More stereo projectors

[P3D Dr. George A. Themelis <DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Sam Smith and David Kesner ask for a discussion on other projectors:

- FED:  I don't know anything about it and would like to hear more.
        Elliott Swanson had posted a detailed review about a year or
        more ago.  He was happy with it, a significant improvement over
        his TDC, as I recall.

- Nord:  I don't know, have never used one but I understand that it
         is, at best. at the level of TDC or Triad.  Probably, below.

- Realist: There are two models of this projector, 81 and 82.  Charles 
           Piper in his "Technical Page" writes the following:

"For most clubs the only solution to the large audience problem, using
commercially available equipment, is the Realist 1000 W projector, model
82.  When combining with a 12 feet silver screen in good condition, it
will provide for 200 people comfortably, and the front one third of
the audience will be seeing ortho stereo.  The improvement over the
TDC is so dramatic, you will never want to go back to it."

He goes on to describe the optical system of the 82 which is unique
and totally unlike the 81, TDC or Triad.  The lenses are f/2.3.
However:

"Operating the Realist projector is not lead pipe cinch.  It needs
to be played like a violin..."

I think the combination of high price, late entry in the game and
some mechanical problems is what caused the disappointing sales of
the Realist projectors.

Dave Kesner asks:

>Just what is the very best stereo projector (Brackett, RBT) regardless
>of price (you can always discuss price after the votes are in). Which
>has the best optics, the best carrier, the best controls, etc.? 

There are only a few people in the USA who own an RBT projector.
Unfortunately, price is a factor and you cannot keep it out of the
discussion.  The big advantage of the RBT is that it is the only
automatic stereo projector (will feed slides automatically, all
others need to have the slides hand-fed).  Rumor has it that the
RBT projector works well with the RBT mounts while it tends to
jam when other mounts are used.  Another advantage: It is auto-
focus.  Again, the only stereo projector with this feature.

The Brackett Dissolver is the only stereo projector with a dissolve
function.  It is not automatic.  Also, it is not in production.
Bob Brackett has stated that he will never again make another batch.
Hence the chances of getting one of those in the near future is
almost zero.

Regarding the optical quality, stereo projection is not as demanding
in terms of optics as the cameras. Also, most projectors can be
adapted to use different lenses. I am working on a modification of
my TDC to accept Leitz Colorplan 2.5/90mm lenses.  Take a look at
Steve Spicer's page about interesting modifications that he has
made to his TDCs.

>saw lots of slides in a Brackett at NSA 97 (was real disappointed
>at the unwillingness of the projectionists to adjust or even focus).

I had the same exactly experience in the PSA convention. It seems
to me that it is very difficult for the projectionist to adjust
the controls.  During the judging of the "Image of the Year", many
slides (in not most) were falling with vertical misalignment and
out of focus.  The projectionist's first reaction was to adjust
the horizontal spacing, the least important of the three 
adjustments.  In most cases, the judges had voted before the slide
was brought to a reasonable focus.  Not a very good experience.

>My one complaint about the TDC 116 with 5" lenses is that when I
>project for myself I am too far away from the screen. I guess I have
>three options: 1) get the 4" lenses which can be expensive and not
>too easy to come by                              ^^^^^^^^^

You don't want to put the price of the RBT in the discussion but
you are worried for the $100 that the pair of 4" lenses will cost?

>has anyone ever tried to put polarizing filters on
>a pair of opera glasses or other magnifiers?

It works... but it is not a practical or convenient solution.

For me, if I could modify the TDC with different lenses (like the
Leitz I mentioned above) and with brighter but less energy 
demanding bulbs, I'd be happy.  There are ever flexible extensions
that will allow other people in the audience to adjust the controls
so that the projectionist can feed the slides without distractions.

George Themelis


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