P3D Argus vs Realist format

["H a r o l d B a i z e" <baize@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Xochi writes:

>How good is the 3-D effect? What's the best
>camera like this for the price? Can you make slides with the Argus camera,
>and would there be a viewer which could view such slides - one slide with
>a stereo pair. Where can I find an Argus for the cheapest price? I've
>seen it for $80, but I'm wondering if I can get it for less than that.

In my opinion the Argus is a low quality camera. I have one but I don't
use it because the prints are too fuzzy. The mirrors are not of high
enough quality to deliver the sharpness you need for good 3-D photography.
There was a viewer for "beam-splitter" slides made by Pentax that Reel 3D
used to sell, but the Argus would be difficult to use for slides. The Argus
does not give you control over the exposure, and slide film requires much
more precise exposure than print film. As for price, the $80 Argus is a
better deal than the $120 I paid for basically the same camera when it was
called the Loreo.

>I have a feeling the stand-up viewing of these prints made by the Argus
>would be pretty unsatisfying in comparison to viewing pics through a
>viewmaster, or some similar slide method.

>Cost is definitely an issue for me. I don't want to have to spend any more
>than $200 or so to get started.

It seems to me that what you really want is a Realist format camera, or a
FED Stereo. The FED will run you closer to $350 to get started, but you can
get a good user Kodak Stereo and slide viewer for about $200. Subscibe to
Sell-3D and watch the ads.

Harolddd


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