[photo-3d] The hassle of twins

["Jim Harp" <matmail2@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>I know why paired cameras are used - it is because there are not that
>many stereo cameras available, or people want to try stereo without
>buying a camera such as a Realist. I still will maintain to my dying
>days, that nothing beats a Realist for stereo photography in its
>construction, lens quality and ability to create great stereo images.
>Twin Cameras are OK, but far more of a hassle than using a purpose built
>Stereo Camera.

Of course the relative merits of a twin rig versus a single stereo camera
are subjective.  For me nothing beats twinned Ricoh XR-10M SLRs.  A single
camera such as a Realist with no ability to vary lens separation is out of
the question.  I don't agree with the assertion that using twin cameras is
"far more of a hassle" and that only a single camera can be used for action
shots.  Yes, I have to focus and set aperture and shutter speed twice
instead of once.  In return for this I can try all sorts of lens spacings,
use modern interchangeable optics and take synchronized hypers.  I can have
slides mounted or prints made without any special instructions to the lab,
and I quickly preview my slides as soon as they come back from the lab in a
2 X 2 viewer.  Working with  5P images seems like far more of a hassle...  I
do take lots of action shots with perfect shutter sync, and I have a full 8P
image size to frame the action in.   Jim Harp