Re: Getting started in stereo photography...

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

>I have been thinking about buying a camera...
>Can someone outline a simple system and the approximate price I can
>expect to pay?  Sources would be nice also...

For an inexpensive way to start and have BIG TIME (not just a little) FUN,
I recommend a stereo camera from the 50s, like a Stereo Realist or a Kodak
Stereo, and slide film.  You can find those cameras for around $100-$150 in
camera shows or from 3D dealers and stereo enthusiasts that post things for
sale in sell-3d (in case you are not subscribed to sell-3d, send email to
listserv@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and in the body of the message write: subscribe
sell-3d Your_name)  $125 is not much, considering that it is an investment
and you could recover most of it, if you decide to sell it later.

These cameras are reliable and give excellent results.  All you need to get
started is the camera and a $3 viewer.  More can come later.  Reel 3-D in
California sells slide mounts, cheap viewers and other supplies (check
their web page http://www.3d-web.com/reel/reel3d.html, or call (310)
837-2368 for your free catalog).

I started with a Realist and a $3 viewer in 1988 and have been in stereo
heaven ever since.  I helped other people get started the same way (many
times by lending one of my cameras) and most continued and found a great
enjoyment in stereo photography.  Drop me a note if you need more help!  
If everything else fails, I could lend you a Realist.

Regards,  George Themelis, fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Unrelated Public Announcement:  Only 5 days left for the startup of the
Cleveland Stereo Club!  Don't miss the first meeting where the famous DrT
will present a short talk defining stereo photography and tracing its
origins and development, followed by a 3d slide show, demonstrating all the
wonderful things you can do in stereo TODAY!!!!  Email for more info,
directions, etc.


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