T3D Interesting Magnifier for a 3D viewer?

["Franklin J. Flocks" <fjf@xxxxxxxxxx>]

            I bought two interesting magnifiers last week that I 
       think may be useful in making or modifying a stereo viewer.

            The magnifiers are contained in Pentax Waist-Level 
       Magni-Finders (Model FE-1).  They were designed for a top of 
       the line Pentax camera that has not been made for about 10 
       years. The finders originally cost about $300, but since the 
       cameras are no longer made, I managed to get them for $75 
       each.  I have not yet decided whether theses magnifier will 
       make a great viewer. Here are some pluses and minus:

            The focal length of the lenses appears to be about 35mm. 
       Magnification is about 8X.   They cover full frame (which is 
       understandable, since they were designed for viewing the ground 
       glass focusing screen of a 35mm camera.). The diameter of the 
       eyepiece lens is about 26mm.  They can be focused individually.  
       The center sharpness is excellent, and they lenses have great 
       contrast.  

            On the other hand, because of the short focal length, 
       focus is very critical. Additionally, despite the wide 
       diameter of the eyepiece lens, some type of inter ocular 
       adjustment will probably be necessary, because the image must 
       be viewed on axis to avoid distortion.  

            In any event, experimenters might find it worth while to 
       keep an eye out for these magnifiers.