P3D Re: Realist to VM

[CanterMike@xxxxxxx]

Mike K. wrote, in part:

"No, the commercial reels aren't done with the hand cutter. :-)

The photos weren't taken with the VM cameras either.  From stories
there were a number of different cameras and camera types used over
the years. "

My point exactly: the original images were shot using the common (larger) 
formats of their respective eras and then reduced for mass reproduction.  Has 
anybody out there ever worked in, or even seen concrete examples of, the VM 
lab operations?  Anybody ever take a tour?  I forget my history here: how 
many times has the ViewMaster brand name and product line changed hands?  And 
how many times has the tooling & manufacturing facilities actually moved?


Mike K. continues:

"If one thinks about it, the commercial reels aren't
"originals" like VM images made on personal reels.  There will
be multiple generations of master->copies between the "real" original
and the chip that's goes into the reel itself."

An analogy, perhaps, would be the way movies are reproduced for distribution. 
 I believe it was common through the 1970's for 35mm original motion pictures 
to be reduced to 16mm for distribution to schools, libraries & etc.  Of 
course the technology and equipment used to copy (same size, reduced or 
enlarged) motion pictures will be vastly different that that used to reduce a 
Realist to a VM.


Mike K. again:

"Should VM sell off any "surplus" commercial VM chip production
equipment (certainly all custom stuff) one probably could go
wild with it.  I wonder what Mattel has in mind....  :-)"

If it came up, I would probably bid on it.  This reminds me of the rumours 
about Kodak selling off the Realist format mounting apparatus....

Mike K.:

"If one could digitally print slide
film *with accuracy*, one could use a VM-camera sample-film 
to generate a template to copy for one's emulation, then go 
that route."

I know very little about film recorders but don't most use 35mm film stock?  
Would a film recorder have the resolution to give acceptable results at 
10x11mm format?  Could one be set up to mimic one of the diecutter patterns?  
And if so, which punch is most common?
But I maintain that we shouldn't have to resort to this level of technology 
(unless, of course, somebody has already paid for it!).  I feel that a good 
modern lab tech should be able to mimic the mass production/reproduction 
techniques of the 1950's.

And Mike K closes with:

"Doesn't seem to be any reason to do all of this other than
for challenge sake though."

I thought (and forgive me if I'm wrong) that this topic was started by a 
person who wants to reduce Realist format originals as VM format dupes for 
wider distribution and accessibility.  I am reasonably sure that the topic 
has come up in the past about the costs and minimum orders involved for 
limited (dare I say vanity?) runs of reels.


Mike (ain't been lurkin' lately) Canter


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