[photo-3d] Re: XA Twin Rig/Elite Chrome 200

[Mark Shields <beamsplitter@xxxxxxxx>]

This is how it ended up:

I got the slides home and remounted them for stereo, learning
how to tear apart plastic mounts in the process. I developed
a template for mounting the two chips side-by-side in 2X2 mounts
(heavy cropping!) and a procedure that actually makes them a
good bit easier than Nimslo slides, which is great! These are
viewed mixed with beamsplitter and Nimslo slides using my
custom-illuminated Pentax beamsplitter viewer.

The stretch with the increased stereobase is noticeable, but
acceptable. I was able to do a useable head-and-shoulders
portrait. For medium distance scenes, the stretch is even
helpful. In contrast, the Nimslo, with its shorter than normal
stereobase (about 50mm IIRC) tends to squash.

Exposure was more accurate than the Nimslo--bracketing should
not be necessary for most shots. OTOH more practice is necessary
to make both exposures at the same time, or what is gained by
more accurate exposure will be lost. I got five useable
shots out of 24--not great, but this was only a test. In addition,
I got a couple of useable flat shots--the other side was blurred
due to camera motion when I released that shutter, or because
focus was off. They aren't stereo, but I got the picture,
which is still the goal. The Nimslo wouldn't have at all.

I'll certainly use the beamsplitter when I can for convenience
and film economy, but this slips into my briefcase nicely and
will cover situations the Nimslo can't--a camera for all
occasions (almost)--much better in low light. The Nimslo will do
tight portraits better (using adjacent lenses) if there is enough
light. And the Nimslo will do a somewhat better wide angle shot
with 30mm as opposed to 35mm in the XA's, although the advantage
is lost vertically in the Nimslo with its shortened frame. So the
XA twin rig, loaded with Kodachrome 200, will replace the Nimslo
in my briefcase.

Mark

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