P3D Re: zoom lenses

["Greg Wageman" <gjw@xxxxxxxxxx>]

From: Dan Shelley <dshelley@xxxxxxxxxxxx>


>I do not use a bubble level. I trust my eyes. IF I happen to be a bit
>off, mounting easily corrects the issue, so why worry.


Because if you attempt to correct it in mounting, you risk introducing
all kinds of nasty alignment problems when you rotate the chips, for one
reason.  I find the in-camera level very handy for this one specific
purpose.  And of course I feel free to ignore it when I wish to, when
circumstances warrant, or whatever.  I have no compulsion to shoot every
shot perfectly level, but when I *want* perfectly level, it's nice to
have a little objective device telling me when it is!

But the point of course was that Jim's portrayal of this list being
staunch defenders of "shoot level or die" is inaccurate.  If it was
meant as humor then I admit to not "getting" it.  (Didn't see any
smileys, though.)

>I do not use a "stereo" or "two (or more) lens" camera most of the
time.
>IF both cameras don't fire at the same micro-second maybe I lose a shot
>here and there, but I try to shoot subjects that aren't moving MOST of
>the time anyway. It's my style, and that kind of micro precision just
>isn't important.


Can't argue with that.  But it certainly doesn't apply to everyone
either.  Some of us like subjects that move.  (The 3Discover viewer
images are full of poorly-synced twin-rig shots, with the result being
things like cars floating in space that really jump out at you.  The
"Boston" cartridge is a memorable example.)

>I don't EVER use math to determine how to shoot my shot.


You know what?  Neither do I.  But, that doesn't mean I'm not interested
in the discussion.  It's nice to know that the information is there, if
I should ever find myself in a situation where I might want to apply it.
Tabletops are something that I've been meaning to try "one of these
days".

>I could go on, but... For some people specific calculation are
>necessary, extra equipment is necessary, etc, etc, etc... For others of
>us, it's just a _very_ fun hobby, plain and simple. My 2 cents worth...


Well, yeah!  To each his own.  Still, there's lots to learn by everyone
sharing their own experiences and knowledge.  If you don't feel the need
to take someone's advice (assuming it's valid) then leave it be.  But
don't belittle it if you feel it doesn't apply to you, is all I'm
saying.  If it's incorrect, a gentle correction is all that's required.

     -Greg W. (gjw@xxxxxxxxxx)






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