P3D Wirgin vs Kodak vs Realist.........

[Alan Lewis <dlewis@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

OK, you guys are doing it again.  It's been a while since our last
comparison/bashing session. ;-) 

This current session seems to have a more pleasant, humorous edge to it.

As the sole list supporter of Wirgin Stereo cameras I have to add my
fodder to the cannon. :-)

The Wirgin Stereo camera is another great choice for a quality Realist
format camera.  I think it is worthy to be comparison bashed too.

Like a Realist, the Wirgin is built very strongly.  Not a piece of
plastic on the body. All cast aluminum, very sturdy.

The Wirgin weighes the same as a Realist.  It makes just as effective a
weapon as a Realist. (This seems to be an important attribute to Realist
lovers). ;-)

It is in the same price range as the Kodak and Realist 3.5.

In addition the Wirgin has:

1)The same problem with film advance mechanism quirks as both the
Kodak and Realist. (So there!.....) ;-)

2)The back is hinged (attached to the camera)

3) It has a thumb lever, ratchet film advance.

4) A flash socket that accepts modern elect. flashes without adapters.  

5) an accessory shoe on top that lets you attach an accessory
rangefinder (The Edixa/Wirgin III has built in rangefinder), or a flash.

6)same easy to use controls as a Kodak.

7)lenses that give equal quality image as either a Kodak or Realist 3.5.

8) has auto shutter cocking.

I've used all three cameras.  I really tried to take a liking to the
Realist, but just couldn't warm up to it.  It takes great images, I just
don't like the feel of the camera.

It's really just psychological.

I always go for the Wirgin first when taking a picture.

The way I see it (not everyone, just me) is that if you start with a
Realist you will like it and use it.  If you start with a Kodak or a
Wirgin (among others) you will like them and use them.

But to own all three, you will notice that you favor one over the other
just for the fact of familiar control design.  When I reach into my
camera bag I want to pull out a camera that I am familiar with, I don't
want to think about how to control it.  I can pull out the Wirgin or
Kodak and just use it.  I pull out the Realist and stare at it to
remember what lever/button and what finger does what.

Familiarity doesn't breed contempt.
_______________________________________________________________
Alan Lewis: President of the Wirgin stereo preservation society.
mailto:dlewis@xxxxxxxxxxxxx


------------------------------