P3D VM Condensors

["Roderick D. Sage" <rsage@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>Where can I get the little lenses that go in the mirror cages for a
>Stereomatic 500?

I had a bulb explode in my Stereomatic 500 several years ago cracking
one of the condensors. I estimated the focal length by focusing the sun
through one of the unbroken lenses, and measured the diameter. I think
the fl was about 50mm and the diam was about 25mm. I then ordered the
closest condensors from Edmund Scientific. I ordered 4 since I knew they
would be a little off. What I received, were a little thicker and wider.
So I got out the handy dandy moto tool and ground them down. A little
tedious, but they work fine now. Make sure the bulge on the lenses face
each other. I also ordered first surface mirrors material at the same
time. The mirror is very thin, so I cracked many pieces before I got 2
good pieces. Nothing like new mirrors to brighten up a Stereomatic 500.
RDS




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