P3D Realist -> 2x2x2 and standard realist mount

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

While we are still on the subject of 2x2x2 viewers, let me try and tackle
the question "why are custom-modifications of Realist-format viewers for
2x2x2, so rare?"

Yes, they are rare.  I am only aware of the David Burder modification of
the Sterolist, as an example of a successful modification.  I have been
asked many times to modify a Realist red button for 2x2x2.  My response: 
"I cannot do it."  Maybe Elliott Swanson can do it... I cannot.

The problem:  The dimensions of the standard stereo mount (101 mm x 41 mm)
are too small.

Consider what happens when you put two 2x2 (50 mm x 50 mm each) mounts next
to each other.  You end up with something that exceeds the size of the
"Realist mount".  To maintain a reasonable infinity separation in the 2x2x2
mounts you need to leave a spacing of about 10-12 mm between the two 2x2
mounts, which makes the combination of the two to be about 110 mm long and
50 mm tall.  How is this gong to fit in a slot designed to accept 101 mm x
41 mm mounts?

To get around this size problem, you need to open the slide slot two ways: 
Horizontally and vertically.  David Burder did not have to worry about
the horizontal widening because the Sterolist viewer (British copy of the
Realist red button) -or some versions of it- came with a wider mount slot. 
For the horizontal opening he drilled holes for the mounts to fall in place
and put a support bar underneath.  Trying to modify the red button in two
directions, seems like a lot of work to me. 

Why was the Realist mount designed at 101 mm x 41 mm?  This was done by
Seton Rochwite, the inventor of the Realist.  According to an interview by
Mark Wilke that was published in Stereo World a few years back, Seton used
this size because he could get glass by cutting in half the standard latern
glass slide size of 3 1/4 in. x 4 in. (Seton mounted his slides in a paper
mount that was then sanditched in glass - this was the way the first
Realist pictures were mounted)

Sometimes I am asked, why did Realist do this or do that when they designed
the Stereo Realist?  We have to realize that Realist was a pioneer in 1945.
Seton had no idea that this camera would cause a "revolution" and become
the standard for others to follow.  If he could foresee the future then I
am sure he should have picked a different size for the mount.  Perhaps the
45 mm x 107 mm which was used by J. Richard's Verascope cameras in Europe
might have been a better choice.  This is more compatible with full frame
and would have allowed full frame slides to be shown in vertical
("portrait") format.

-- George Themelis


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