Re: Nimslo/Nishika

[P3D <MarkKernes@xxxxxxx>]

Just thought I'd throw in my expert (ahem, ahem) opinion, since I knew pretty
much nothing about cameras before buying my 1st Realist, though I owned both
a Nimslo and a Nishika.
I'd have to say the Nimslo is definitely the better camera of the two, and
would echo what others in the list have said. Its pictures always had better
definition, and I really missed the Nimslo's 100 ASA/400 ASA switch on the
Nishika when I finally got one. One thing that no one's noted yet is that
it's a mistake to use 400 ASA film to take stereo slides; much too much grain
in the finished product. Also, the Teco-Nimslo people will make modifications
to the Nimslo to expand your photographic range, but I don't believe they'll
work on a Nishika. Finally, after my Nishika got all gunked up due to a spill
or something, American 3D (the makers) offered to replace the entire camera
for $39, though it had cost $299 new. That says something to me, and it ain't
about the corporation's generosity. I am just about to get my Nimslo back
from a friend who borrowed it a long time ago, and will be shooting some
lenticulars for fun, just to test its capabilities now that I've learned a
little more about it (the Reel 3D Nimslo book is a positive treasure-trove of
information) and about photography in general.

HOWEVER, that having been said, even with the lenticular cameras' viewerless
print capability, I wouldn't trade my Realist for a barrel-full of either
lenticular. It is VERY tough to get a lenticular print with anywhere near the
sharpness and vibrance of a Realist-format slide pair, and there are
processing labs for slide film in every major city, whereas to process
lenticular photos, you've got a choice of about 3-4 places in the world --
all of whom, I'm sure, will do a creditable job. I see that your intended
uses are for stereo cards and "Realist" slide pairs, but a Realist or
equivalent is much better suited (IMHO) for these purposes. Surely there must
be a used-camera sale somewhere within driving distance from you (Southern
California has about one or two a month). If you can get to one, search out a
Realist or similar camera. You won't be sorry.

... just my 2 cents, which, these days, won't even buy penny candy.

-- Mark Kernes <markkernes@xxxxxxx>


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