Re: Mounts (3D Fairy, are you reading this?)

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

Paul Talbot describes problems that he has in using the RBT-Spicer transfer
method.  He says that lack of manual dexterity might be part of the problem
but there must be more...

I hate to say this, but I too have problems with this method.  First, I
don't use an RBT but a thinner Albion mount which seems to me to be easier
to use.  Second, I have noticed that even if you square the mounts, the
chips are not aligned.  The problem appears to be with the openings of the
Spicer mount.  The openings of the Realist Spicer mount are not square,
IMO.  I apply a slight rotation to bring the chips aligned with the
openings. I see this with the 5p and not 7p Spicer mount.  Perhaps a
different "correct" must be applied to each one.  I do the alignment and
transfer while looking at the image/mount with a pair of lenses over a
light table.

In conclusion, do not expect the perfect RBT alignment to be transferred 
to the Spicer mount.

Dave Kesner said that we would all be happy if the RBT mount was thinner
and less expensive.  I agree.  Still, there are the issues of how well the
slide looks through the viewer.  Sometimes, when I transfer a pair from an
Albion to a Spicer mount, I wonder why am I reducing my standards?   I am
going from a nice sharp edge and good alignment to a fuzzy edge and
questionable alignment.  Aluminum mounts are accurate and give a sharp
edge.  ALL cardboard mounts give fuzzy edges in the viewer (yes, all of
them!)

And something else:  I still think that the best protection for a slide is
mounting in glass.  Especially a slide that will be handled by others or
sit around unprotected where it can collect dust.  I reserve the glass
treatment for my most valuable slides.

I hope the good 3d Fairy will read my comments and bring new and cheap
mounting materials in the future... :-)

George Themelis


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