P3D Re: I saw the Future - Part I

[michaelk@xxxxxxxxxxx (Michael Kersenbrock)]

> One is the availability of slide film and its declining use among 
> photographers in general.  The average Joe has not used and will never 

This is probably true, however Kodak and Fuji have been coming out
with new slide films recently so death of slide films probably isn't
real close (even if "eventual").

> Unless something unexpected happens, there is no question in my mind 
> that 35 mm slide film (small size transparent medium) is heading to 
> extinction and prints (large size reflected material) to world 
> domination.  And this reflects to stereo photography.  Stereo slides 
> are heading to become "a thing of the past". 

Honestly, aren't they already in that category (as well as stereo prints
for that matter)?  Aren't some of us trying for a revival *because*
it's currently a "thing of the past"?

> no doubt that one day even *I* will be doing stereo prints!  That's 
> when, thanks to digital technology, I can output my slides not in near 
> but in TRUE photographic quality prints... Heck, if everyone is 
> playing this game, I can play it too!

Primarily, I don't think you'll be doing that.  Meaning making stereo
prints from your slides.  You'll be using your digital stereo camera
and printing from there (probably indirectly via a computer).  One
thing about digital cameras which is unlike film cameras, is that the
lens is often in the corner, not in the center as is needed to be between
film spools.  With one camera upside-down (which is no biggie for computer 
correction), they can be put side-by-side at hypo stereo spacing without
having to tear them open and glue them together RBT style (although 
linking exposures could be "interesting").  So it may not even be long from
now. A pair of the 2-megapixel cameras that are soon out may be halfway 
decent for making stereo-card sized images printed out on an dye-sub
printer like the ALPS one.

Mike K.


P.S. - With proper dye media, dyesub printer makers probably could make their
       printers print on transparent film (some printers do that now, maybe
       even mine for non-dyesub modes).  Even with current resolution (not enough
       for "printing" 35mm slides) they might print "medium format" instead. Say 6cm
       square or so.  This *might* look pretty good in a medium format stereo
       viewer.  Maybe even better than 5P film in a red button (I just crossed the 
       line  didn't I?  Asbestos shield going UP!).




------------------------------