P3D Re: it's okay, let's all get along

["Dr. George A. Themelis" <DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Tom, regarding the tone of recent photo-3d postings... no matter what is 
being written in photo-3d I want you to know that I understand and respect 
your work and viewpoint.  We are all working for the same goal and I
would like to really "get along".

You wrote:
    
>It's comical that the guy who's always selling sunny-16, f8, and 1/30 is
>also the same guy that makes such a big deal of accurate stereo windows.

If this guy is me, that's not a very accurate description.  First, I carry 
and use a very expensive digital lightmeter.  Second, I do not use the 1/30 
rule (actually I don't use any rule or measurements in hyperstereos or 
close-ups).  Third, I do not consult the f8 marks of my Realist in a 
close-up because my depth range is usually restricted anyway.  I do not
care to know exactly how much deviation will get on the pair.  Things work 
with a wide range of deviations.  Like Boris, I have good pairs with much 
more than 1.2 mm deviation.  And some with almost zero.  I like your work
but also try to caution about certain things.  Not every photographic 
challenge can be solved with a ruler and a calculator. "Think first, 
measure next" (DrT's rule of stereo photography :-)) 

About the stereo window:  This is a big tool to present your pair once
the picture is taken.  It is very easy to control.  No measurements
are required.  You only need to look at the stereo image to tell where
the window is.  Then shift the two images with respect to the fixed mask
to position it where you want.  I normally mount "to the window".  Which
means, I position the film chips "by eye" so that the nearest object
is close to the window (or "goes through" if possible).  That makes the
best presentation, IMO.  Others prefer to mount to "constant infinity
separation".  This practice requires some sort of gauge/tool/measurement
to assure that the infinity separation is constant.  I do not subscribe
to this school of thought but I understand and appreciate their viewpoint.

Now, I have a question about you:  When you "showed up", less than 6 
months ago, you said to us:  "Stereo photography is so simple.  What is 
all the fuss about?  Am I doing something wrong?"   Right now it seems that 
some things have become a BIG DEAL (at least in my eyes).  I see this as an 
amazing transformation.  Please tell us what experiences have shaped your 
current view point.  Is stereo photography simple, or not?  What were you 
doing wrong 6 months ago?

With best regards -- George Themelis

    


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