P3D Fwd: Realist in the Closet?

[markaren@xxxxxxxxx (Karen Obusek)]

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• From: markaren@xxxxxxxxx (Karen Obusek)
• Subject: P3D Realist in the Closet?
• Date: Sun, 5 Sep 1999 09:54:10 -0400 (EDT)

Many RBT owners told me I would never touch the Realist again once I
received my X4. I would never part with my Realist and IMO the Realist
is probably the best stereo camera ever made. ( IMO..please no
flames...I'm sure the Realist is second only to your camera :-)) I would
use the Realist for the following occasions/reasons:
1) grab the camera and go...throw it into a gym bag, my briefcase, the
car seat and not worry about the camera rolling around.
2) Maximum DOF while hand-holding and using slower film like Velvia or
K64. Leaf shutters allow me to hold the camera steadier. Also the bridge
of the nose and forehead transform the photographer into one large
monopod! :-)
3) bad weather shooting....the Realist is tried and proven. I've used it
in the rain and snow and it has never failed me.
4) large crowded events.....already I've had my X4 bumped and knocked by
inconsiderate people who will not be careful. With the Realist you can "
bump back" and inflict a nice bruise.:-)
5)Flash Sync at any speed!! I miss this feature on the X4 as I like to
use fill-flash on most of my work. If fill flash is required on a darker
day and I wish to maintain good DOF.....grab the Realist
6) flip lenscap....how convenient! I've missed shots with the X4 because
I took too much time removing both lenscaps and placing them in my
pocket. ( please don't suggest I dangle both caps off of those
strings....I hate cap-keepers!)
Whay am I telling you the advantages of a Realist while I own an X4?
Because, for folks out there considering an RBT, the camera is not the
panacea to all of your stereo desires, but rather another very nice tool
for your toolbox. Evaluate your equipment, determine the advantages and
disadvantages and consider your needs from there. I love the X4...don't
know how I made it this far without one.:-) But my Realist shares equal
footing so far. I have images from both cameras that are great! 
                                           Mark Dottle

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