[photo-3d] Realist green button viewer

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

Robert MacLeay writes:

>As the owner of the Green Button in question, I though I'd add a
>few comments.  While I prefer the appearance, shape, and "feel"
>of the GB, I must admit to having the same reservations George
>has regarding its long-term sturdiness.  The one I shared at the
>Stereo Dinner had been partially refurbished by myself, though I
>am still not satisfied with it.  In particular, the crummy
>cardboard reflector imparts a yellow cast to the view which I do
>not care for.  It does boast one of George's halogen bulbs, which
>helps greatly.

The Green Button Realist viewer is a decent viewer
and does a good job of showing Realist format slides.
I will summarize a few tips about this viewer... More
details are found in my book which comes with a hardware
package with a replacement reflector:

http://home.att.net/~drt-3d/catalog/viewerbooks/index.htm

The (+) of this viewer are:

- Good quality optics:  Always clear and sharp.  No haze
  problems as in the red button.

- Dual AC/DC operation, but you must have the DC cartridge
  to use it with batteries (this is sometimes missing).  Once
  you have batteries in the viewer, you can switch to AC
  without taking the batteries off because the two circuits
  are electrically isolated from each other.

- Solid and durable construction.  Unlike the red button it
  resists impact.  It is easy to disassemble.  All components
  are readily accessible.  Unlike the Kodaslide II, there are
  no problem with the electrical AC system.

The (-) of this viewer are:

- Recessed lenses:  Lenses sit at least 4mm deeper than the
  red button.  This make it hard to see 5p or 7p if the carrier
  is enlarged.  For wider viewing I prefer the red button.

- Not very reliable adjustments.  Interocular and focusing are
  based on friction and are prone to slippage.  Lenses are
  prone to misalignment.  Not as reliable controls as the
  all metal red button controls.

Tips for improving the viewer:

1) Replace the original reflector.  This is made out of paper
and has turned off-white with the years.

2) Clean lenses, contacts, lubricate moving components.

3) Enlarge slide carrier to 7p.  (Putting the carrier
back might take some effort).

4) Consider painting lamp interior and use a brighter bulb.
You can also paint the back of the carrier if it has turned
off white.  For bulbs I recommend the halogen for DC and
the 75V/6W for AC.  If you improve the illumination in this
viewer then you will not need to use it at full blast in
the AC mode... 

5) Install a pair of plastic screw nuts to hold the cover
screws when opening the top cover (I owe this tip to Jon
Golden)

6) Check for alignment of lenses and alignment of carrier
as it is focused back and forth.  These problems could be
corrected.

7) You can polish the plastic case and make it look
like new.  In particular, the green AC dial polishes
very well and if you repaint the numbers in it, it will
look great!

In addition to my book and hardware package (which contains
the new reflector and plastic nuts), I also have replacement
rheostat dials but these are black instead of green.  I also
carry halogen and AC bulbs.

George Themelis

 

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