Addicted to stretch?

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

I never got to finish my thoughts on why we like the View-Magic viewer. 
The main reason is that many of us like the "strech" that results when a
stereo image is viewed with much longer focal length than it should.  This
results in a small image (details cannot be seen) that appears to have a
lot of depth.

This situation usually appears when we:

- use viewers with long focal lengths
- sit far behind in a projection room
- freeview
- look at anaglyps from a long distance, etc.

In cases where no viewer is used, one can experiment and see what happens
when the distance from the stereo image is increased and see whether he/she
likes the effect.  Most people like what they see.  The cannot see
distracting details and problems with the image but they clearly and more
pronounced see the DEPTH.

Example:  When I got those stereo prints from Cyprus, I was not happy with
the quality.  Viewed in my Keystone achromatic viewer they showed a long
list of problems like poor sharpness (in the print, result of printing most
probably), lack of syncrhonization of the cameras, etc.  The same pictures
looked wonderful in the View-Magic viewer.

I plan to take advantage of this "stretch" addiction and make a viewer with
100 mm FL lenses.  That's right, 100 mm.  Not the 35 mm that certain ortho
people are trying to use.  Maybe I will go as long at 125 mm (that's 5 in.,
like the lenses in most stereo projectors). 

I would call this viewer "Projection Previewer" but the name is taken
already!  In addition to making bad pictures look good by taking away the
details while maintaining the DEPTH, this viewer will let you see how a
slide will project.  Most people sit in seats with "effective focal length"
of 100 mm or more.  I will also fit the viewer with adjustable illumination
to adjust to dim projection conditions.  Perhaps an adjustable light will
shine light from the FRONT too to simulate improperly darkened projection
rooms.  This device will let you check slides for pojection without using a
projector.  I predict it will be a hit among competing club and PSA members!

George Themelis


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