P3D SAM Review - Part I

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

SAM Review ñ part I

Courtesy of "3-D Concepts" I was able to get my hands on a 
Stereoactive Alignment Magnifier (SAM), a slide film mounting aid 
which allows viewing in stereo while mounting.  What follows is a 
condensed, unenthusiastic reviewÖ (I have removed all exclamation 
marks :-))

The device consists of three components: lenses, light table and 
sample holder.  The lenses are high quality achromats (60-65 mm in 
focal length, 25 mm in diameter), suspended via an arm to the edge 
of the light table.  The distance of the lenses to the table is 
adjustable (for focusing) via a long screw and the entire lens 
assembly is hinged at the table and can swing in and out of the way.

The light table houses the illumination components (transformer, 
ON/OFF switch, two 6V halogen light bulbs).  A cord out of this box 
plugs directly into household AC current. 

The sample holder consists of a removable translucent light table 
cover with a plastic frame glued in it, to hold the mounts tightly.  
A separate tranparent bar, engraved with 3 horizontal and one vertical 
pairs of lines, can slide under the mount frame and serves as a 
mounting gauge.

Sample holders are designed for mounts of different formats.  Standard 
options are RBT 41x101 and 2x2x2 holders.  I tested the RBT sample 
holder but the 2x2x2 is very similar.

The basic idea of using SAM is to mount a stereo slide while you are 
viewing it in stereo.  By doing so you are able to see exactly what 
you are doing and quickly perform minute adjustments.  This makes the 
mounting process faster, more accurate and less frustrating.

To be continuedÖ

George Themelis


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