P3D Re: Realist Critique - 2. looks and functionality

[jacob@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Gabriel Jacob)]

Dr.T informs us:
>Seton still insists that the shutter *should be* in the left side
>and anyone else is wrong!

WELL, I believe Seton was wrong! I think he is wrong to think
that anyone else WOULD THINK THAT the left side is the wrong
side! ;-) I personally think he is right to put it left!

My personal reasoning for this is that hey, the shutter only 
requires a simple depression of the button. The focussing
wheel requires more dexterity, so I think I'd rather use my
right hand for that function (and yes I'm right handed, thank-
you!). I believe the same would make sense for any other camera.
Then again if you don't have a rangefinder, it's immaterial
since you can't focus and then the right shutter configuration
makes sense!

Now as to the boxy Realist, I always thought it was a beautiful
camera, seriously! As to the 3 step shutter advance, this is
a minor drawback (iIf a beginner really has to be shooting multiple
frames per minute, you'd better stick to 2-D and motor-advance
cameras). The good points about the 3 step procedure is that it
keeps the mechanics simple, reliable, and easy to fix (comparable
to a standard vs. automatic transmission on a car). If the day
comes when my trusty Realist breaks down, I won't hesitate to fix
her up. Another advantage is you can do double exposure pretty
easily. Too easily! ;-)

Some beginners might be wondering why the discussion always
revolves around the Kodak and Realist. It's not necessarily
because they are the "best" but rather because the most
numerous. Optics wise, they all look the same to me. The
Kodak also has it's ardent fans and I'll let them point
out it's good points! It doesn't have readily available
provisions for putting your modern flash on it. As to that
bubble-level, most beginners don't realize you don't need
it. It doesn't impact on your stereo pictures quality any
more than it does in 2-D.

So to that budding beginner (whoever that might be!?!), don't
take my word or anyone else's. As I mentioned in my last post,
see both perspectives to get the REAL picture!

Gabriel


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