P3D Adjusting Projectors

[BK Nowlan <bknowlan@xxxxxxxxx>]

Although I am new to this I have some comments about stereo projection.

Dr. T writes:
> Have you heard the expression: "This slide does not project well?", or
> "this slide looks better in a viewer than in projection?"  So we are
> accepting the fact that there are slides that don't look very good in
> projection.

I got a TDC projector awhile back.  I even sent it to Dr. T who was kind
enough to give it a bath and get it into shape for me (as he has done
for my cameras and viewers).  He did a great job as always.  So, just
recently I decided to project some slides at home.  I took this long
because I was scared that my slides would be way out of alignment (as I
learned that the viewers can be very forgiving) and was not yet prepared
to be disappointed.  I had some surprises.  First, the slides needed
very little (as in minor, but I had to fiddle - being my first time with
slides I mounted and seeing them in my projector) adjustment and some
not at all.  I use various type of mounts and the mounting gauges I got
from Reel 3-D.  I am still not sure if I am doing this right but I don't
think I am too far off the mark if I'm not.  Another surprise.  This was
the first time I saw slides on my projector that I had only seen in my
viewer.  I now understand what everyone is saying about the 4" lenses. 
I have 5" lenses.  I will need to go shopping soon.  Also, the viewer
makes the slides look sharper and the colors are more saturated.  I was
projecting at night so there wasn't an issue of ambient light.  

Now, we are discussing mounting for various types of projecting (local
clubs vs. salons)?  I'm getting a headache and I'm not even looking at
any projected stereo slides!  Geesh, I hope NSA has a seminar for this!

As far as adjusting the projector - I am on the side of projecting with
little to no adjustment.  I got some serious headaches at our club
meetings because of this.  I started closing my eyes between slides and
tried to anticipate when the adjustment would be over.  Also, people at
our club tend to shout out what adjustments to make *AND* how much
adjusting to make instead of letting the people handling the controls do
it.  IMO, a few of us in our club need to have an eye exam or our
precriptions changed.  Hmmm, maybe it's me!  I better make my
appointment! ;^)

I had asked for and got a slide mounting seminar at our club. 
Unfortunately or maybe fortunately, so many people were interested that
it wasn't as effective as having a smaller group where the instructor
could move around to each person (who would have there own set up) and
give individual attention.  So I was thinking. . .I don't know if they
do this at other clubs, but maybe we could have some sort of mentoring
program for new people in stereo.  Each new member could have an
experienced member help them along on a one to one basis.  The
experienced member could show the new member how to mount slides (maybe
before or after a meeting ) one time.  Another time, how to get good
exposures and depth of field in various situations.  How to mount prints
for views.  Or maybe there is one designated mentor for one of each of
the following.  For example, at our club, Mr. Duggan could show a new
member how to properly mount slides.  Andrea Blair could show the same
new member how to shoot macro (although Andrea's macro seminar did work
really well with a larger group) or how to shoot stereo using their own
single slr.  James Roy could show a new member how to get the most out
of their particular camera.  Some one else could show how to project
slides.  Some of these lessons need to be learned either one on one or
in a much smaller group.  The pay off would be the learning process is
excellerated so gratification comes sooner for the newbie and their
interest is kept at its peak.  The mentors get the satisfaction of
seeing their "students" growing and keeping the fires burning and pride
in their students success knowing they taught them what they know.  Once
the students have mastered a given area, they can teach newbies.  This
will only be time consuming at first for the experienced Pros.  Then, it
can start to filter down.  I for one promise that when I "master
mounting" I will be happy to mentor new members.

Dr. T writes:
> All I care about is for people to have a good time viewing 3d projection.
> Adjusting the projector between slides will give people (especially 
> newcomers) a headache 

Yep! 

>and turn them off 3d.  That's the only danger.

Came close a couple of times but I was fortunate enough to have a viewer
awhile before I ever saw projected slides.  That is probably what saved
me.

> Other than that, I "don't give a damn" what you people do in your
> meetings.

Oh Rhett!  Ya'll don't mean it!  Ah know ya'll truluh care!  Just give
us anothuh chance!  Aftuh all, tomorrow is anothuh day!  Now, ah got ta
get back to mah curtains.  Ahm goin' t' Richmond in August!  Lawdy!

Scarlett


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