P3D Re: Stereo Cameras

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

It's been a while since we had such interesting questions....

>1. What are your favorite cameras based on picture quality, ease of use,
>durability, etc.

In 1988 when I picked up a Stereo Realist, I had only seen stereo cameras
in books and had never used any fully manual camera.  It took me a few 
seconds to figure out how the Realist works.  Got a basic photography
book and learned about exposure.  In nearly zero time I was up and 
shooting.  I remember being extremely pleased from my first roll.  Through
the years I've grown to be more demanding but I still find my first rolls
to be very decent.  In the next 10 years I have used mostly Realists but
have tried Kodak, TDC Colorist, RBT S1 and twin SLR cameras.  I still
like the Realist the most because I have grown with it and know the ins
and outs of it.  From conversations with other photographers I can
summarize things as follows:

Image Quality:  Equivalent among Realist 3.5, Kodak, Revere, TDC, etc.
Ease of Use:  Kodak is near the top and Realist near the bottom.
Durability:  Realist will stand lots of abuse.
Price:  Realist and Kodak are among the least expensive ($100 to $150).

If you are looking to pay around $150 or less then consider a Realist or
Kodak.  If you can go up to $300 consider a Revere, TDC Colorist II,
TDC Vivid, FED.  If you can go up to $3000, consider an RBT.  

You mentioned going to NSA.  My experience is that you will not find
that many stero cameras there.  In the Atlanta convention a few years
ago a friend of mine was looking for a stereo camera and the choice
was very slim.  I will have a few Realists.  Stop by my table!

>2. If you could only own one stereo camera, which one would it be?

For me, right now, my 2.8 Realist which is modified for 7p.

-- George Themelis


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