stereoscopy.com - FAQ

Film Image Formats

Stereo Cameras use a number of different film and image formats. Below, a small section of the most common formats is being shown, along with their nominal dimensions. The actual image dimensions vary from camera to camera, but the basic idea is always the same.

The same length of film is shown in all cases for comparison purposes, even though this does not always allow an even number of frames to be shown (i.e. the Realist and European formats).

Standard 35 mm film dimensions

For complete information, refer to ANSI standard PH1.14-1990.

Standard 35 mm film dimensions

Nimslo / Nishika (4 lenses) - 4 sprocket (24 x 18 mm)

Film chip size is nominally 18 mm wide with a 1 mm frame separation

Nimslo

ImageTech 3D-Magic and 3D Wizard (3 lenses) - 4 sprocket (28 x 18 mm)

ImageTech

Realist - 5 sprocket (24 x 23 mm)

Film chip size is nominally 23 mm wide with a 0.75 mm frame separation

Realist

In this format, the film advances two frames for each exposure (the so-called "Colardeau Progression"). This results in an unused exposure at the beginning and end of the film. The extended film sequence is 1L-unused-2L-1R-3L-2R-4L-3R-etc.

European - 7 sprocket (24 x 30 mm)

Film chip size is nominally 30 mm wide with a 3.325 mm frame separation

European

This pattern requires the camera to advance first one frame, then three frames - the extended sequence on film is 1L2L1R2R - 3L4L3R4R - 5L6L5R6R - etc.

In theory, the cameras are supposed to wind an alternating 7 and 21 sprockets. However, most cameras use a slightly different pattern, such as 7 and 20 sprockets (Belplasca, FED) or 6 2/3 and 20 sprockets (Verascope F40).

Half-Frame - side-by-side on 8 sprocket (½ of 24 x 36 mm)

Film chip size is nominally 36 mm wide with a 2 mm frame separation

Half-Frame

Standard 35 mm - 8 sprocket (24 x 36 mm)

Film chip size is nominally 36 mm wide with a 2 mm frame separation

Standard 35 mm



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Last modified on May 4, 2005


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