Re: kodak stereo

[P3D Bill Davis <bd3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>> A local camera store has a Kodak stereo camera that appears to be in pretty
>> nice shape., for $139, with case.  It has 35 mm f 3.5 Anaston lenses with
>
>Price is reasonable if it's in good shape.


You can't always tell until you start using it, however.  Does it come with
a warranty?  Clean, lube and adjust will run you about $40.  Now you'd be
out $179, which might be a bit on the high side, though still not
unreasonable if it *then* came with a warranty. I bought my current user,
freshly CLA'd with case and 1 year warranty for $125 from a local Kodak
repairman 3 1/2 years ago. 

>> apertures from f/3.5 to f/22; shutter speeds from 1/25 to 1/200 plus bulb.
>> Can anyone tell me if this is worthwhile as a user?  I didn't see a way to
>
>Yes, it's a very easy to use camera.  Works nicely. 

I agree fully with both. 

It is a very basic camera, though.  Full stops only and no slow shutter
speeds could limit you if you're really serious about your photography.
There are other cameras of that era with features that are lacking on the
Kodak, like infinitely variable diaphragm, slower shutter speeds (including
T), light meter, range-finder, rapid thumb-lever advance, built-in flash
bracket and probably more that I can't think of.  


>occasionally get really good deals on ones with stuck shutters (which you
>can then clean out).

This involves a bit of mechanical aptitude.  If you aren't comfortable with
removing, keeping track of and then replacing dozens of parts, including
lens elements, small screws and springs, better factor in the
above-mentioned $40.

>> attach a flash.  Is there one?  I'm presently getting very satisfactory
>
>Flash connector is the ASA standard bayonette connector that's above
>and to the left of the left lens (when looking from the back).  Might
>have a cover over it.  There are "converters" that convert it to a 
>"pc" connector.  Reel-3D does (or did) sell adapters.  There are
>other methods based on using the cable off of an old Kodak flash
>that work (speaking from experience).

You still have to attach the flash unit to the camera, since baby has no
shoes.  

Most common I've seen is a flash bar attached to the tripod socket which
sets the flash off to one side.  I felt the shadows from this were
distracting, so I made an adapter to mount the flash above the camera. Now
it's top-heavy.  Some have glued or screwed shoes to the top of the Kodak,
but this is a thin decorative cover plate and it can be easily dented. 

All that said, I've been using a Kodak (two, actually) for a dozen years or
so and have been very happy with them.  Sharp lenses and simple,
straightforward handling.  I've never used any other stereo cameras, so I
can't offer any comparisons. I do own one other stereo camera, a Wirgin,
but never use it. (Then it would no longer be a Wirgin, would it?)  

I'd be the first to tell you that I'm just a snapshooting Dad with a stereo
camera, though, shooting family pictures for the past dozen years in
stereo. I am a *long* way from being a world-class stereo photographer.
Village-class might be more like it. 

Every now and again I get something that I feel is good enough to share
with one of the PSA circuits, but most of my stuff is family photos only.
The Kodak may not be suitable as the primary stereo camera of a *good*
photographer. I do know of one world traveler (Ireland, Egypt, Yemen and
China just in the past year) who travels with her two Kodak Stereos
exclusively since 1957.  


BTW, my entire family (wife, daughter, sisters, brothers, mother, nieces,
nephews, EVERYBODY!) enjoys Stereo immensely and never fret when I pull out
the projector or viewer. "Uncle Bill, did you bring any *free-d* stuff?"
asks my 6 year old nephew every time we visit, as soon as we arrive.  One
of my brothers is also an avid stereo photographer.  I'm sorry for those of
you whose families don't see stereo the way we see it. 

>don't use it as a weapon in a fight.  Use a Realist for that.  :-)

Yep, that's what I've heard too. Also can substitute as wheel chocks,
hammers and more.

Best regards,
Bill Davis
mailto:bd3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxx



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