Re: PHOTO-3D digest 1518

[P3D Ronald J Beck 840196 <rbeck@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

photo-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx said (actually it was Dr T...):

> ...And how many requests did I get for the less  than $100 Dr. T 
> supercharged Realist red button viewers?  Exactly Zero!!!   It's 
> amazing!
>
> This is the sad state of affairs in 3D.  Much less interest than most 
>  people imagine, even from the active stereo photographers.  As John 
> Vala  says, someone can make a successful 3D product (or run a 
> serious  business selling 3D products) only if they target the 
> general population.   If they have to rely on existing hard-core 3D 
> enthusiasts, then they will  have to treat this as a hobby and keep 
> their "day jobs" to make a living. 

You can also look at the sales of lenticular cameras to see how quickly 3D 
is (not) catching on with the general public.  There is now a disposable 
lenticular camera on the market yet you don't see people beating down the 
door to purchase it.  And, it really does a pretty good job of producing 
viewerless 3D photos.

Now, what I'd like to see catch on, which has been mentioned here before, 
is the use of the new Advantix film to produce stereo pairs.  First, 
Advantix (is that APS?) slide film and a camera that would produce stereo 
pairs on that film.  Next, a viewer, similar to the 3D filmstrip viewer 
mentioned in previous posts (Dr T has one I believe) which you would drop 
your developed film cartridge into, have it load up and view through the 
eyepiece, use the motorized drive to advance each frame pair, and use the 
magnetic strip to record minute adjustments for optimum viewind and/or a 
"skip" button to skip  the frame all together.  Last, but certainly not 
least, a projection system so that the slides could be viewed by a room 
full of people.  Ideally the viewer would simply be placed in a projection 
unit.

Could it be done?  Well, I'm naieve enough to believe that anything that 
is perceived can be achieved!  Would it catch on?  Maybe if it had enough 
marketing hype to go along with it.  Would it be expensive?  Probably!  
Would anyone on this list buy such a system?  Well... those who enjoy 
"rolling their own" probably would shy away from a system that takes the 
"artistry" of slide mounting out of the equation.  However, for the 
"masses" of point & shooters out there, such a system might just be 
attractive.  Especially if it were marketed as a camera/viewer combination 
and cost under $100.00 (US).

Well, that's my $0.02 for today.  A grand idea who's time may someday 
come.  If I just had some capital....

Ron


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