[photo-3d] Re: New stereo viewer from Alan Lewis

["Stuart Stiles" <sstiles@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

As one who has attempted to design an inexpensive, folding stereo 
viewer that can be included in books of Holmes style images, I can 
appreciate the economic reality into which Alan's new lorgnette has 
been launched. Thank you, Alan, for producing such a great looking 
viewer. Even more, thank you for the concern that you express for the 
quality of the lens and the precision that you seek in making the 
lens board.

If only we could mass produce such beautiful glass and mahogany 
viewers for under ten dollars each, then publishers might consider 
providing them for their customers. The plastic lorgnettes are a 
modest means for providing assistance for readers who may not have 
their own stereoscopes, or who may not want to cut their book apart 
just to view the stereo photos in the traditional viewers.

Of course there is that other option for stereo viewing, the one that 
does not even require a stereoscope, namely free viewing. Even though 
I designed the 3D Book Viewer, I do encourage my students 
and my friends to learn to free view stereo pairs. Free viewing is 
really useful when it is mastered, it is exciting when it is first 
learned, and it is the most economic means that I can think of to 
generate stereopsis from stereo pair images. Why do I need another 
stereoscope? 

Perhaps I am just trying to resist this new temptation, because I am 
really excited by the craftsmanship that is evident in Alan's viewer.

Now, for one more look at Paul's RMM page, before I look for my check 
book (which itself is really 3D, even when I am flat broke!)

          Stuart

PS   I have to save enough cash to be able to go to New York City 
tomorrow for the special New York Stereoscopic Society gathering to 
see the House of Wax film at the Film Forum.
     

--- In photo-3d@xxxxxxxxxxx, Paul Talbot <list_post@xxxx> wrote:
> Here's some on-topic 3D news!
> 
> Another excellent stereo viewer product from the workshop
> of Alan Lewis is now available!  The Glass Lorgnette I,
> made from solid mahogany (of course!):
>