S3D Re: FS: Twin Konica FT-1 truckload of stuff

[wwalsh <3dshooter@xxxxxxx>]

"Dr. George A. Themelis" wrote:

> 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.

George,

If still avaliable I'll take it.


Bill