P3D Re: 5p vs 7p

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

renel@xxxxxxxxxxxxx (Gilles Laberge) asks:

>Is it worth to go on 7p ?? 

It is up to you to decide... There are several issues involved.
Here is what I wrote in my Realist book (available for sale
from the author and a few selected stereo dealers):

"6.5. Five Sprockets vs. Seven Sprockets

Stereo camera manufacturers settled the argument by selecting the 
Realist format but for many photographers today this is a burning 
question:  Which format is better, 5 sprockets ("Realist") or 7 
sprockets ("European")?  Here is my opinion on this issue:  Realist 
traded width for film economy, giving us a very dense stereo format 
(there is no film waste with a Realist).  The almost square size is a 
good choice for a variety of photographic situations and it has the 
extra advantage that it will fill a projection screen (these are 
usually square) or it can be magnified to the maximum degree by round 
lenses.  Also, it works well with Holmes' prints.  On the other hand, 
the wider "European" or "Full frame" formats are more appropriate for 
certain subjects, like landscapes, and can be impressive in 
projection, occupying a larger viewing area.  And of course, if 
desired, the wider formats can always be cropped down to a square 
size.

A clarification is needed on the projection issue:  If Realist format 
slides are mixed with European format slides then the wider formats 
have an advantage since they give larger projected images for the same 
projection setup.  But, if the two formats are not mixed and if the 
available screen is square (typically all screens for home use) then 
the Realist format will give a larger projected image by filling the 
entire screen.

So, what is the serious stereo photographer going to do?  Abandon the 
Realist in search of the elusive Belplasca?  Mortgage his home for an 
RBT camera?  Maybe not.  For many photographic situations the Realist 
is just the right camera.  And, again, technique is many times more 
important than sheer size.  I have seen photographic masterpieces 
recorded with a humble Realist 3.5 camera.  Creativity, talent and 
imagination are the limits, not the camera format.  But if the urge to 
step up to 7 sprockets is irresistible, consider the Realist 7p 
modification (Section 9.4)."

George Themelis
DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx