S3D FS: Twin Konica FT-1 truckload of stuff

["Dr. George A. Themelis" <DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I am selling a Twin Konica FT-1 set, consisting of 4 SLR bodies,
6 lenses, twin cables and 3 sliding bars, for only $475.  Here are
the details:

Three years ago I bought Dr. Bernard Stell's twin Konica equipment.
Dr. Stell (now retired from stereo but still alive and well in 
Arizona) was well known in PSA for his stereo work.  One of his
specialties is photographing hummingbirds in flight.  His pictures
and details of his equipment are published in the stereo literature
(Stereoscopy, PSA Journal).  He used this rig, which consists of:

- Two black body Konica FT-1s
- Two Konica AR 135/3.5 lenses

To support the system he hand-constructed a variety of tools, including:

- Combined plugs (the two Konica remote plugs - one for each camera)
  go to a black box (I don't know what is inside the box because I have
  not opened it) and the release button attaches to the other side of
  the box.  Because the wires are plugged (not permanently connected)
  one can vary the length of these plugs for hyperstereos.

- Twin camera vertical mount with toe-in feature, adjustable spacing,
  etc.  With this bar you can mount the Konica cameras (only Konica)
  bottom to bottom to bring the lenses closer.  Convergence control
  is important and it is possible.  The spacing of the cameras is
  adjustable.  A similar bar from Jasper Engineering would cost you
  $140!

- Long bar with sliding bases for the Konicas for variable base
  hyperstereo work.

- Single camera slide bar for macro work.

I bought the entire system but only put one film through it, trying the
vertical mount.  With this first/only roll I took a great portrait of 
my daughter (pictured in my Realist book, p. 119) which has received 
all acceptances in PSA exhibitions.  I did not have the time to use
the system but I did add the following to it:

- Two extra FT-1 bodies
- 4 (yes, four!) Konica AR 40mm/1.8 lenses.  These are the famous
  "pancake" lenses, very compact!

As you can see, I had big plans for this rig... Plans which never
materialized... and never will because now I am in a different area
of stereo. 

I am selling the entire set for stereo photography.  We are talking
about 4 bodies, 6 lenses, spliced cords and 3 hand-constructed slide
bars.  Why would anyone need 4 of the same bodies and the same lenses?
Maybe you don't.  So test all of them, select the best pair and sell
the rest in ebay and basically pay for what you kept!  You can check
ebay to see what prices these cameras go for and what their features
are.   If you are curious, I'll honestly tell you that I paid more than
I am asking today for this set.  But I need to reclaim some space in 
my basement and pay a few bills.

*** I am asking $475, plus shipping, for the entire set!!!

If you think about it... this is the price of an average Realist 2.8.
This is an SLR dream set for those who have plenty of time in their
hands to bring it to its maximum potential.  The FT-1 rigs have been
the favorite of many stereo photographers (Allan Griffin is one).
Try searching in past Stereoscopy and PSA Journal magazines where the
work of Allan Griffin and Bernard Stell (using this exactly outfit)
is described.

Conditions of sale:  I'll give one month to test the rig and the 
option to return it for a full refund minus shipping.  I will not
negotiate a refund for individual items if it so happens that one 
item (say one camera body) does not work well.  If I had the time
to fully test every single piece of equipment individually or in
pairs, then I would be asking much more money for the set!!!

George Themelis
DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PS. If this does not sell, I'd be forced to take it apart and auction it 
    in eBay... I am sure I will make more money this way but it would be 
    much better if it ends up in the hands of a stereo photographer.