P3D Twin SLRs

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

Dennis Green asked for information on Twin SLR camera systems.  It's a
coincidence that the latest issue of Stereoscopy (Sept. '99 - this is
the magazine of ISU, the International Stereoscopic Union, published
4 times a year) carries an article, the first in a series, by Allan
Griffin, Hon.PSA (one of the few in the world carrying this title).

The title of the article is "Twin SLR Stereo - Part I".  It makes a
fascinating reading because Allan is writing as he would talk to you
in person, and he is a real character!

Allan starts by stating that Twin SLR is a powerful tool for the
production of specialty stereo slides prints, performing the best
when: 1) coupled with 135mm lenses for sports action (Allan has 
helped make this area very popular) 2) hyperstereos with any lens
and wider camera separations.

This is a very important point:  "Twin SLR is never intended to replace
your standard stereo camera, which is, in most cases, the best tool
for your standard stereo photographs."  It seems to me that some 
people see Twin SLRs as a replacement for a Realist, etc.  I'd say,
forget it!

Allan continues with a brief history of the field, which initiated
25 years ago when Konica released the classic FS-1, the first
"affordable" camera "with electric input ports permitting the
release of twinned camera shutters simultaneously using a single
push bottom switch."  An impressive number of stereo workers got
into the field with this camera, which continues to serve Allan well.

I might add that this was followed by two more very popular twin rigs:

- Konica FT-1
- Minolta X-700

Allan got into the FT-1s and has published a good number of articles
in "Stereoscopy" on how to select the Konica's, test for synchronization,
use, etc.  Paul Milligan and others (myself included) got into the X-700.
Three years ago I bought the FT-1 set from another stereo worker,
Bernard Stell, who retired and sold all his stereo gear.  Dr. Stell was
well known in PSA for his work with hummingbirds with this set.  Today,
I will be offering this for sale.  See sell-3d for details on an
amazing deal!

While Konica has discontinued the FS/FT series, you can still find
bodies, lenses and accessories, in the used market.  Minolta still
sells the X-700 bodies new.  Used bodies and lenses are readily
available in the used market.

Allan continues by stating that "currently there are two non-autofocus
SLRs on the market very suitable for synchronized Twin SLR Stereo (there
might be others)."  These are:

- Ricoh XR-X3PF (others mentioned XR-10M, I searched the B&H ads and
  could not find any Ricoh cameras listed for sale new)

- Pentax MZM (this might be known in the USA a ZX-M)

Allan Griffin promises to continue this series with tips on how to select
and test cameras for synchronization.  The article is written in a very
entertaining fashion and it well worth joining ISU ($20/year, check ISU's
web page at www.stereoscopy.com/isu - many loyal ISU members are now in
Lindau Germany, attending the ISU World Congress) to get this and the next 
issues for your library.  An extra bonus of this issue is the article by
Editor Robert Leonard on the Film Festival in Cannes.  Check the color
pictures and enjoy Christi Lake (maybe Mark Kernes can tell us more? :-))
in 3d!!!

George Themelis