[photo-3d] AF Cameras and stereo

["Joseph Valvo" <jvalvo@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Having just started stereo, and with a twin rig, I have limited shooting experience but do basically agree with Mike. If high enough f stops are used focus field is increased and often adequate. However on a recent shoot in Colorado with a twin rig I put on belt and suspenders by AF focusing right, then swing and AF left, then center again and turn off AF. Every shot exactly on target. Motion freeze was generally very good since I use electric cord release. All the work was scenery but remember that this is in the high country elevs of 11000 to 13000 feet where the wind and/or breeze never ceases. 

Quite often I also used one camera for metering then set both manual. However, since I also print I do on occasion let each camera expose where it chooses, giving me in effect bracketing choices. The stereo slide pair still views okey since the mind sees some half way exposure (that is except for the hypercritical viewer who insists evaluate by on shutting one eye then the other. (For them I built a sensor and stick in the viewer!).

Haven't done much action stereo yet (sports, etc.) but when I do I will set up exactly as I have with mono camera. That is, for stereo, pre-visualize then focus both cameras at the plane of action, turn off AF, shoot. To me it would be a waist of time and film to try tracking focus and shoot as stacked focus and shutter time delays are to much to cope with. Some results will be obtained but I want higher yield. To me stop action should be exactly that! To my reckoning the same time delay situation applies to a true stereo camera, regardless of cost. Of course one could always use AF focus or swing track and when it comes out messed up call it art! I am going to try some of that with carnival rides and call it 4D stereo! 

One exception for action might be a semi to dark studio set up with flash. But that is of limited value since how would one track focus in the dark? 

I am in your corner Mike, but willing to be challenged and learn more "how to" stereo.

Joseph F. Valvo




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