Re: Beginner's question answered

[P3D Brian Reynolds <reynolds@xxxxxxxxx>]

Dr. T wrote (and I've heavily editted):
> 
[regarding shoosing a first stereo camera]
> Here are some choices you might consider:
> 
> 1. Two inexpensive cameras tapped together

I've done this with a pair of Lubitels (cheap Russian medium format
TLRs) on a flash bar.

> 2. Beamsplitter to fit in front of your current camera's lens
> 3. Loreo or Argus
> 4. Nimslo or Nishika
> 5. Classic stereo cameras (Realist format) from the 50s.

I've also used a single Lubitel and a single large format pinhole
camera on a slide bar.

The twin bar and the slide bar make it surprisingly easy (at least to
me) achive results.  Not necessarily good results, :) but I can see a
stereo effect.

What I would like information on is:

6. Antique stereo cameras

I'm specifically interested in turn of the century (give or take a
couple of decades) large format stereo cameras (e.g., like the one
depicted in "Across the Sea of Time").

Playing with the Lubitels is fun (and frustrating at times), but I'd
really rather have a single camera.  I'm considering building my own
camera (I'm 85% done with a Bender 4x5 camera and have several other
books on building large format cameras), or buying one if they can use
modern film holders and are available at a reasonable price.

What was the focal length used for cameras that were used to create
stereo cards for Holmes viewers?  I have a 135mm Optar (from a Speed
Graphic) and was considering getting a second to use in this project.

What was the image format on the film (or plate)?  I've thought of
either using on sheet of 4x5 (each iamge would be about 3-3/4"x2-3/8")
or 5x7 (4-3/4"x3-3/8") or two sheets of 4x5.

Who made these cameras and where can I find more information about
them (or purchase one)?

-- 
Brian Reynolds                  | "Humans explore the Universe with five
reynolds@xxxxxxxxx              |   senses and call the adventure science."
http://www.panix.com/~reynolds/ | - Edwin P. Hubble


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