P3D Realist vs. VM, slides vs. prints

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

OK, the $15 VM cutter was a joke!  How to make sure the camera is in  good
working condition?  Take your chances!  These cameras from the 50s are
well-built and most still function well.  There are repairmen that will fix
most problems.  Make sure to ask for a return privilege in case there is a
problem.

>Viewmasters have given me the best 3-D experience yet; if Realist/etc
>slides are better, then I'm really looking forward to seeing some.  

Make sure that you attend the Feb. 15 th meeting this coming weekend and
you will see plenty of Realist slides.  Ask Jon Golden to show you slides
in his Wollensak viewer.  Tell him DrT sent you. :-)

>The only downside I see with viewmasters is the inability to "mass"
>produce them. (to give to friends, to trade with other people).

Making copies from Realist slides is not a breeze either...  It is
recommended that you take many shots of the same subject.  For VM this
should not be a problem given the 72 pairs you get from the 36 exp. roll.  

>Are slides the only medium which give photographs convincing 3-D?

Since there are satisfied users of both systems, I assume the answer to
this question is no.  There is plenty of discussion on "slides vs. prints"
in the archives.  Try and see what you like best.  

I wish you good luck.  You seem very enthusiastic about this.  Keep it up
and you are not going to regret it! (I hope!)

-- George Themelis


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