P3D RBT Precision

[Bob_Maxey@xxxxxxxx]

>>I would imagine that any person or group of people that designed the RBT
>>cameras MUST be aware of this simple fact.  So, why is this happening?  Why
>>is the camera designated 75mm spacing of lenses and not 76mm?  Is this 1mm
>>offset done on purpose?  If yes, what is the purpose?

No Offense and with the greatest respect for Dr. T, But.........

I hardly think the designers of the RBT are unaware of how stereo cameras are /
should be designed. As for 1mm - that is a tiny number to be worrying about. An
RBT is not a camera designed to some amazing precision tolerances - it is indeed
a good camera based upon the reviews and comments from users, anyway. It is,
from all reports, well made and does a great job. The only way any problem could
be determined is by testing the hypothesis that a silly little millimeter makes
a difference.

Do not forget, many of these models are joined cameras. I do not need to point
this out. Therefore, the precision of the camera is dependent upon either the
precision of the basic cameras joined together, or the quality of workmanship
and modifications done by the RBT folks.

If the RBT were designed to extreme tolerances, then very few on this list would
be able to afford one. Extreme precision comes at a price and in the case of
stereo cameras is not needed. At least in the mechanicals. I know some will
chastise me for that comment, but if there is a big difference, prove it to
us/me/whoever.

As I type this, I'll throw out this comment: Since everyone on this list,
everyone you or I know, everyone on the planet.... we all have different spacing
between our eyes, if measured carefully enough. We then have viewers and cameras
that are essentially fixed. The eyes vary in focal length as well. So how can
anyone test the hypothesis that a millimeter makes an appreciable difference?
Too many variables probably make this impossible.

No offense to anyone, but some may suddenly start seeing problems with their RBT
images because of this discussion. If this is happening, test out your theories.

The Stereo Realist is a big, bulky, uncomplicated camera that is most certainly
not designed to great tolerances. It is a very non-precision camera compared to
Leica or Linhof or Hasselblad. It gets the job done and in a rather (PLEASE
REALIST GODS EXCUSE ME) Clunky, lumbering manner. But in this day of high tech
and manufacturing processes that make high precision run of the mill, the old
Realist is still an extremely capable camera. Ant it is not high tech or
precision.

RM