P3D VM vs Realist

[John Toeppen <toeppen@xxxxxxxx>]

I was certain that at least one defender of the VM Personal would
respond to my glib remarks.  I had one VMP and had the shutter bounce
problem and fogged windows.  It did not withstand the test of time
before I owned it. I wanted to try one so I bought one when I found it,
used it, and later sold it to a collector.

Please understand that this VM commentary is from a guy (me) that still
runs tube amps for audio.  Some classic things are worth doing just for
the fun of it. (but tubes really are better)

Since I didn't own a cutter I found the VM mounting to be less than a
joy. Since I had already owned and used more than a dozen Realist format
cameras (including a Graflex) my ViewMaster fell out of favor with me. 
The small frame size increased apparent grain and the viewer was not
even close in quality to my red button or Kodaslide 2s.  I also had my
TDC-116 by then.  And I was taking 2 1/4 by 3 1/4" stereo pairs. I did
not need another format.

BTW, my Reveres do not have detents for the apertures.  I do not attempt
half stops on shutter speeds on any camera since most are unable to do
this.  I consider it best to fine tune an aperture anyway.  I recall
that my Wollensak was virtually a copy of the Revere.

Perhaps what I really need is another Speed Graphic to shoot 4x5"
Provia.  Or a twin video rig.

JT


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