[photo-3d] Re: stereo prints

["Todd Leghorn" <musclepuppy@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Message: 11
   Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 18:30:50 EDT
   From: PHOTOMORGAN@xxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Digest Number 174


For stereo prints in any size try the lab listed below

      http://home.att.net~graphicsterminalinc/index.htm

Reply:
Photomorgan:

That link doesn't seem to work. Are you sure that's correct?

By the way, I used to work in a few labs. A *few* members on this forum hit 
the nail on the head on why it's difficult to print Stereo Realist format. 
Others seem to be guessing since it is all-too-obvious that they are naive 
on how lab printing machines analyze film data.

It is correct that a 5-perf negative in an 24x36mm negative frame will 
result in unpredictable or variable results due to the adjacent negative 
image areas on a given strip: The photo sensors read read red, green, blue, 
and density. The *slightest* change in positioning the negative will impact 
color balance and print density. The other big factor is the space between 
the negatives: the unexposed clear area. I guarantee that the printer's 
photo sensors do not know how to automatically ignore that impact. It 
requires a manual override on the part of the printer operator, otherwise 
the print will be apt to print too light.

It takes a override on the part of the printer operator who is competent in 
what the industry calls "subject classification". A skilled printer 
technician knows that 90% of the exposures on an average roll of film do 
*not* print their best if the printing machine is left at "Normal".

When I worked in a lab, I made a simple mask with black opaque plastic tape 
that framed in the left and right sides of the 24x36mm film aperture so that 
I could print Stereo Realist format. It also required  the operator (me) to 
write down and track the subject classification value overrides for each 
left-right pair so that they have a chance of matching. It's conceptually 
easy but it is much more cumbersome and time-consuming than printing a 
regular roll of film where you do not have to match each print's density and 
color balance. Also remember  please that this is production equipment: 
time, resources, and efficiency impact money! A dollar per print that one 
chap gets is a bargain when you look at how it impacts efficiency.

It is all-too-true that many a photo lab is staffed with klutzes, but it is 
not reasonable to expect all labs to embrace--let alone be competent 
in--jerry-rigging their printing machine to print Stereo Realist format at 
high standard. You're lucky if full frame 35mm is printed to a high 
standard!

It is a wondrous curiosity to hear criticisms of a photo lab's lack of 
resolve or competence in printing Stereo Realist format. But I can 
truthfully say, "Been there. Done that" from the technical application and 
point of view.

Todd




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