Re: [photo-3d] Spicer corners

["David W. Kesner" <drdave@xxxxxxxxxx>]

John Goodman writes:

> As a recent Spicer cardboard mount convert, I have no 
> complaints worth mentioning. But I'd very much like to know 
> the origin and history of the rounded window corners. Are they 
> based on historical precedent?

Can't answer this with any authority, but all the metal masks 
have rounded corners. These were probably the first masks 
produced with cardboard coming later. I assume the rounded 
corners were a manufacturing by-product as they are easier to 
die cut. This is just guessing though.

> Are there equal aesthetic merits 
> for "square" and "rounded" corners defining stereo windows? 
> Are there warring camps?  :>)

About the same for prints *{;-)

> In scanning mounted stereoviews, I find that Spicer-mounted 
> views present an additional challenge :  how to preserve the 
> rounded  corners.

Simply scan a larger area to include some of the mount and 
then "doctor" it in an image editing program.

> the other hand, scanned window frames usually show edge 
> reflections, or a bit of micro-fuzz, so precision masks that fit 
> just inside the scanned mount windows, and additional care 
> when using your choice of graphic app, are needed or helpful.

As you say, it will take some additional editing before the 
final product is available. However, if you use a program that 
allows macros, you can always write one to do this.

> This isn't meant as a criticism of Spicer mounts; it's just 
> something I'm finding along the way.

No citicisim taken. Everyone is aware that Steve Spicer never 
had digital scanning in mind when he designed these mounts.

That's all for now,

David W. Kesner
Boise, Idaho, USA
drdave@xxxxxxxxxx