Re: [photo-3d] projectors

[Mike Kersenbrock <michaelk@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Michael Plecas wrote:
> 
> I regularly give slide shows to groups, mostly garden clubs and
> friends.

Excellent!!!! 

> As the crowds got bigger  my old
> projector a Stereo Vivid Deluxe 716A has created some problems. My
> biggest screen is 50 X 50, in order
> to get the people sitting in optimum viewing range I'm  going off the
> screen. I guess I could go out and
> buy a bigger screen, but when I went to the convention and saw the
> presentations there, I started to think
> about the Ektagrapic projectors. Can you mix the different model
> numbers and still link them together for
> fading? 

To some extent.  You obviously want projectors that will
provide the same brightness & size, so there is some matching
one will want to adhere to.  One will also have to consider how
one will apply the polarizer filters.  In the Ektagraphic III 
units, Jon at 3D Concepts sells Brackett polarizing filters
that just clip onto the light submodule (pretty neat).  Internal! 
With older Ektagraphics (did I mention that Ektagraphics are usually
recommended for better stereo alignment?) one needs to do 
otherwise, like putting filters in front of the lenses somehow.

As for fading, I bought used Arion equipment that allows me
programmable fading (etc) of up to 12 projectors, should
I ever have that many.  Got them on ebay for very very little
compared to new prices.  Runs off of tape-recorder input,
so from the same source I got a Fostex 4-track (two tracks
for sound, one for the projectors, and one "spacer" to keep
down crosstalk.  A computer with multichannel soundcards could
work fine instead.  There are other brands available
(and on ebay too).

The controllers I have control Kodak projectors that have a 
control connector on the
back.  This covers most any projector (Ektagraphics anyway)
going back quite a while.  I'm not real familiar with other
brands of projectors.  Kodak's are around in such vast 
quantities, prices are low, especially for old ones -- and
supplies, replacement parts, etc abound.  Even autofocus
Ektagraphic III's are available for pretty good prices on ebay
if one is patient.  Only the polarizers and maybe the silver
screen are niche specialty-items, but even then, those things
are of modern current production.

> Used projectors are less expensive than new and being the
> cheap person I am, would rather
> have extra cash for film. Other than the stand what should I get to
> link them together, cables, control
> boxes, a computer? I've seen lots of related items I just don't know
> whats compatible or easiest to use. I'm

There's also the matter of producing 2x2 slides rather than 
realist-compatible mounts that I presume you are using in your 716
projector.  I'm liking 2x2's more and more.  I've just gotten back
24 rolls of film in the last week (another 8 I pick up Monday) and
what's nice is that it comes mounted from the local processor and
I can just take them out of the little box and pop them in a
viewer immediately.  Instant stereo -- no waiting a couple years
with the uncut film laying around until I get to mounting
them.  :-)  I'll have to remount for projection, but up-front it's
fine straight from the local ordinary processor (or from my bathroom 
those times I've done it).  Of course, one can mount realist sized
chips in suitably sized Gepe 2x2 mounts, but I haven't done that
as of yet.


> looking forward to next years convention and spend more time around
> the Theater. I learned more about
> our hobby in one week than in the 10 years since I bought my first
> stereo camera.
> Thanks
> Micha

Yet again, I hope to make it to the next one after having missed it
for another year.  Hope it doesn't have to be local before I can
make it!

:-)

Mike K.