P3D Nu-View adapter again

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

I said I would report on what I DON'T like about
the Nu-View adapter, but first some general 
comments. If you haven't been following this thread, 
the Nu-View adapter is a device that attaches to a 
regular camcorder to produce sequential frame stereoscopic 
video. In earlier posts I raved about how wonderful it is.

Using a stereoscopic camcorder presents new challenges 
to the videographer. It is less "point-and-shoot" because 
the convergence is not automatic. I've found that it is 
best to compose the shot and set the convergence before 
you begin to record. In a sense the photographer is faced 
with setting the window when the image is recorded, rather 
than at a later time (mounting). With some practice it is 
possible to smoothly adjust the convergence as you zoom in 
or out of a scene.

I've found that the stereoscopic video adapter is 
great for video of wildlife. You can zoom in on a 
bird or other animal that is 15 feet away and still
have impressive depth in the image. 

Now for what I don't like about it.

Most of all it is not easy to put on straight. I think 
3-D Video Inc. needs to go back to the drawing boards on 
the attachment of the device to camcorders. There are three 
threads to be tightened to attach the adapter (a long vertical
rod on the adapter, a knurled nut to attach a flat bar to the 
camcorder, and a knurled nut to attach the rod to the flat bar). 
As I tighten any one the others seem to give somewhat and the 
adapter is no longer straight. Also, the adapter slides onto 
a bayonet ring that you screw onto the lens of the camcorder.
There is a nylon spring loaded catch that secures the adapter 
to the lens opening by clicking over the bayonet ring. On 
my adapter it does not click firmly into place, leaving the 
adapter either slightly off center or loose.

It is bulky and obviously fragile. You have to be careful 
with it. 

The owners manual has great illustrations. Very clear and 
helpful. The text unfortunately, is not well written.
Consider this excerpt:

   "Tip: Objects will lose their 3-D effect of floating in
         front of your television monitor if any part of
         that particular object comes in contact with the 
         bezel of the TV."

Excuse me... bezel? An obtuse term that is only marginally 
applicable. The members of this list are well aware of the 
problem of violating the window, but imagine a 3-D novice 
trying to make sense of the above. 

On the other hand, if I'm down to complaining about how the 
manual is worded then there isn't a lot not to like about the
adapter! :-)

If you want to see the adapter and look at some video in stereo 
you can come to the next Oakland Camera Club meeting. I will 
bring my Nu-View adapter and at least six pairs of LCS glasses.
This will be after our regular monthly competition in stereo 
slides. We meet the first Tuesday of the month (April 7th) 
at 7:30 p.m. at 2361 29th Street.

Harolddd.
 


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