P3D Cha-cha & cable release questions

[fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Dr. George A. Themelis)]

Lefty Searcher, thank you for reading my reply! :-)

>Is there a product available that would allow me to simply
>"toss" the camera from one side of the stereo base to the other?

Yes, such product (exactly as you described it) was made in the 50s and it
can sometimes found in the used market.  To my knowledge, no one is making
anything like that today.  You could use any straightedge that will allow
you to shift the camera parallel while maintaining its horizontal position.
A wooden platform with an edge should do it.

All these accessories limit your flexibility.  There is no substitute for
the good old "cha cha" method (or side-step stereo, shoot shift and shoot,
etc.), especially for hyperstereos.  But you have to be careful with
alignment between the shots or you'll have a hell of a time mounting the
pictures (especially slides).

>Is there such a thing as a synchronized, dual cable release? 

Yes, but the "synchronized" is open to interpretation.  For mechanical
cameras, try the Olympus dual cable release, available from B&H for about
$35, originally intended for use with auto bellows and macro photography. 
For cameras with electric shutters (like my Minolta X700) you can splice
two electric cable releases.  Search the archives for more discussion on
this subject.

-- George Themelis


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