P3D Re: Realist Adverts

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

>I was ferreting around on ebay in search for a second realist when I
>noticed the various Realist adverts for auction.
>    
>It would be a cool resource if someone who had these already could do
>hi-res scans that could be put up on a website.

In what respect at these various Realists different from each other?
I am asking because there are only 3 different Realist models and
these look very much alike.  There are some minor differences through
time which can be predicted from the SN of the camera.  All this
information can be summarized in a few pages.  I have done this in
my Realist book, of course.  Maybe one day I will have my own web
page with a section devoted to the Realist so I can put a few
pictures.  For the time being, here is a summary:

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4.3. Different Realist Models

How many different Stereo Realist models exist?  The David White 
Realist camera was based on the same design and was produced for many 
years with little or no changes.  There are two basic models, the 3.5 
(1041) and the 2.8 Realist (1042).  Other than the lenses, they are 
essentially identical, except for the top shutter speed which is 
marked 150 for the 3.5 and 200 for the 2.8.  But even this different 
shutter speed is achieved with the same shutter.  A good technician 
can adjust a 3.5 Realist to 1/200 top speed.  So the camera bodies are 
essentially the same.

The main difference between Realist models is in the lenses.  The 3.5 
models use a 3-element design lens, while the 2.8 models use a 4-element 
design.  In addition, a couple of different lenses are used in each group. 
Early 3.5 Realists carry Ilex Paragon lenses, made in Rochester NY.  Early 
2.8 Realists carry Kodak Ektar lenses.  Later 3.5's and 2.8's carry David 
White lenses, while there are a few rare 3.5 lenses and quite a few 2.8's 
marked "Germany".  [...]

The Custom 2.8 Realist stands in a class of its own. [...]

Name of         Model    Max     Max          Different 
Camera           ID   Aperture  Speed          Lenses
-------------  ------ -------- -------  -----------------------------
Realist 3.5	1041	f3.5	1/150	· Ilex· David White· Germany
Realist 2.8	1042	f2.8	1/200	· Ektar· David White· Germany
Realist Custom	1050	f2.8	1/200	· Rare Earth 2.8
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(From DrT's Realist book - available for sale - contact me for details)

George Themelis
DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx