Re: 2x2x2 / Realist viewer ?

[P3D Dr. George A. Themelis <DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Response to phil@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (P3D Phil Palmer) posting:

>I am shooting slides with a Stereo Realist and am currently mounting in 
>2x2x2 bonum mounts (23mmx22mm apeture) and am looking for a viewer that
>is better quality than the "pinsharp".   

You don't have many choices... To my knowledge, there is not such thing
as a commercial 2x2 viewer with achromatic lenses and internal illumination,
equivalent to a Realist, Kodaslide, Revere, etc.  

David Burder has modified a Sterolist to take 2x2 mounts.  The example
that I saw was very well made with achromatic lenses.  There is also
a custom viewer with great lenses but no internal illumination.  That's
all there is.
    
>It has also come to my attention that I am (with the exception of home
>projection) doing myself no favours by not mounting in "Realist mount".
>I would be conforming with my local clubs projection facilities (3D Soc.
>Bury, Lancs) and by the sound of it there are quality viewers out there 
>for this format.

Yes, they are.  Some people prefer the 2x2x2 format for the flexibility
in projection, etc.  Some have even predicted the death of the "Realist
format" (in general terms, not just 5p images) in favor of the 2x2x2.
With excellent Realist-format projectors, cameras, mounts, etc., being 
made today, that's not going to happen.  I personally like the convenience
of carrying the stereo image in one frame.
    
>Bearing in mind my existing 2x2x2's, my need for a better viewer and my
>possible future 'born again' conversion to realist format mounting,
>could I have some opinions on the 'Franka Twin 35mm viewer' that I came across
>in the Reel 3-D catalogue. It appears to allow the viewing of either format
>(with the appropriate adapter) and seems to me to reasonable compromise
>until I decide which format to stick too.  >What are the optics like ?

Single-element glass lenses, no internal illumination.  In my opinion, a
Realist or other good 50s are better but also cost more.

Regards -- George Themelis


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