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

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

>To go one step beyond purchase warnings, perhaps some expert eagle-eyed
>list member with a quality (T'd RB) viewer would be willing to offer a
>special quality review service to first-time stereo camera buyers. 

Sounds like a great idea Paul!  Except for one small problem:  When a
fuzzy slide shows up you never know if that was the camera or the 
person who used the camera.  I am willing to offer this service for free,
except for any mailings required from my side.

>So here we have a 40 or so year old camera used by at least three
>users, one of whom was a professional, and the mismatched focal length
>problem was either not recognized or not properly diagnosed.  (This
>is my first experience with mismatched focal lengths, so I am not an
>expert, but I would describe the difference between the two lenses
>as substantial.)  So how can a new stereographer (who probably has
>nothing but a cheap steal the light viewer) really expect to detect
>potentially significant problems within a mere 30 or 60 days without
>utilizing the services of an expert to review the slides...or, at least,
>a listing of potential problems, their symptoms, and their significance?

You are making a strong case here Paul.  Mismatched focal lengths are very
uncommon... I have only seen this in one or two cameras out of... 50? 
Having one chip sitting higher than the other is more common.  The two can
be easily confused (or go unnoticed) by the beginner but the second is
easier to fix.  I can offer this service to help beginners but who is going
to offer help to the poor dealers who get stuck with the lemon?  Including
Dr. T who's prices are usually only slightly higher than the purchace
price?

George Themelis


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