Stereo Photography in the 50s and Today...

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

It is always fun to look at other people's stereo slides... This time I
acquired a collection of about 2000 slides from the 50s and 60s.  Subjects
include family and trips to the US and Europe (England, France, Italy,
Belgium).  As expected, there are many total rejects (I am still amazed
that people were/are keeping ALL their slides), but the keepers easily
justify the price paid.  

Observations:

- Kodachrome is God!  A significant part of this collection was shot in a
different film which, in addition to having faded, it appears very grainy
and unsharp.  I wonder if the image loses sharpness (and not just the
colors) as the film deteriorates.  Slides mounted by Kodak in cardboard are
still in good condition. (Some were mounted by Kodak in England and France,
different mounts but same overall quality.)  Those mounted by the user in
heat-seal mounts, are now falling apart (a result of not heat-sealing  them
properly?)

- I was paying attention to infinity sharpness and have to agree with Jamie
that there is a problem in this area.  However, considering that the film
speed was ASA 10, wider apertures or slower shutter speeds were used,
resulting in soft infinity or overall lack of sharpness.  Whenever the
camera was focused at infinity and held reasonably steady, the infinity
sharpness is acceptable, and some of these slides (which have little depth)
are great.

- I found quite a few interesting pictures like people (including a lady
holding a Realist in a boat with nice afternoon light and plenty of depth -
this will be part of my 3d show), pictures from the World Fair in Brussels
(many pictures of the "Atomium", including one that is mounted in glass and
appears to have entered in PSA slide competitions) and pictures of a dead
person (first in bed and then in a coffin, quite a dramatic and shocking
sight for me!)

After I came back, I had the chance to look at slides sent by Paul Talbot. 
We know Paul from his frequent informative postings in photo-3d.  What most
of us don't know is that, even though a newbie in 3d, he is a first class
photographer.  Many of his slides are scenics and he has told me that it is
mother Nature and not him that deserves the credit.  I have seen quite a
few scenic stereo pictures to appreciate Paul's fine job in capturing
mother Nature.  Paul is demonstrating the great work that a stereo
photographer can do today, using tools from the 50s.  It's never been a
better time for 3d!

-- George Themelis


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