P3D Re: Wollensack, etc.; (was P3D Re: info needed for new 3D camera)

[aifxtony@xxxxxxxxxxxxx (Tony Alderson)]

>Jim Crowell wrote (digest 2861):
Tell us more! I've never seen one of these...< (meaning my Wollensack camera)

The Wollensack 10 stereo camera is the upscale version of the Revere 33,
which is much more common. They look the same except for the logo. The
difference is the Wollensack has better lenses (f2.7 triplets, which do not
vignette) and a faster shutter (to 1/300 sec.). I can't say it is optically
superior to a 2.8 Realist, but it is easier to use. The shutter is linked
to the advance, so it doesn't have to be separatly cocked every time,
although it does have a cocking lever for double exposures. It has a range
finder and a bubble level in the viewfinder, altho' the level is not as
good as the Kodak's (it's smaller).  And, doggone it, it's just a nice
looking design. One the other hand, I like the parallax-free viewfinder of
the Realist, and the forehead bracing of the Realist is a good idea too,
but life is full of trade-offs. I am told it is more difficult to repair
than the Realist, but I pay competent mechanics when that is necessary,
which has only been once so far. It is a pretty rugged camera.

>Eric Goldstein wrote:
Ever try a Belplasca for 7 perf or a Realist Ektar for 5? If you have,
curious of your impressions...<

I'm familiar with the Realist Ektar from friends who have them; it's a good
camera and I wouldn't be sorry if I had one instead of the Wollensack.

I haven't had the opportunity to use a Belplasca, but I've seen them at ISU
and NSA conventions, and of course I've seen slides in competition. It
seems vastly superior to the Verascope, they are also hard to find in the
U.S. Sadly, I'm not in the market for any cameras right now, mundane things
like rent, food and doctor bills from my recent (thorough!) physical are
eating all my available cash (not to mention my "need" for a good tenor
uke!) If I ever get flush again, I would certainly consider a Belplasca
versus the Realist 7 perf conversion.  I stumbled across the Verascope some
15-18 years ago: I was at a PSA stereo sequence competition at Lake
Arrowhead and  mentioned my interest in 7 perf to Paul Wing--wouldn't you
know he had an F40 gathering dust and offered to sell it to me, for what
seems a remarkably low price today. But I've had Charlie Piper work on it
more than once, so I've made up that bargain in repairs. I don't mean to
imply the F40 is useless however, one simply has to learn to work within
it's limitations. I've taken a few good pictures with it, at least.

I'm not very impressed with the FED. I learned long ago how to use a light
meter; I'd rather be able to choose my own f-stop and shutter speed than
have the convenience of a built-in, and apparently unreliable, meter. But I
see in P3D that some people are getting good results from it, so it can't
be all bad.

>George Themelis wrote(digest 2862):

>Specialized uses is the key phrase here. But does it make sense to have
>different cameras of the same format? (like a Realist, Kodak, Revere, TDC)
>What is the purpose of that?<

Well, there is always the collector value...and it is nice to have a backup
camera in case one fails, perhaps by chance one's backup would be a
different model. But for myself, one 5 perf is enough; that's why I sold my
Realist to a friend in need...

>PS. The 7p Realist is not my modification. John Slivon is doing these.
I only modify viewers for 7p (the red button for 8p)<

Whoops again! Just when you got me spelling "Dalia" rather than "Dahlia"
(too many of those around Hollywood, I guess...)  And I've got the nerve to
nit-pick your terminology, when I can't manage details myself! Excuse me
for a moment George, while I dig this log out of my eye.

Anyway, my apologies to John; I think this is an intriguing idea, I hope I
can examine one of his conversions someday.

Tony Alderson
aifxtony@xxxxxxxxxxxxx



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