P3D News from Athens - Part II

[Themelis Cosmas <cosmas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi everyone!

News from Athens continue... Two days ago I met with Chris
Politopoulos, the young & enthusiastic fellow, the only one
I know in Greece who takes stereo pictures with (almost) the
same passion that I do!  Chris came from Nafpaktos and stayed
in Athens for a few days.  We went for long walks, photographing
the city and the Christmas decorations and celebrations.  Chris
is using a Wollensak and now a Revere.  We quickly ran out of film
but were able to find Fuji Sensia II for about $5.

One day we went to the part of the city with the flea markets,
looking for stereo-related items.  We found a few stereo views
and VM reels.  Prices asked are very high.  Anything with a Greek
theme is severely "overpriced" (IMO).  Example:  Price asked for a
view from the turn of the century of Larissa (a city in Greece)
showing armed soldiers, was $100.  I have bought 2-3 similar views
from the same series in the USA.  One of them in a camera show.
I asked why was the price ($10) higher than the usual $1-$2 asked
for other views.  They told me "guns".  I bought the view for $5 I
think.  Now I am asked to pay $100 for a similar one in Athens!

Also, VM reels, generally overpriced and not of Greek themes.
I am shown a VM viewer from the 50s-70s and I am told that it
is from the 40s, hence expensive... No sense arguing with the
local merchants...

But, I was able to buy a few interesting reels and views, including
a nicely preserved "tissue" for $8... (merchant had no idea that
this was any different than the rest)...

What I plan to do is go through my collection of stereo views and
bring my "Greece" duplicates in Athens for sale.  With a little
luck I might end up with some extra cash (even though I have no
idea how good bargainers are these Greeks!!!)

On the film count, I counted 12 rolls in 4 days but now I have
exhausted my subjects and I am taking it easy the last few days.
Did I mention that I am here alone? (no family)  That explains
the free time for photography and long walks.  I have only brought
the RBT which means that I am taking less pictures (15) per roll.
So, when I say 12 rolls, that might have been 6 with a Realist.

Well.... that's about covers my news... Wishing everyone a healthy
and prosperous year... May every stereo picture be a keeper!

I will be traveling back to the USA this coming Monday...  Tuesday
we have a stereo club meeting... Looking forward to this one!

Regards,

George Themelis (currently in Athens, Greece)


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