Re: Any tips for a would be stereo camera purchacer?

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

Regarding the comment on light leaks and mismatched focal lengths that
Paul made, I have to say that certain cameras are prone to certain
problems, some of which can be fixed one way or another.  The Realist has
the infamous light leak, the Kodak has the slow shutter, etc.  People who
buy and sell cameras on a regular basis do not have the time to check these
cameras to the point of trying a roll of film.  The buyer can do that and
that's why it is always a good idea to ask for 30 days return privilages as
Paul suggested.

>Also, I have recently learned from Dr. T that a slide I took with a
>borrowed Revere exhibits signs of mismatched lens focal lengths.  That
>of course makes me wonder if that could be a common problem with Reveres.

Most stereo camera manufacturers were well aware of the importance of
having a pair of lenses with closely matching focal lengths in their
cameras.  But, from time to time, certain cameras slipped quality control
and ended up with mismatched lenses.  This is not a common problem with
Reveres and I have seen it in Realists too.  The way to detect the problem
is to align one end of the chips (say bottom) and check for alignment of
the other end (top).  Mismatched FL's result in images of different sizes
and this is evident during alignment.  A slight mismatch can be tolerated. 
Those who work with twin SLRs are usually more aware of this problem.    

George Themelis


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