Re: [photo-3d] New 3D'er

["John A. Rupkalvis" <stereoscope@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ron Beck" <rbeck@xxxxxxxx>
To: <photo-3d@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2000 11:07 AM
Subject: Re: [photo-3d] New 3D'er


> I have used the Kodak mounting service in the past.  It is extremely
> slow, in part because of all the routing my film goes through to get to
> the proper plant that performs the stereo mounting service.  I have had
> some of my slides mounted incorrectly although the majority of slides
> done by Kodak have been fine.  However, my slides are mainly for family
> viewing so minor errors that might show up in a competition are often
> overlooked.
>
> Still, I have found a local 1-hour lab that processes my slides, sleeves
> them and doesn't roll them up tightly.  I have purchased a large number
> of heat seal mounts from eBay as well as a film cutter.  I now mount my
> own slides simply because I like the control I have on doing it myself.
> Once you get a process in place, it's really pretty easy.
>
> Hope this helps,
> Ron
>
> Bernard Ente wrote:
> >
> > I'm just getting started in stereo photography. I bought a Realist 3.5
and a Realist 45. I plan on mounting the film myself. However, I know that
Kodak will develop and mount Realist-format film. Do any of you use the
Kodachrome stereo mounting service?
> >
> > Bernie
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

These two messages seem to be typical of several I have seen on various
threads.

The thought occurred to me, that many potential newcomers are dissuaded from
the stereoscopic hobby because of the necessity for mounting slides.  Others
who do shoot stereos, might shoot a lot more if it were not for the
necessity for mounting.

It also occurred to me, that this might make for a nice niche for a home
business for someone who has the time and is looking for supplemental
income.  It might be ideal for a retiree or someone who is disabled.  I know
that I, for one, would welcome such a service.  I have boxes of stereos in
filmstrip form that I have never had time to mount.

Two levels of service could be offered at two different prices: a low cost
cardboard (probably heat seal) mount for general purpose viewer-only
applications, and a "custom" high quality precision pin registered mount for
competition and salon projection applications.   Kodak could always use some
competition, and I don't know of any service for precision projection type
mounting right now).

Anyone else have any thoughts on this, or anyone who would like to do this?

 JR