[photo-3d] Realist part II

["Dr. George A. Themelis" <drt-3d@xxxxxxx>]

I think it is appropriate to quote section 4.8 of my
Realist book:

4.8. What Others Say About the Realist

Through the years the Stereo Realist has managed to evoke 
strong feelings among stereo photographers.  These are 
reflected, for example, in heated discussions in email 
lists like photo-3d.  There are those who like the Realist 
and those who dislike it.  

Some of the reasons people site for disliking it:  It is 
built like a brick or weapon, heavy with sharp corners.  
It resembles more a scientific instrument than a camera 
(questionable aesthetics).  It is unfriendly, difficult to 
use and/or to get used to.  

On the other hand, there are those who are attracted to 
the unusual design and looks of the Realist.  

Here is some of the praise that the Realist has received 
in the published literature. Morgan and Symmes [18] in 
"Amazing 3D" write: "The Realist is an elegant machine, 
and was quite modern for its time.  Rochwite came to its 
design with an open mind, shifting the basic components 
to positions that made engineering sense but broke with 
manufacturing tradition."

Jess Powell, well-known stereo camera repairman, writes [42]: 

"During my years of camera repairing, I have yet to see a 
camera as rugged and reliable as the Realist.  Most people 
like the appearance of the Realist.  Mr. Pins, noted 
writer for Shutterbug calls it the 'Cadillac of stereo'".  
He recalls the story where one of his high school students 
was disappointed that this was not one of the latest 
computers.  It was only a camera.  This reminds me of when 
I was asked if it was a digital camera.  These comments 
reflect respect for the unusual appearance of the Realist, 
I believe.  

Also, Powell makes the following comments about specific 
Realist functions:

Shutter:  "Truly one of the greatest shutters of all time.  
No nonsense American approach to mechanical problems."

Rangefinder:  "The Realist rangefinder is a joy to behold!  
Most accurate, reliable and easy to maintain of all stereo 
cameras.  Extremely long base and a sensitive screw for 
fine adjustment. "

Flash system:  "Outstanding!  Accepts M bulbs at 1/25, F 
bulbs at 1/25 and 1/50 and X (electronic flash) synch at 
all speeds."

Viewfinder: "Except for the missing spirit level, just 
about the perfect viewing system.  Absolutely no parallax 
as it is positioned between the two taking lenses.  As 
accurate as naked eyesight viewing."

On alleged user-unfriendliness: "There is no doubt that 
the two additional steps are time consuming.  However, 
the system being separate does lead to a simple, more 
accurate, precise, and reliable wind system."

George Themelis