P3D Twin camera questions

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

Regarding Grant's twin camera questions:

>What kinds of cameras are you using?

Two old beasts:  Minolta X-700, Konica FT-1.  Both SLR manual
exposure systems and long time favorites of stereo photographers.
The FT-1 has the advantage of built-in film advance.

>What cameras would you recommend to keep my total kit under $1000? 

$1000?!  I could sell you a complete system for under $400!
Actually, I am considering selling the Konica FT-1 and put
a Minolta X-700 for sale since I have about 5-6 X-700 bodies,
and extra cable releases.  Here is one scenario for the X-700:  
Each camera with normal lens: $150.  Bar, cables, etc., $50.  
All used, of course.

>What lenses should I start with (50mm)?

Yeap!  Go normal!  Both Minolta and Konica make very compact 
45 mm normal lenses which have the following advantages:
1. Cheap, 2. Compact, 3. Widely available, 4. Cheap, 5. Cheap.

>What about Zoom lenses, are they too hard to sync?

I would guess so but no direct experiences.  I only use fixed
lenses in my setups.  I recommend the 135/3.5 after the normal.
The reasons for this recommendation are: 1. Cheap, 2. Take good
portraits & close-ups, 3. Widely available 4. Cheap, 5. Cheap.

>I saw the posting on diodes for splicing the shutter release wires; 
>any comments?

I don't have them in mine and the system works fine.

>How is flash sync?
>What do you do for flash photography, did you make a special bracket?

I don't have much experience with flash in the twin SLRs.

>Do you do handheld or mostly Tripod work?

Both.  Normal lenses are easily handheld.  Long lenses usually
require a tripod because of limited DOF and increased risk for
"camera shake".

>Any comments regarding pictures being too Hyperstereo?

It is definitely a problem with side-by-side setups.  Twin camera
rigs will not replace my trusted Realist for people/party shots.

>Do you mostly do base to base or side by side twinning?

Side-by-side because I use slides film and they are easier to
mount.  I have only done portraits in base-to-base.

>Any other advice, suggestions, recommended articles?

Lots of good info in past issues of "Stereoscopy".  The publication
of the ISU (International Stereoscopic Union).  The Australian 
legend Allan Griffin had written extensively on the Konica 
system.  American legend Paul Milligan has his share of published
information too.

-- George Themelis, a devoted student of the above gentlemen


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