Re: [photo-3d] slides from negatives?

[Brian Reynolds <reynolds@xxxxxxxxx>]

Michael Levy wrote:
> Once I tried making positives by taking screen shots of inverted
> images in B&W.  It worked, but not very well.  The problem is
> probably more to do with not taking the shots correctly and having a
> small monitor. Incidentally, does anyone know any secrets for taking
> screen shots?  Exposures, film, filtration?

I used to take photos of computer screens, but haven't in a while.

Having a small monitor shouldn't be a problem.  So long as the pixel
resolution is the same, a smaller monitor will have a finer dot pitch
and will look better than a large monitor.  Sun standard pixel
resolution is 1152x900.  The old 14 and 15 inch monitors (back when 15
inch really meant 15 inches of usable area not counting overscan and
other unused portions of the tube) looked much better than the 17, 19
and 21 inch monitors that came afterwards.

First, you should set the camera up on a tripod.  Be careful about
getting the camera centered on the screen and the lens axis
perpendicular both horizontally and vertically.  You will need to use
a shutter speed of 1/30 second or slower.  Make sure the room is dark.
Use black electrical tape to cover any indicator lights on the
computer, monitor, etc.  You want to eliminate any reflections on the
monitor and glare from other light sources.  I have thought about
building a monitor hood from black foamcore, but haven't done it.
This would let you photograph the monitor in daylight.  Using a longer
than normal focal length will compensate for screen curvature.  I
don't remember how I picked the aperture.  Assuming that you are using
a 35mm SLR you might start with the camera meter reading and bracket
by a stop or two.  After the first couple of attempts you should be
able to pick an aperture without bracketing.

There used to be a FAQ on this, but I don't think anyone maintains it
anymore.  The arrival of cheap color printers has pretty much
eliminated most peoples interest in photographing computer monitors in
order to get output.

-- 
Brian Reynolds                  | "Dee Dee!  Don't touch that button!"
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http://www.panix.com/~reynolds  |    -- Dexter and Dee Dee
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