P3D Re: More on Realist to VM slide dupes

[Robert Thorpe <thorpe@xxxxxxxx>]

There could be a very simple solution that fit into the standard
work flow for VM reels. It would require different equipment for
every format original but the concept would be the same for all
formats.

I would choose to start from 2x2x2 slides instead of Realist but
you get the idea. One problem with reducing Realist slides down
to VM is they are the wrong aspect ratio. They are taller than
they are wide. In fact, they are not a whole lot wider then VM.
8p slides are much closer to the VM aspect ratio which is why
I am using them for the example. Also, the Realist slides make the
job more about cropping than duplicating.

The trick would be to construct 2 front mounted extension tubes 
and attach them to the filter threads of the VM (series V?). They
would probably need to have some sort of internal optics, perhaps
the close up lens would be what screws into the filter threads.
You would make this close up lens just right to accomodate the 
format that you were copying. The outside end of the tube would
have some sort of slot for the slide. When assembled, you would
just drop your slides into these slots and shoot the picture. If
you want 50 copies, do them in the camera at that time.

Using 2x2 slides would be easier because you could center the slides
along the axis of the VM camera. I don't know what the interoccular
of the VM is, but if I had to bet, I would guess that it is at
least a little differnt than Realist, Kodak, or any other classic
3D camera. For Realist slides you may want to mount them in a 
temporary slide that would align to the VM or in separate mounts like
the 2x2x2's.

Additional features could include rack and pinion adjustments for 
fine alignment along the horizontal, vertical, and rotational axes.
What do you think? Someone want to build a prototype.

======================
Robert Thorpe
Cedar Rapids, IA
thorpe@xxxxxxxx
http://www.skep.com


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