Re: Slide Mounts: my experience

[P3D emdesher <emdesher@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Thu, 3 Apr 1997, P3D wrote:

snip 
> Last year, I did a cost analysis of three different glass mounting systems:
>  1.  Albion masks between glass.  2.  RBT mounts w/ anti-newton glass.  3.
>  EMDE mounts.  (Being a cost accountant, I was in my element).  The most
> economical is the RBT by far. 
>
snip
> Robert Linnstaedt
> 
> 
Since the question of cost was raised by Robert Linnstaedt, I am 
wondering how he arrived at his conclusion about "The most economical is 
the RBT by far."  Please note I am NOT questioning his preference for the 
RBT mount-that's a personal choice each stereographer makes about which 
features he favors the most.  RBT mounts are greatly admired by some, 
others don't like them.  But that is not the point of this thread, cost is.
He said he compared the cost of three glassed mounts: Albion, EMDE, and RBT.
I am going to compare them on the basis of the completed mount, as 
suggested by the dealer or manufacturer.  First, the Albion as 
represented by Reel 3D's catalogue No. 18, the last one to feature the 
Albion mask.  
Mask   $11.95 per 50  ($11.95 divided by 50 = 23.9 cents each)........23.9
plain wrap glass $44.95/200 pieces (2 required per mount) equals......44.95
or if you buy a lessor quantity $29.95/100...........................(59.90)
bind mount with silver polyester tape (estimate 12 inches per mount, 
assuming no waste, so approximately 216 mounts per roll of tape or 
$14.95 divided by 216 equals...........................................0.07
Thus, at best, the price of a completed glassed Albion mount is 68.92 cents,
or 83.87 cents if you bought the 100 count glass package.
According to Jon Golden, the glassed version RBT mount costs $35 per 50 
slides per box, or 70 cents each.  There is a quantity price scale, and 
the best price is for 7 or more boxes at $28.00 per box, so the price 
comes down to 64 cents each, for a required $224.00 purchase.  Jon has also 
indicated there will be a price drop in the future. 
The last published EMDE prices for a glassed mount were:
mask...................$14.95 per package of 100 or 14.95 cents each...14.95
glass....box of 200, two required per mount, at $39.95 equals..........39.95
binder...box of 100 at $14.95 equals...................................14.95
also I was running a special of a box of glass & binders for a combined 
price of $49.95 equals.....(no miniumium purchase required)...........(49.95)
So, the most a completed EMDE slide cost was 69.85 each and at best was
64.90 cents each.  For this comparsion, I haven't included shipping charges.
Totals:  Albion most expensive was 83.87, least 68.92
         RBT     "      "       is 70.00, least 64.00
         EMDE    "      "      was 69.85, least 64.90
I would argue that the price differences at the quantities typically 
purchased were very close, and none was clearly less expensive then each 
other.  At this point, comparison of features becomes important and one's 
personal preferences, but that is a different issue.
Dennis Sherwood   emdesher@xxxxxxxxxxxx


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