P3D Re: Mount realist in 2x2

[Ronald Beck <ronald-beck@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

As I understand it, local labs have machines that automatically cut and
mount 2x2 slides.  Now, I'm assuming that this automation is configured
to understand that a 2x2 slide is 8 perf and will automatically advance
cut and mount based on this assumption.  Realist slide chips are 5 perf
in width so I would think that an automated machine would pretty well
butcher your slides.

Now, I have used 2x2 plastic slide mounts before with 2x2 shots and have
experienced cutting and mounting my own 2x2 slides.  The mounts used
were slip ins with a small plastic device designed to open the edge of
the 2x2 mount.  You cut your chip, opened the mount and slid the chip
in.  I imagine this could also be done with Realist 5p slides.  However,
as I've seen mentioned in this list before, it would also be a good idea
to mask the open space in the mount so the light from the viewer doesn't
blind you.  And, you then have to take the left and right chip and make
sure that the alignment in the mount is correct.

Now, I have found that if you're willing to go to all the trouble that
the above procedure implies, you might as well mount your Realist chips
in Realist mounts. It doesn't take any more work and you have some
nicely mounted slides.  Or, look for 2x2 mounts that have a 5p opening. 
Or, make masks that will simply slip into the 2x2 mount.

I have learned over and over from this list that there are many ways to
create the desired outcome with regards to stereo photography and
filmchip mounting.  Maybe having your local lab mount your Realist chips
in 2x2 mounts would work.  I say, shoot a test roll and let them have at
it.  If it comes out okay, great!  If it gets butchered, it was just a
test roll anyway and not your once-in-a-lifetime vacation shots!  

Post back and let us know how it works.

Regards,
Ron

> >I am not sure if this has ever been brought up before, so I will ask.
> I was looking through my suppliers catalog of realist mounts and I
> thought it would be inexpensive (less) if you could take your realist
> pictures and then send them off to your local lab and just have them
> mounted as 2x2 pairs on regular mounts.
> 
> You could buy regular 2x2 plastic mounts, process the Realist film, cut the
> chips and place them centered in the 2x2 mounts. Of course, you'd need a 2x2
> viewer.