Beginner's question answered

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

Adam Beckerman has just recorded his first 3d picture using the
shoot-step-shoot method and wants to buy his FIRST stereo camera which
should be cheap and easy to use.  His viewing medium might ultimately be
computer anaglyph but he wonders if there is an easier and quicker viewing
method (maybe View Master?)

Here are some choices you might consider:

1. Two inexpensive cameras tapped together (shutters are pressed with
   fingers simultaneously)  Mount pictures side-by-side and use cheap print
   viewers or mount them one at the top of the other and use the View-Magic
   print viewer.

2. Beamsplitter to fit in front of your current camera's lens (assuming
   SLR)  You get a pair in every picture and can use print viewers, or can use
   slide film and a special slide viewer (a beamsplitter set was just offered
   for sale in S3D)

3. Loreo or Argus:  Complete stereoscopic system used with print film.  The
   viewer is part of the system.  Argus is a Loreo clone and it is cheaper.

4. Nimslo or Nishika.  These were originally made for lenticular prints but
   are successfully used with either print or slide film to take regular
   stereo pictures. 

5. Classic stereo cameras (Realist format) from the 50s.  These will
   possibly give you the best results from all the above.  Most people use
   them with slide film and mount their own slides, but Kodak will mount your
   roll for a reasonable fee.  Grant Photo in MPLS will process and mount
   Realist-format print film.

The viewing method should not be a problem.  Computer anaglyph is one
method but very few people use it as the ultimate viewing medium.  If you
decide to work with prints, you might consider the View-Magic viewer.  If
you work with slides, there are inexpensive slide viewers.  The View-Master
is a very specialized system and could not use it without the proper camera
and cutter.

In 1988 I was a beginner too, having purchaced my first ever (2D) camera
just a year ago.  After I was introduced to stereo through my research, I
tried print pairs and used a mirror stereoscope to view the results.  I
then bought a Stereo Realist which I used with slide film and have been in
3d heaven ever since.  Most people who have borrowed my Realist have been
hooked to this system with their first roll.

-- George Themelis

PS.  The shoot-step-shoot method that you used is a valid but rather
advanced technique for recording stereo pairs.  It is specialized in the
sense that it will only work well in specific situations.  It has low rate
of success but has produced award-winning images. 


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