P3D Re: Rules... rules... rules

[Ronald Beck <ronald-beck@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

That's what my son says when I tell him "The rule is...." for whatever
situation he's being chastised for.

Bob Maxey said...
> Perhaps the word "Rule" could be changed. A rule is just that, a rule. When
> a rule is challenged because of so many exceptions, then it becomes less
> like a rule and more like a guideline. Fact is, you can't tell what rules
> or separation guidelines were followed from looking at many images. If I
> separate say 3 inches rather than 2-1/2, and my mounting is changed, the
> viewer is left with good looking images in stereo with no perceptible
> changes in some of the factors everyone is discussing. I have read on a web
> site that there is such a thing as "Too Much Stereo Depth". How is this
> possible?


Actually, I believe the entire term which should be or has been used for
this topic is "rule of thumb" which basically translates to "guideline".

So, as I understand it from various discussions, a good "guideline" or
"rule of thumb" is that lens separation should be 1/30 of the distance
to your subject.

Personally, I use a Kodak Stereo which has a fixed separation and throw
out any slides that I have to struggle to fuse.  And, with my SLR, I use
the cha-cha method as my kids move much too fast for me to try to figure
out what 1/30 of the distance is between me and them.

As for the "you don't know your A*& from a hole in the ground" type
comments, that's okay with me too.  Everyone has their opinions,
educated guesses and calculations for coming up with the best stereo
photos.  I learn from them all by using what will work best for me and
ignoring the rest.

On another topic, has anyone received my stereo slides from Kodak by
mistake?  I think they were firework pictures but I don't remember.  I
waited too long to get them in for developing.  I really need to start
labeling these things!  If you got a set of cardboard mounted slides
from Kodak and you don't recognize them, let me know.  Maybe I can
identify them for you :-) :-) :-)

Thanks & regards,
Ron