Realist 1958 -> 1997

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

I received a Realist brochure, courtesy of Dalia, describing all Realist
products as of 3/1/58.  Here is a summary table:

No.   Description                    1958 Price   Today? (ratio)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
1041  Realist 3.5 camera               $129.00     $130  (1)
1042  Realist 2.8 camera               $159.00     $350  (2)

2506  Everready case                   $ 12.50     $ 25  (2)
1651  Flash Attachment                 $  8.75     $  5  (.5)
1625  B-C Flash Gun                    $ 12.50     $ ???
4702  Film Identifier                  $  1.50     $ 25  (15)
1501  Haze filters                     $  4.95     $ 15  (3)
1502  Other filters                    $  4.95     $  5  (1)
1513  Steinheil wide angle att.        $119.50     $350  (3)

4702  Morgan & Lester Realist book     $  1.50     $ 50  (35)
2324  Film cutter                      $  6.75     $ 40  (6)
2300  Slide mounting kit               $  8.50     $ 70  (10)
2120  Realist aluminum mounts/50       $  1.25     $ 10  (10)
2430  Small viewer case                $  4.75     $ 30  (6)

2061  Red button viewer                $ 19.75     $125  (6)
2064  White button (single element)    $ 12.95     $ 80? (6)
2062  Green Button viewer              $ 24.95     $150  (6)
2063  Handi-viewer                     $  5.95     $ 50  (8)

Due to competition, Realist had to lower the price of the 3.5 camera which,
since introduction in 1947, and for a long time was $160. The 1958 brochure
introduces a line of (worthless today) 2D projectors, a sign of trouble...
Today's prices are just numbers off my head but they show that the cameras
have appreciated very little, compared to the accessories.  If the $1.50 of
the Morgan and Lester book is correct (and not a typo) this item tops the
list at 35x "appreciation", yet $50 for such a fine book is a bargain!

To put things into proper perspective, we need an inflation number 1958 ->
1997 and the price of film & processing then and now.  I am sure these
numbers will show that it has never been a better time for 3d than today!!!
Especially, as Jonathan Orovitz emphasizes in his long-awaited stereo
bible, if we take into account the variety and quality of various
photographic accessories (exposure meters, electronic flashes, halogen
bulbs, rechargeable batteries etc.) and the considerably higher speed of
today's films.

-- George Themelis


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