P3D Re: Wollensak & Revere Viewers

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

>>The price asked for [the TDC viewer] was $17.50 vs. $19.75 for
>> the Realist red button, $18.50 for the Revere and $23.95 for the
>> Wollensak.
   
>The comment on the relative prices of viewers is interesting. I also note
>that even today the asking price for Wollensak viewers tends to be higher
>than that for Revere viewers. I have one of each. They seem to be near
>identical with only cosmetic differences. Is there any difference in the
>lenses or other features that makes one more expensive than the other, or is
>this more to do with collectability?
>Ray Moxom

The viewers appear to be identical but have different lenses.  
There is a small difference in the focal length, the Revere lenses
are 44 mm while the Wollensak lenses are 47 mm in focal length.
This 3 mm difference in focal length will be apparent if you try 
to switch lenses.  The focusing range will be different.

Some people like the Wollensak lenses better than the Revere lenses.
I can tell they are a bit different but cannot say for sure that
the Wollensak lenses are better.  I think the difference in price
reflects mainly demand and supply today.

I believe that back in the '50s the Wollensak brand was considered
more upscale than the Revere, hence the difference in original prices.
Something more expensive *must* be better... Typical marketing
scheme.  I don't know much about the history of these companies
but I think one was bought by the other?

George Themelis


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