P3D Back from Japan

[Gavin Stokes <gstokes@xxxxxxx>]

Hi everyone.

Got back from Japan yesterday, and I can say that this country is a
pleasure to visit.  I have high regard for its people after my visit.  They
set a standard of politeness and consideration that far exceeds what we can
expect from members of our own U.S. public.

Time ran out quickly for exploratory errands, but I did make it into a
couple of camera shops that had old equipment.  The prices for most modern
equipment seemed to be comparable to what we'd pay here.  In fact, I was
about to buy a Canon zoom lens for my Elan IIe (28-80mm under $200), but
then I noticed that it had a plastic mount.  I then checked a $400 Canon
lens, and incredibly it had a plastic mount too.  I am now planning to get
rid of my entire Canon system and buy a Nikon, because there is no excuse
for this shoddy construction.

In terms of 3-D, here's what I found.  I have never seen these cameras before.

Stereotenax, with inscription "P. Goerz   Berlin":  80,000 yen ($650)
Stereo Ideal: 120,000 yen ($975)
A camera with a Russian-looking name, CNYTHNK (with second N backwards):
88,000 yen ($715)

Pretty pricey, but none too pretty.  I showed the guy at one shop my Kodak
and asked if he had any, and the answer was no.  Didn't see any Kodaks or
Realists anywhere.  Film prices were in line with what they are here.

Of course I toted my Kodak everywhere, and even attempted to get some shots
of men's speed skating in Nagano.  I should have two rolls of Elite 100
back by lunch today, so I'll try to scan in a couple of pictures and get
them on my Web page by the end of the Olympics.

Gavin


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