P3D Realist and slide film

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

>Stupid question: can *all* 35MM cameras take slide film? 

Yes.  Any camera that takes 35 mm film will take slide film.  Slide film is
not different than print film in terms or dimensions or packaging.

> can I really get a Realist in decent shape for $150, or would that be a
>fluke?

You can certainly buy a decent Realist FROM A DEALER for as low as $75 (I
have done it!!!).  I have sold Realists myself for as low as $100 with full
warranty.

The laws of demand and supply are in the works here.  150,000 Realists were
made out of a total of 300,000 stereo cameras in the 50s.  5,000 people are
interested in shooting/collecting these cameras today.  Not many people own
60 classic stereo cameras.  There is more supply than demand.  We are at a
time that older people (original owners of stereo cameras) are retiring
from stereo and are selling their cameras.

(Surprisingly, same logic does not apply to stereo viewers.  People who
give up stereo photography, still keep the viewers - usually more than one-
to view the slides they took)

Most Realist cameras work as-is, even after being out of use for a few
decades.  Repairmen are around to tune them up if needed.

>How much does a Realist weigh? 

I believe 2 pounds.  Sounds like a lot of weight but most decent all-metal
cameras from the 50s (like Revere for example) weigh the same.  A Kodak is
a bit lighter but not much to make any difference, IMO.  An older all-metal
SLR with normal lens weighs more.  A modern SLR with zoom lens could also
weigh more.  Some people have suggested a Nimslo for lightweight stereo. 
Personally, if I cannot take my Realist, I will not travel.  The Realist is
compact enough to fit in my coat pocket (without the case - I don't use a
case).

>also don't want to have it be a crisis
>if the camera gets stolen, or I drop it off a cliff. 
                                 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Then you do need a Realist!!!!  Unofficial experiments :-) have verified
that a Realist will survive drops from cliffs, etc.  Not to mention the use
of the Realist as a weapon, conversation piece, paperweight, doorstop,
etc., etc.

Regards -- George Themelis


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