P3D Full Frame 35mm stereo slides.

["Lawrence A. Haines" <lhaines@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I had not realized from previous letters on photo-3d there might be so
much apparent interest in full frame 35mm stereo.  I have been taking
stereo for nearly 50 years using mostly a Realist.  But I am frank to
admit I have never been full happy with the limited (5p) width
pictures.  I have always felt the need to see further out on each side.
At one time, a long time ago, I even investigated a stereo panoramic
system invented by a fellow in Ohio.  It was wonderful to see, but with
that system I felt as if I were looking out from the back of a cave
since now the vertical was restricted.  I took a three year hiatus from
stereo from 1993 to 1996 while I was on an assignment in the
Philippines.  When I got back I decided to do a careful investigation
about my reentry to stereo.  As a part of this investigation I went to
the World Stereo Congress in Rolduc Holland last spring.  I was
surprised to find that most stereo photographers in Europe were already
converted to full frame (or close to full frame) 35mm stereo.  Some
people were using the new RBT
cameras as well as similar ones made earlier called Optrons.  I also saw
a bewildering variety of twin cameras mounted side by side or slightly
offset (to achieve smaller stereo base).

By the way, one of the most exciting shows I saw there was taken with a
specially made 120 stereo camera and projected as stereo panoramas by
cutting off some of the top and bottom of the 120 format.  These
particular slides were projected using four German projectors said to
cost $30,000 each.  Since the man who made the camera said he could make
one for me at about $15,000.00, I gave up any further interest in that
system - even though the results were stunningly good.

But back to full frame (or close to it) stereo.  After seeing many
different pictures in the wider format, I made (what was to prove later
the most expensive decision) to stop taking any more Realist format
pictures and switch entirely to 2x2 format.  I reasoned I would project
using Kodak Ektographics ( I bought four of them) and two of Bob
Brackets new dissolve stands (bought two).  With a lot of mentoring by
such people as Paul Milligan I proceeded to begin using my Optron
(twinned Ricohs) I had purchased six years earlier.  This was a first
generation twinned camera and not entirely satisfactory for me.  I
entered an order with Jon Golden for a new RBT X3 (done in September and
still not here).  The advantages I saw for the RBT X3 were rapid
automatic wind, being able to tell which film was in the camera (since I
am beginning to forget which way I am heading), and the construction
which incorporates cast head and base making a more unified twinned
camera than I had here-to-fore seen.  I have had the opportunity to
shoot about ten roles with an RBT X3.  It is quite easy and comfortable
to use and the results were very good.  Paul and others suggested I
would also need two cameras to use for wide stereo base photos.  Paul
has said I might find myself using the two cameras more than the RBT and
thus far I am beginning to think he is right.  Many shots with near
subject further than 15 feet can be stereo enhanced by pulling the
cameras further apart.  I reasoned it would be easier to use identical
Ricohs as were used on the twin RBT X3 so that when I went back and
forth I would not have to shift mental gears on the running of the
cameras themselves.  So I bought two Ricoh XRX-3Pf's.  I am using Pentax
lenses.  I am currently in process of buying supplemental longer lenses
for special work.  I bought two slide bars from Jasper Engineering in
California and devised a way attach them to one another for an even
longer bar.  I use two tripods for longer bases.  To synchronize the
firing of the two cameras I simply made a one button electrical cord
with two 3/32" plugs for the electrical release plug on each camera.

So far, even though I have much less money to worry about, I am
delighted with my new pictures.  They are what I was yearning for over
many years.  No question that it is harder to look at each pair since I
must load two slides in the viewer each time.  But the results are so
much better. As mentioned in a previous message I am using a viewer made
by Jacob Ekeren of Holland which can accomodate both 2x2s and RBT
mounts.   I have my developed pictures returned in 2x2 mounts for quick
viewing.  The good ones are remounted.  For stereo circuits I am
intending to mount in RBT 7p mounts.  I realize that the US is behind in
this movement, if indeed it is a movement.  But the results when
obtained are worth it.

Larry Haines


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