P3D Les' first roll of 3d film

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

Les-For-More asks regarding loading film in the Realist:

>At the rear they (Reel 3-D) explain a
>procedure for loading film because of current film having short leaders.
Is>their explanation accepted as being the best way? 

I have not seen it but there is quite a bit of discussion in the archives. 
Some people believe that the shorter leader has complicated loading and
they trim the film to increase the leader.  I personally find that the
short leader makes loading film easier.  I start with the R/A button in "R"
where the center film sprocket wheel rotates freely.  I then pass the film
leader under the guard so that it engages to this sprocket wheel, and to
the pick up spool.  Close the back, switch to "A", advance until click.
Advance two more times.  Ready to go.  No need to worry about the "white
spot" per some instructions.

>I was very surprised at how close together the frames were. 

The ultimate in film economy and an attempt to maintain the clever and
convenient "Colardeau progression" with reasonable lens' separation.  Yes,
it can be a problem, especially if the camera tends to overlap frames.

>It didn't help that I had taken many
>shots of the same scene so it was harder to tell what pairs went together.

It is a matter of getting used to the routine. I cut all my chips and stack
them in pairs on a white sheet of paper.  When I am done, I start mounting.
The left chip is always at the top.   It is a matter of routine and practice.

>The mounts
>worked out fine and I was pleased with their rigidity and the relative
>sharpness of the apertures. Are these mounts the most used? What other
>kinds should I consider?

Heat seal cardboard mounts are the most popular because they are
inexpensive, rigid and have good appearance.  It is a myth, IN MY OPINION,
that you cannot mount accurately for projection in these mounts.  I know
people who can do it.  It takes experience that come from practice.

Other mounts to consider:  Aluminum (Albion are currently available):  They
have an edge on edge sharpness.  Spicer Cardboard: Come in an amazing
variety of sizes.  RBT: Painless projection-quality mounting.

>I was quite amazed at the
>resolving power of this old camera ...
>Overall a great experience and a rewarding debut into the world of
>stereography.

Welcome to the club and thanks for posting this.  It is always interesting
to read people's first reaction with hands-on stereo photography.

-- George Themelis


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End of PHOTO-3D Digest 2560
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