Re: Close-up 3d of plants & flowers

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

>Does anyone in the group have experience in taking close-ups say at
>12 to 18 inches (300-450mm) of flowers and plants.

Yes, I do.

>My questions about this are as follows:
>(a) What is the most economical method of doing this.

SLR camera (if you have one!) and close-up equipment (ideally macro lens,
if not then close-up filters, extension tubles, etc.) and slide bar.

>(b) Most stereo pairs have a seperation of 2.5 inches (6cm), how much 
>more or less should this distance be changed.

Less, not more!  If you follow the 1/30 rule for 15 inches to your subject 
you need half inch separation (12 mm, 1.2 cm).  I play it "by ear".

>(c) If two cameras were used at a seperation of 2.5 inches, would 
>both be angled inwards towards the subject to keep the object centred 
>in both viewfinders?

First, it is not recommended that you use 2.5 inch separation.  Second, it
is not recommended that you angle inwards the cameras due to resulting
distortions.  Most probably you will have to angle the cameras in order to
get sufficient overlapping field of view.  If you insist in using two
cameras it will also be difficult to bring them close to 2.5 inches.

>(d) How succesful would a close-up lens with a Pentax beam splitter 
>or similar work?

Very unsuccesful, I believe, but I have no personal experience.  With a
close-up lens and an SLR I would use a slide bar.  Advantages:

- Matching focal lengths and other lens' characteristics!!!!
- Flexibility in lens' separation.

Only disadavantage:

- Subject must not move between exposures.

I took a few good slide bar stereos with my Minolta SLR and a macro lens
this summer/fall.  I am looking forward to spring.  Or should I consider a
trip to Australia????

George Themelis in cold Cleveland...


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