P3D Re: The Realist Stereo Camera

["Dr. George A. Themelis" <DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Since I want quality pictures, I'm going to spend the extra money
> on the Realist Stereo Camera.  Does anyone have any suggestions on 
> where to look for one?

Actually, for my first Realist I paid $85 which is how much
Reel 3-D is asking for the Argus camera.  I know a few people
who got a Realist for free... It is all a matter of luck or
patience... There are more cameras around (in the USA) than buyers 
and this makes things easier for the buyer...

Some places to check:  Garage sales, flea markets, camera shows,
ebay, web, sell-3d (Bob Wier just posted instructions on how to
subscribe to sell-3d, the sister list of photo-3d), Shutterbug,
stereo dealers (Dalia Miller, Harry Poster, DrT, etc), friends and
relatives, local city paper (put a wanted ad), Stereo World.... etc.

(I hope you realize that we are talking about a stereo camera that
was first introduced in 1947... so you know what to expect.  In
1947 this camera cost $160 - an equivalent of well over $1000
today... so at $100+ it is a REAL-ist bargain!)

Note that there are a number of "Realist-format" cameras around
that will do the same job (some say "even better") as the Stereo 
Realist itself.  One example is the Kodak stereo.  In my mind,
these stereo cameras from the 50s are rather equivalent in
function and performance, with prices being influenced by 
supply, more than anything else.  Also, the Stereo Realist comes
in a number of models (3.5, 2.8, etc.) that might vary widely
in price.  I advise you to stick with the basic and cheapest
camera for a start, which should cost you around $100-$200.

Of course, after you get the camera you will have to worry about
viewers... The better viewers can be as expensive as the cameras,
but many of us started with Reel 3-D's cheap $3.25 viewer (plus 
$6 for postage :-) :-) :-)) and went up from there.

-- George Themelis

PS.  Since you are leaning towards the Stereo Realist, I might
as well mention the 4-page special article in "Stereogram" 
June 1997 (1.2 issue) "50 Years of Stereo Realist" with lots
of condensed info on the Realist.  This is part of your $12
subscription to the "Stereogram" or it can be mailed to you for
free upon receipt of your self-addressed & stamped envelope
($0.32 postage, sent to: G. Themelis, 10243 Echo Hill Drive,
Brecksville OH 44141) - a kind offer of the O-hi-O Stereo
Photographic Society, "Educating the Stereo Community for
Less than One Year" (this will be our logo until May 6th-
our one year anniversary :-) :-) :-))


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