[photo-3d] de Wijs Combi viewer

["John Goodman" <jgood@xxxxxxxx>]

John A. Rupkalvis asked:

> Where is the "Comby" viewer available?

3D Concepts is the source in the US. Some images and info 
are at:

http://www.dewijs-3d.com

I'm not sure if these viewers are in stock or made to order, but 
just to whet your appetite, here are some details.

The individual focusing double achromat (and coated) oculars 
are 32mm in diameter and either 50mm or 45mm focal length 
(5X or 5.6X), with interocular adjustment from 57 to 68mm. 
50mm lenses offer better coverage for full frame applications.

The "Combi" name probably comes from the ingenious and 
exquisitely executed design that allows quick and easy 
accommodation of both 41x101 and 2x2x2 stereo formats. The 
slide holder/guide can be withdrawn from the main body 
without tools, inverted and replaced to switch between formats. 
With either format, the viewing area is at least 36mm square 
for each side, so uncompromised full frame viewing is possible.

The craftsmanship and quality of materials is extremely fine, 
with the body machined from aluminum, as is the invertible 
slide guide (which is anodized black), while the ocular holder 
and spacing adjustment mechanism is made of brass. The glass 
diffuser makes the illumination appear very even when the 
viewer is used in steal the light mode. A 1/4 inch tripod socket 
is provided.

The cost, with either focal length oculars, is about $700, and a 
pair of oculars alone runs about $250. Not a bargain, but well 
worth it, considering the performance, materials, and 
workmanship. There is a certain amount of pincushion 
distortion visible, but this may be inevitable with the type of 
optics used. If an aesthetic change were possible, I'd prefer that 
the edges and front corners were radiused rather than 
chamfered at 45 degrees.

At one time, a dedicated de Wijs light attachment was 
available, at about the same cost as the viewer. It too appears 
to be CNC machined from billet aluminum, but has a bead-
blasted rather than bright finish. It mates perfectly with the 
splines machined in the rear of the Combi viewer, the 
combination then being about 20 cm from the tip of the 
oculars to the rear of the attachment. Twin 4.4 watt halogen 
bulbs are powered by either a transformer or 4 rechargeable C 
size batteries contained within the attachment. The attachment 
has a special laminated glass diffuser, a rheostat control, and 
supplies beautifully uniform illumination from corner to corner. 
The viewer/light combination is quite heavy, however, and is 
best enjoyed when securely located at a convenient height. 
Now that miniature fluorescent sources are common, other 
lighting setups can be enjoyed.

> Does it have eyecups or an eye shield to reduce back
> reflection from ambient light? 

No. This might be a welcome accessory for people who don't 
wear glasses. I find that when wearing glasses, I want to get as 
close to the oculars as possible.

jeg

 

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