Re: Using Albions successfully

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

I have been using Albion mounts since Reel 3-D discontinued the EMDE mounts
(around 1990?)  I must have used thousands of those and I still believe
that they are the best to PREVIEW slides even if you are going to
eventually mount them in cardboard or RBT mounts.

The reason I find them best for previewing is that I can use them very
fast.  To reply to Ron's comment, no I do not need a light table with
Albion mounts (but I do need it with the RBT mounts).  The reason for this
difference is that in order to slide the chips in an RBT mount you must
have it flat down and supported by your fingers.  To slide the chips in the
Albion mounts, I lift the mount up from the table.  Details follow...

Paul asks:

- Do Albions have a front and a back?

It might be a matter of personal taste, but I think the tabs that hold the
chips must go to the back.  The front is then nicely framed by the opening 
of the mount.
 
- What is the best way to get the chips under the darned tabs?
     (preferably without making the mount look like a train wreck)

Here is how I do it:  I put a glove over right hand (only - I am right
handed).  I pick the chip with my right hand and the mount with the left
hand.  I hold the mount from the edge of the side I am working on.  My
fingers apply a slight twist (the right hand that holds the chip serves to
stop the mount's movement)  The twist opens the channel (tab) *elastically*
so I can slide the chip in.  When I release, the channel returns to the
original shape which helps to hold the chip tight.  I repeat for the other
side of this chip and then for the other chip.  It only takes 2-3 seconds. 
The key points are that I am holding the chip firmly with my gloved hand
and I do not deform the mount so it will hold the chips firmly.  THERE IS
NO NEED TO OPEN THE CHIPS!!!

  - Do you place the chips in already oriented for viewing, or put
      them in reversed and flip the mount over when done?

I could say I work the chips reversed, but while I hold the mount in the
air, this question makes little sense.  I work from the back side of the
mount but I do not hold the mount flat on a table (as you would do with an
RBT mount).  It is facing me at an angle and it changes orientation as I
quickly work the 4 ends (and I flip the mount upside down as I work those
ends).

  - Is there a way to adjust the window without having to redo the
      horizontal, vertical and rotational alignment every time
      you touch one chip or the other?

Once I position both chips, I push them down.  This assures correct
alignment (no horizontal misalignment or rotation).  While I hold the chip
up in the air (no need for a light table) I freeview the pair (either by
using light reflected from a white piece of paper on the table or by
pointing it to the overhead light) and I adjust the window my shifting the
chips.  I always push the chips down (or up).  If the camera does not have
a vertical offset problem, I don't need to worry about vertical alignment. 
Sometimes I use a pair of tweezers to apply a small correction after I am
done with the basic work.

  - Should/must the chips be taped?  If so, where?

I think they should be taped in the front side to cover the opening of the
channels.  This opening leaks light during projection when the Albion is
mounted in glass.  Also, holds the chips in place.  I now keep most of my
slides untaped because I have not decided if this is going to be the final
mount.  The pressure from the mount keeps them in place.  If I decide the
leave the Albion mount permanently, then I tape them using the aluminum
tape sold by Reel 3-D.  If I decide to use an RBT mount then I am glad that
they are not taped because they can be removed very easily (they can also
be removed if tape has been applied but some work is required to remove the
tape).

- What is the total cost per mount including "finishing" items?

It depends on two factors:  1) Where do you get your Albions :-), 2) How do
you define "finishing".  Albions can be left as-is, finished with
cardboard, finished with glass and tape, finished with glass and aluminum
binders.  For your cost of supplies you can calculate YOUR final cost.
Don't forget that the glass and binders have been around for a long time.
Some people can find those cheaper in flea markets, etc.

George Themelis


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