P3D Re: Barriers & challenges

[Larry Berlin <lberlin@xxxxxxxxx>]

>Date: Wed, 17 Mar 1999
>From: Ronald Beck <ronald-beck@xxxxxx>
>......................
>After reading many of the posts regarding various "barriers" and such,
>I've come up with a hypothesis which I would now like to test.
>.....................
>
>Eventually I was able to borrow a Realist (thanks Jim) to explore yet
>another avenue of stereo photography.  I enjoyed this so much I
>purchased a Kodak stereo.
>..................
>I've really enjoyed my experimentation with all the various modes of
>stereo photography.  But my passion still leans toward that first slide
>show I saw.  One day I'll put something like that together.............


*****  My interest started as a kid with ViewMaster reels. As an adult I
started using a single camera, with all the challenges that brings up. Later
I started using stereo cameras. I have an Image Tech 3D Wizard and a Kodak
stereo. I like the 3D Wizard for it's utter simplicity and ease of use and
access to live subjects, but miss having focus controls and flexibility of
subject distance.

When I use a stereo camera it's like every possible subject has to be
pre-judged according to the ideal distance range of the fixed lenses. I pass
up numerous potential images because if I attempt them with a fixed-base
stereo camera, the results won't be worth having (too close or too far). I
don't like that *fenced in* feeling.

With a single camera that was NEVER an issue. I could alternate from an
extreme close up to a distant horizon image or a normal range image with
relative ease. A slide bar does make a BIG difference with single cameras.
The only limitation, and it is a significant one, is motion... If the wind
is blowing or the subject is alive forget about using a single camera.

For me the ideal camera system doesn't exist yet. It's features would be
designed to enable all the specialness of stereo photography, not just an
abreviated range thereof... I like Dr. T's response to the RBT S1, but price
and the fact that it is a fixed base camera prevents me from wanting one. 

With the specialness of computers relative to working with stereo images, I
can't separate cameras from computers and see some combination of the two as
the most practical trend for the future. It seems my current interests may
be fueled by my past, but neither the future nor the present looks like a VM
reel for me.

Larry Berlin

Email: lberlin@xxxxxxxxx
http://www.sonic.net/~lberlin/
http://3dzine.simplenet.com/


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