Re: terminology

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

>The single camera, when used with a slidebar or even used "cha-cha"
>style also is a stereo camera because it takes stereo photographs.

It is getting complicated, isn't it? ;)  Every camera has the potential to
take stereo pictures but does that make it a stereo camera?  How about a
"real" stereo camera?

The subject is not as stupid as it sounds... Suppose we go to Nikon etc.
and ask them to make a stereo camera and their reply is: "why do you need a
dedicated stereo camera when pairs of existing cameras can be used for
stereo photography?"  What is our response?

A "real" or dedicated stereo camera in my mind is one that is designed to
be used as a stereo camera which makes it easy and friendly to use.  It is
also part of a stereo system that includes a viewer to view the results.  

Stereo camera systems that were designed are such are:  Realist and classic
50s cameras used with slide film, Nimslo for lenticular prints, Loreo, (I
am not sure about the FED, since I do not know of a FED viewer), Sputnik,
Pentax and other beamsplitters attached to cameras and slide film.

Cameras systems used for stereo in a form not originally designed for,
include:  Realist etc. used with print film, Nimlso used with slides or
regular prints, all twin camera systems.

-- George Themelis


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