Re: American Stereoscope Kit: did somebody try it?

[P3D Michael Kersenbrock <michaelk@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> The National Geographic Society offers American Stereoscope Kit as one
> of their gift idea. Kit includes die-cut parts, simulated alligator
> and lizard wrap, lenses, brass hardware, and six ready-to-be-mounted
> stereo cards and photographs. Booklet features directions, historical 
> information, as well as instructions on creating you own stereo
> photographs using the enclosed camera adapter (beamsplitter I guess).

Camera "adapter" is a cardboard slidebar.  :-)

> Price - $ 28.95 +S&H.
> 
> Can somebody elaborate on the quality of that product?

My father and I each built one of these last Christmas.  The instructions
are a bit obtuse to someone who hasn't already built one before, but with
care, the result is one that is absolutely amazing when one considers that
it's made of cardboard.  You won't concider for a second on tossing away
your Underwood viewer, but it must have been an "interesting" challange
to the designer of the unit to do what was done with the materials used.

Mike K.


P.S. - The "hood" does have a tendancy to "unfold" though.  Thumbtack doesn't
       quite hold it in place (one of the more advanced connection techniques
       used :-).




------------------------------