P3D Re: Stereo Prints

[Alan Lewis <dlewis@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

There have been some postings about using/not using masks in 1 hour
printing machines, and the high cost of making masks for such.

This is what I have learned by befriending my local 1 hour lab manager a
few years ago:

1) Make sure you talk to the manager, get that person interested in your
challenge.  This will filter the knowledge learned about stereo printing
down to the other employees.  If you can't get the manager at least
interested in printing stereo, then don't pursue it.

2) Don't expect the 1 hour photo lab to be interested in making any
masks for their machine, but instead offer to make one for them.  Ask if
you can see the negative carrier for their machine. In order for this to
work YOU must offer to do the initial work.

3) The negative carrier will most likely be metal.  Look at it carefully
to determine whether a top mounted mask or a bottom mounted mask is
easiest.  The closer the mask to the actual frame cutout the better. 
Look for a flat area with no obstructions that is big enough to drop a
mask onto.

4) If the negative carrier is metal then you may be able to make a
magnetic mask.  I cut one out of thin flat magnetic sheet that just
sticks to the metal carrier. Easy in/ Easy out.

5) You can make the mask out of plastic stock.  The operator will use
making tape to secure.  Make the mask outside dimensions such that the
mask will be centered properly relative to the carrier.

6) Make the mask a little wider than the negative size.  It is sometimes
hard for an operator to easily center the square negative precisely in
the small mask, so give them some leeway.

7) Give them the mask in an envelope marked "Stereo printing mask for
Realist format".  Ask them to keep it in the machine's cabinet.

8) They will have to know to make a one time exposure adjustment on the
first print. This is to adjust the auto exposure system to account for
the dark sides of the negative mask.  After that it goes quickly.

Above all, make it easy and interesting for them, and they will make it
convenient for you.


-- 
Alan Lewis  
mailto:dlewis@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://www.arlington.net/homes/dlewis
Home of Weekend Stereo Projects 
New stereo viewers & Stereo Wedding Photography


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End of PHOTO-3D Digest 2838
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