Re: Future of 3D

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

How can I stop posting when thought-provoking postings like Dennis'
Sherwood and Allan's Carrano are showing up?  I might as well admit
that I am addicted to photo-3d!!

Dennis is touching on issues that are of great concern to stereo
photographers who are in love with the medium.  It is true that slide
film sales are going down and the future of photography appears to
be in the digital realm.  It is also true that what happened to
super-8 will, most probably, happen to traditional film.

My only hope is that this happens very slowly and after my time is
over in this earth.  Indications are around that this will be the
case.  It will take many-many years for traditional photography
to be totally converted to the point that film and processing is
not available any more.  You can still find super-8 film and 
processing is available if you want to use it.  

Dennis expressed surprise that these cameras lasted as long as they
have.  Sometimes I wonder the same thing when I see Realist 35 mm
cameras (not stereo) on sale for $15.  What made stereo cameras last
and being desirable and in-use today is the fact that no other 
stereo camera was developed to surpass the quality of results for
roughly the same price.  If the digital technology manages to develop
a camera _and viewing system_ that gives roughly the same quality
and satisfaction that the Realist system gives to me today, I will
be the first one to dump the Realist and convert to the new
technology.  If not, I will have to do what Allan says:

>You can pry my 40 year old Realist out of my hands, only after
>I'm dead.  :-)

Dennis also mentioned the fact that camera repair is becoming a
thing of the past.  This is true for most electronic devices today.
After the VCR or microwave dies after warranty, people rush to 
buy a newer, better and cheaper model.  I took practical electronic 
classes as a hobby a few years ago.  I did not expect to make any 
money from repairing electronic equipment for profit.  I just wanted
the satisfaction of knowing how things work and that they can be
fixed by myself if needed.  It is the challenge and satisfaction of
doing it.  Same for camera repair.  Sam's hacking abilities with
mechanical cameras do not apply well with electronic cameras, I 
don't think.
    
>3D photographers risk becoming more and more just collectors, with 
>the rest of the photographic industry leaving us further and further 
>behind.  I am not certain about the future, other than hoarding slide 
film!  Dennis Sherwood  P.S. Dr T, your opinion?-don't quit!

Dennis, as long as I can buy and process my slide film, I will keep
using it in my Realist.  I am slightly concerned but I will take
it one day at a time.  -- George Themelis    
      


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