P3D Sticking with beamsplitter

[George Themelis <gthemelis@xxxxxxxxx>]

--- SHIELDS@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

> I'll just add that I stick with the beamsplitter
> format because of:
> (1) use of a really modern, but low-cost camera
> behind the beamsplitter 
> (2) choice of focal lengths, again at low cost
> (3) low film/processing cost with the 18X24mm images
> (4) extreme ease of mounting the pre-attached,
> pre-transposed pairs

Points well taken.  With all due respect, may I add
a 5th reason?

(5) I have not tried anything better yet...

>From Mark's postings it would appear that the 
beamsplitter is a good solution for great stereo.
Low cost, convenience, use of modern cameras, etc.
Yet, not many people use beamsplitters.  Why?  
What's the catch?

I would like to hear from some people who switched from
beamsplitter to standard twin lens stereo.  I know two
of them:  Mike K. is one.  He has defended beamsplitter
stereo to death but have not seen or heard anything 
about him working with beamsplitters any more.  He 
tried all kinds of '50s stereo cameras and now he is
waiting for his new RBT S1.  The other is Greg Erker.
He did his initial work with a beamsplitter and he has
slides from his wedding in this format.  He later
discovered the Realist and promptly switched.  Now I
understand that he is heavily into medium format 3d.
I don't think he has touched the beamsplitter for years
now.

These are people who started with beamsplitters.  There
is a tendency for people to defend the medium that 
brought them into stereo, even if later they totally
switched.  Then, there are those people who started
with twin lens stereo and later tried a beamsplitter 
out of curiosity and went "Blaahhhh!"

As for me, I have not tried a beamsplitter myself but
from what I have seen, I have not been convinced that
it is worth trying and basically downgrading from what
I am already doing.  But I might have not seen the
best of this format.  What am I missing?

I would like to hear from people who have used both.
Your honest opinions please!

George Themelis

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