[photo-3d] Re: Subject: Printing Realist Pairs

["Thom Gillam" <ThomGillam@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

--- In photo-3d@xxxxxxxxxxx, Edward Comer <ecomer@xxxx> wrote:
> Regarding "Mark Dottle's" markaren@xxxx"
> comments, while you are technically correct in saying
> that any lab could print the uncut negatives, that
> isn't the problem. (1) most labs don't want to do
> anything out of the norm; (2) many labs are operated
> by kids who only know how to do the basics and can't
> be expected to deviate from their rote and ill trained
> role; (3) most labs are now only able to print 4X6
> inch - we want 3X5 for viewcards; (4) the operators
> will only use the machines in full-auto mode and the
> overlap creates printing exposure problems with some
> of EVERY roll that I have tried as you describe. So,
> don't laugh - the problem is real. 


Ed, you are absolutely correct.  Any one-hour lab can print 35mm film 
which is, after all, what comes out of a Realist.  The problem Ed 
mentions in (4) is the mcguffin.

A 5 perf negative can be centered in the normal 8 perf mask (36mm X 
24mm) but parts of the adjacent images are included as well.  Even if 
you can get a print machine operator who is willing to manually 
override the automation, the new machines do not start at zero: the 
operator can only override the machine AFTER the exposure has been 
read.  The adjacent fragments visible to the machine will skew the 
reading; since the adjacent fragments are different from left chip to 
right, the starting point presented to our intrepid operator is of 
necessity different.  I had an EXCELLENT technician do the best he 
could in that mode and still come up short (after many, many tries).

The only solution that works is when the 5 perf frame is masked 
completely, and left and right chips are thus equal. EVEN THEN a 
perfectly matched pair is not a given.  The operator may still have
to tweak the exposures to get them right.  If the image needs to be 
adjusted for over or under exposure or if you are after something
more than a basic print, for example, a sunset or silhouette, the 
problem is compounded.

I have found a photofinisher who will do the job right.  The service 
is not cheap but it is GOOD!  They make the prints on a medium-format 
print machine, mask to the 23mm x 24mm size of the negative, then 
enlarge to 3-1/2" wide x 3-3/4" high on Kodak paper.  Each exposure
is set manually, and matched with the corresponding negative to 
produce MATCHED pairs.

I have had four rolls done, with only one redo: they printed one 
negative twice instead of a left and right pair.  They cheerfully 
reprinted (for no additional charge) and even mailed the prints along 
with my UNCUT, ROLLED film, to save me from having to make the 60
mile round trip drive to pick them up. As soon as I get a chance to 
mount one I'll post an example in the eGroup Files.

Each print is $1.00.  That's right...$2.00 per pair (Ouch! But hey, 
you get what you pay for).  I know, I know, I know, this is expensive 
but service this good is hard to find, and so far I haven't seen 
anyone else step up to the plate and deliver the goods like this.  
This is custom work at a very attractive price, and I am making 
arrangements to make this service available to all.

Sorry for the sales pitch.  I will shortly post full details to 
Sell-3D but meanwhile, any interested parties may contact me at 
thomgillam@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx