P3D Re: Wirgin vs Kodak vs Realist.........

[John Gaasland <kayak@xxxxxxx>]

Hi Alan, just had another thought. If you have a problem with a Wirgin, who
do you send it to? I found a great web site for fixing and calibrating
Kodaks and Realists, but don't know where to find info about the Wirgin.
That web site is at RMM 3D Tutorial - Camera Repairs and Modifications if
you're interested. John.

Alan Lewis wrote:

> 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




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