About 3-D Photography
| Questions
and Answers
About 3-D Photography |
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| Q-1: What is 3-D Photography? | A-1: 3-D (or stereo) photography uses a special two-lensed camera with lens spacing about the same as your eyes. When the resulting two images are viewed in a two-lensed viewer, each eye sees the single corresponding image intended for it. The brain fuses these into a true three dimensional image with all of the depth and reality as the original. |
| Q-2: What do I need to get started in 3-D photography? | A-2: Although 3-D pictures can be taken with any camera (as long as the subjects are not moving), the simplest way to take 3-D prints is with an Argus Point-and-shoot 3-D Print Camera . It even comes with it's own 3-D Print Viewer. The easiest way to start taking 3-D slides is to get a 1950's stereo camera, such as a Stereo Realist or Kodak Stereo. Some independent labs still offers stereo mounting or you can cut and mount your own. Add a 3-D slide viewer and that's all you need! |
| Q-3: What books will give more "In Depth" information about 3-D photography? | A-3: For beginners "Photographing in 3-D" is a great start. If you are more advanced, "Stereo Photography" by F. Waack is much more detailed. You will find these books in the "Books in 3-D and About 3-D" listing on our home page index. |
| Q-4: Are any 3-D cameras available new? | A-4: We are pleased to offer the Argus Stereo Print camera on our home page index. Click on it! There are a number of currently made multi-lensed cameras for lenticular 3-D prints. For 3-D slides, stereo cameras from the 1950's such as the Stereo Realist and Kodak Stereo are still the most popular, but they must be found in the used camera market. Also, the Russian FED Stereo Camera has recently become available for slides. See next question for used equipment sources. |
| Q-5: How can I find used stereo cameras, projectors, or other old 3-D equipment? | A-5: Frequently check local camera stores and classified ads. One dealer we know who specializes in used 3-D equipment and misc. 3-D stuff is Dalia Miller. But do look around, there are many dealers around the country and world. You should also check Shutterbug. They are a national paper that specializes in classified ads for used camera equipment. Also, try the used equipment classified ads in the Photo Shopper. |
| Q-6: Do I need special film to take 3-D photographs? | A-6: No. Standard film is used. You will need either a 3-D camera, or a standard one-lensed camera (shifted horizontally between exposures) to take your left and right pair of pictures. |
| Q-7: What are the best 3-D slide mounts to use? | A-7: This is a question that we get asked quite often, so it really needs to be qualified. The best available mounts in terms of precision and accuracy are the Albion aluminum stereo mounts and RBT plastic stereo mounts (Neither available from Reel 3-D). The best mounts in terms of economy and value are the Cardboard Heat Seal mounts. The easiest to use, although not the best quality or the least expensive, are the Cardboard Slip-In stereo mounts. You'll have to decide for yourself which qualities make a mount the "best for you". |
| Q-8: What is
the best 1950's 3-D camera?
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A-8: There is no simple answer. All of the most popular models are of good quality, so the key is the features and layout that you prefer. The most popular models are the Stereo Realist, Kodak Stereo, Revere, Wollensak, & TDC. The Busch Verascope F40 and Belplasca are also excellent, but take a non-standard format which you must always mount yourself. |
| Q-9: Is it possible to take 3-D pictures with a standard 35mm camera? | A-9: Yes. A single camera can be used to take 3-D photos of non-moving subjects by shifting the camera horizontally about 2½" (65mm) between the right & left exposures. A smaller shift is used for close-ups (hypostereo), and a larger shift can be used for distant subjects (hyperstereo). Matched pairs of 35 mm cameras may also be used in tandem. |
| Q-10: Can 3-D slides be projected in 3-D? | A-10: Yes. This requires a special two-lensed projector (or two projectors), a silver (not white!) screen, and polarized 3-D glasses. See the appropriate sections on the Reel 3-D Home Page for Polarized 3-D glasses, silver screens, and projector polarizers. |
| Q-11: Can Carousel-type slide projectors be used for 3-D projection? | A-11: Yes. Matched pairs of projectors can be used to project properly mounted stereo pairs in separate 2" x 2" mounts. Polarizers have to be added to the front of the projection lenses, and a silver screen with polarized 3-D glasses must be used. |
| Q-12: What is the difference between the Carousel & Ektagraphic 35mm slide projector models? | A-12: Both look the same, and take the same Kodak Carousel trays, but the Ektagraphic models have "positive gate registration" which position the slides exactly the same every time. This makes for consistent 3-D projection registration. Precision mounting is still essential. |
| Q-13: Can I have my normal flat 35mm slides made into 3-D? | A-13: No. A pair of 3-D slides are actually slightly different. An identical pair mounted for 3-D viewing may appear to be behind a window, but within the scene it will appear flat. |
| Q-14: Is it difficult to mount my own 3-D slides? | A-14: No! Once you learn how it is really quite simple. Instructions come with most of our mounts. See Mounting Supplies on our home page. |
| Q-15: What does the term "Realist Format" mean? | A-15: "Realist Format" is used to describe any camera, viewer, or slide mount which corresponds to the Stereo Realist 3-D camera system. The Kodak Stereo, Revere, Wollensak, TDC and many others are all "Realist Format" stereo cameras. Stereo mounts have outer dimensions of 1 5/8" x 4" (41mm x 101mm) with 23mm x 22mm apertures. |
| Q-16: Who can repair my stereo camera? | A-16:
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| Q-17: Is there a lab that will make lenticular 3-D prints from negative film exposed in Nimslo, Nishika, Rittai (4 lens cameras) or ImageTech 3D Wizard, 3D Magic, 3D-1000, 3D fx or 3D trio (3 lens cameras)? | A-17: Yes. Please contact Snap 3D , Tel: (416) 850-1972 |
| Q-18: Where can I find out more about 3-D camera clubs? | A-18: A list of 3-D Clubs worldwide is available at the Stereoscopy.com website. The Photographic Society of America is a national organization with a Stereo Division. For info send an SASE to Chairperson, H.L. Pratt, 1017 Bayfield Dr., Huntsville, AL 35802. The National Stereoscopic Association and International Stereoscopic Union have much to offer (see next question). The Stereo Club of Southern California (SCSC) has been meeting monthly since 1955 in the L.A. area. For SCSC location and details visit their website. |
| Q-19: Is there
a web site that teaches an overview of the whole subject of 3-D photography?
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A-19: Yes. We suggest you link to the "A Short Course on ALL Stereo (3-D) Formats" page, which covers a wide range of topics, and has links to other interesting web sites. |
| Q-20: Do you still publish "Reel 3-D News"? | A-20: No. However bound sets for 1978, 1979, and 1980 are still available. If you want to read about stereo we strongly urge you to join the National Stereoscopic Association and the International Stereoscopic Union. They both publish excellent periodicals devoted to stereo views, photography and information. |
| Q-21: Am I alone in my passion for 3-D photography? | A-21: No! You are one of more than 38,000 3-D enthusiasts who are on our mailing list. Every day we hear from new people who have just discovered the excitement of 3-D from people just like you. So spread the word and share the fun - we're here to help, and to provide the information and supplies that you need. |
| Q-22: What is the best time to phone you to place a verbal order or to ask a question? | A-22: The best time to reach us in the office is between 11 AM & 4 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Thursday. Because there are only 2 of us we apologize if you have difficulty getting through at times. When we are not in, our answering service reliably takes orders, which are promptly filled upon our return to the office. Our answering service is not knowledgeable enough to answer any technical questions or offer resource information. Because of the large volume of requests, and because a "simple" question might require pages of writing to answer properly, we cannot write answers to your fax or e-mail questions, so we suggest that you call during our business hours. |
| Q-23: Does Reel 3-D Enterprises have a store that I can visit while in Los Angeles? | A-23: We are sorry, but No. We are a small mail-order only business, and do not have a showroom or facilities for visitors. We also are not licensed for walk-in sales, so please don't ask for exceptions. We ship daily by UPS GROUND service and are pleased to give you fast and personal service by mail or telephone. Please do not e-mail or fax questions to us that can be asked and answered quickly and easily over the phone. We are available by phone from 10am to 5pm Los Angeles Time Monday through Thursday. During those hours we are happy to assist you in any way we can, but we just don't have the time to write out answers to every request or question after hours on e-mail or by fax. We hope you understand. |
There are many sources for various 3-D needs throughout the world. REEL 3-D OFFERS NO MOUNTING OR DUPLICATION SERVICES. We include a few phone numbers in our 3-D Catalog, but here are a few addresses and phone numbers which might be useful to you now: This list is provided as a service to our customers, and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Reel 3-D. Please understand that this is a very small list of some of the many 3-D services available throughout the world. Use at your own discretion:
3-D SLIDE DEVELOPING & MOUNTING:
(Stereo Realist Size)
The following labs in the United States offer stereo slide processing and mounting
services (current as of March 2002). Please contact them directly for specific
information:
Pinkey's Photo Service, P.O.
Box 1087, Little Rock, AR 72203, Tel.: +1 (501) 375-6409
Rocky Mountain Film Lab, 560 Geneva Street, Aurora, CO 80010, Tel.: +1 (303) 364-6444
3-D (Stereo Realist Size) SLIDE
DUPLICATION SERVICES
Barrie Bieler, 737 Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek, CA 94598 Tel: +1 (510) 939-6272
Atkinson-Stedco, CA, Tel: +1 (213) 655-1255
STEREO SLIDE DUPLICATION, PRO
STEREOSCOPIC IMAGING
Studio 3D, 30 Glendale St, Maynard MA 01754, Tel.: +1 (978) 897-4221, Web: http://www.studio3d.com
SIDE-BY-SIDE PRINTS FROM STEREO
REALIST or NIMSLO SIZE NEGATIVES
Grand Photo, MN Tel: +1 (612) 699-9886, E-Mail: mccoy13@mn.uswest.net
DEVELOPING AND PROCESSING FOR NIMSLO, NISHIKA, RITTAI (4 lens cameras) OR IMAGETECH 3D WIZARD, 3D MAGIC, 3D-1000, 3D FX AND 3D TRIO (3 lens cameras)
Please contact Snap 3D , Tel: +1 (416) 850-1972
VIEW-MASTER REEL MOUNTING SERVICE
3-Dimensional Services: OR Tel.: +1 (541) 846-7185
WEB SITE FOR VIEW-MASTER USERS
AND COLLECTORS
The View-Master
Resource
NON-STEREO (WILL MAKE SLIDES FROM
UNCUT NEGATIVE FILM)
Dale Laboratories, FL Tel.: +1 (305) 925-0103
3-D CAMERA REPAIR SERVICES
Camera Tech, NV, Tel.: +1 (702) 259-8455 all stereo cameras
3-D VIEWER REPAIR/UPDATING &
BOOKS ON 3-D VIEWER REPAIRS
George Themelis, OH Tel.: +1 (440) 838-4752, E-Mail: drt-3d@live.com,
DrT's Stereo Page (http://www.drt3d.com)
PLASTIC GERMAN RBT SLIDE MOUNTS
& RBT STEREO CAMERAS
3D Concepts, MA Tel.: +1 (978) 371-5557, E-Mail: QnA@make3Dimages.com, http://www.make3Dimages.com
LENTICULAR 3-D CAMERAS, 6x6cm 3-D CAMERAS & 6x6cm 3-D MOUNTS and other MISC. 3-D GOODIES
Rocky Mountain Memories, CO, Tel.: +1 (512) 257-3056, or USA Toll-Free +1 (866) 227-3818, http://www.rmm3d.com
PROFESSIONAL 3-D SERVICES (Lenticular,
Anaglyph, custom 3-D work)
David Burder, 3D Images, London, England Tel.: +44 (20) 8364-0022, E-Mail: david@3Dimages.co.uk,
http://www.stereoscopy.com/3d-images
New Vision Technology, CA Tel.:+1 (619) 941-5500, E-Mail: 3dguy@home.com,
http://www.3d-web.com
Studio 3D, 30 Glendale St, Maynard MA 01754, Tel.: +1 (978) 897-4221, Web: http://www.studio3d.com
USED 3-D CAMERAS, PROJECTORS,
VIEWERS & OTHER 3-D GOODIES
3-D by DDDalia. NV, Tel.: +1 (702) 838-7015, Fax: +1 (702) 838-7016, E-Mail: ddd@3dstereo.com,
http://www.3dstereo.com
PhotoEmporium, Inc. IL, Tel.: (312) 777-3915, Fax: +1 (312) 777-3515
CLASSIC CAMERAS
20280 Valley Boulevard,
Tehachapi, CA 93561, Tel.: +1 (661) 822-9784, E-Mail: classiccamerasus@yahoo.com, http://www.ClassicCameras.us
STEREOVIEW CARDBOARD MOUNTS -
CLASSIC 3½" x 7" SIZE
Q-Vue, P.O. Box 55, Holtville, CA 92250-0055. Tel.: +1 (619) 356-1138
PRISM STEREOSCOPES
PokeScope® 3D-Viewer
-- A handheld stereoscope for computers and prints which works with any size
stereo pair.
SLIDE BARS
Jasper Engineering,
1240 Pear Ave., Unit A, Mountain View, CA 94043 Tel.: +1 (415) 967-1578
3-D TV, 3-D VIDEOS, LCD GLASSES
3DTV Corp, 1863 Pioneer Pkwy E. #303, Springfield OR 97477, Tel.: +1 (941) 988-9634
V-Rex, Tel.: 1-888-VRSURFER, E-Mail: info@vrex.com,
http://www.vrex.com
PHANTOGRAMS AND ANAGLYPHS
Terry Wilson
http://www.terryfic3D.com
ORGANIZATIONS
The National Stereoscopic Association (NSA) publishes an excellent bi-monthly
publication called "Stereo World". No telephone number. They sponsor an annual
3-D convention in a different location in the USA each year. See their web-site
for information about the next scheduled convention. Write to them at: P.O.
Box 14801, Columbus, OH 43214. http://www.stereoview.org
The International Stereoscopic Union (ISU) is a worldwide organization with a quarterly journal and a bi-annual convention in a different country every time. More information about the ISU is available on-line: http://www.isu3d.org. The USA representive is Terry Wilson, P. O. Box 1531, Medford, NJ 08055-1531, e-mail: terry@terryfic.com
The Stereo Club of Southern California (SCSC) meets the 3rd Thursday of every month (with the exception of banquet meetings in July & December) in Los Angeles. Check out their web site at www.la3dclub.com. Guests are welcome. For more information please check the SCSC web site. Email: info@la3dclub.com
IF YOU DON'T SEE IT HERE, try the 3-D Web sites at www.stereoscopy.com and www.3d-web.com for info and links. There are many other local 3-D clubs around the world, but the number is much too long to list here. Check your 3-D web sites.
Again, we repeat, these sources are provided as a service to YOU. We have not personally used all of them, nor do we have prices or additional information that we can provide on their behalf. Please use them at your own discretion, and contact these sources directly if you have questions.
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