re: Spousal pairs

[P3D Webmaster <stereoscopic@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

George Themelis writes:

> Joe Safferson, what exactly is the "Realist envy" and how does it 
> apply in this example?

Actually, my impression was that your reference to spouses, most likely,
was a light-hearted comment and have merely responded in kind.
Certainly, I didn't consider that my response was serious enough to
warrant further attention.  But I sense that there is a deeper issue
here, so let's explore it.

>From former conversations I recall your dedication to the Realist...and
your opinion that if someone is starting out in stereo photography, it's
important that they start out with the right camera in order to succeed
in their initial efforts and, ultimately, continue in stereo.  Perhaps
your viewpoint has changed over the last few years.  Nevertheless, that
is why I was so surprised to read your comment:

> To clarify, this is a user-friendly 
> camera.  If my spouse expressed interest in using a stereo camera,
> I'd rather give her a TDC Colorist to use, than one of my Realists.

It is my recollection that you were adamant about all novices starting
out with Realists specifically.  Therefore, I found it unusual that you
seem to make a distinction between a beginner and one's spouse.  If it
is implied a spouse has no experience in stereo photography, doesn't she
or he qualify as a bona fide beginner with the same potential
capabilities?  Why merely issue them a TDC Colorist to satiate their
budding interest rather than a trusty Realist?  

Perhaps your opinion regarding the Realist's user-friendliness has
changed substantially that you now feel it is a difficult camera for a
beginner to contend with.  As you may recall, that was my opinion.  Is
it possible that we now share the same opinion?


Joe Safferson


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