaster format, to save, save, save 
your hard earned dollars for one of the Stereomatic 500 projectors.  They are very nice, 
well built and yes, beautiful little machines.  An added bonus is the availability of 
commercial reels on a wide variety of topics.  It is way too much fun to project Batman 
movie reels, Bonanza, Lassie, Toy Story etc. Everyone loves these.  The best part is 
that all you have to do is plunk down a few dollars for some pre-made reels, and your 
audience can see stuff that you would never be able to photograph yourself.

On a side note: if anyone makes a Viewmaster viewer with lenses large enough to 
accomodate smaller than average adult interoccular spacing, or has the plans on how one 
can make such a modification oneself, please post it to the list or email me directly.  
I have yet to experience anything truly wonderful in a hand held Viewmaster viewer.  For 
me I think I like them better as 'antiques' or that dread word 'collectibles' rather 
than as a serious viewing system.  They are awful cute, until you try to view 3d in 
one.    #$@%%%*&!!!!!

PS.  to Jamie Drouin.  I projected the pair you sent me as part of the Great Viewmaster 
Chip Swap, #3.  I assume this is an extra pair from your new reel.  It was quite 
beautiful. Thanks!


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