P3D Re: DIY Processing

[fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Dr. George A. Themelis)]

Reply to message from Michael_Georgoff@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx of Thu, 16 Jul
>
>Like many things, stereo photography requires practice.  Practice, with
>a Realist, means film and processing.  Which means the learning curve
>requires an ongoing "tuition" payable to Kodak, Fuji, etc, and various
>processing labs.  

Now, how much practice are we talking about?  From what I remember, I
was extremely happy from my first Realist roll.  With time, my demands
incrased and so did my reasons for taking stereo pictures, but as a
beginner I was happy with almost everything.

>Anyone with any experience in do-it-yourself processing out there?  

If you go the DIY route then you are adding another variable in your
attempt to learn based on the results you are getting.

>Is this a false economy?  

I think it is.  Small scale E6 is more expensive (or equally expensive)
to commercial E6.  The only way to make it work reasonably well is 
to wait until you have shot quite a few rolls to develop them all
together.  That's not a good way to learn.  I'd rather have my film
back in my hands in one day.

I have tried E6 and was very frustated in my first couple of rolls so
I gave it up, realizing that there is no cost savings, it is unconvenient
and I am risking my pictures.  Others might tell you that it is OK, they
have done it.  I have seen enough GREEN self-processed pictures to tell
you to think twice before trying it!  Better stick with the $2.95
commercial processing.  I pay $8.77 for mine and I am writing the check
with a big smile in my face. :-)

-- George Themelis


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