1: What is 3-D Photography?
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.
2. What do I need to get started in 3-D photography?
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!
3. What books will give more "In Depth" information about 3-D photography?
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 the Reel3d.com Homepage.
4. Are any 3-D cameras available new?
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 is available for slides. RBT in Germany manufactures high-end 3-D cameras as well. See next question for equipment sources.
5. How can I find stereo cameras, projectors, or other 3-D equipment?
The best source for both new and used equipment is the N.S.A annual National Convention. Check under convention information for dates and locations. Along with the national convention, the NSA sponsors regional meets in various areas of the country and area members are notified of these events. Local camera shows are also a good source for used equipment. Many of these shows are listed in 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. For new high end equipment a good source is 3-D Concepts. They specialize in RBT products. Check the Links page for other sources.
6. Do I need special film to take 3-D photographs?
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.
7. What are the best 3-D slide mounts to use?
The best available mounts in terms of precision and accuracy are the Albion aluminum stereo mounts and RBT plastic stereo mounts. 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 the mount the "best for you".
8. What is the best 1950's 3-D camera?
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.
9. Is it possible to take 3-D pictures with a standard 35mm camera?
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.
10. Can 3-D slides be projected in 3-D?
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 Homepage for Polarized 3-D glasses, silver screens, and projector polarizers.
11. Can Carousel-type slide projectors be used for 3-D projection?
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.
12. What is the difference between the Carousel & Ektagraphic 35mm slide projector models?
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.
13. Can I have my normal flat 35mm slides made into 3-D?
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.
14. Is it difficult to mount my own 3-D slides?
No! Once you learn how it is really quite simple. Instructions come with most mounts.
15. What does the term "Realist Format" mean?
"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.
16. Who can repair my stereo camera?
Camera Tech, NV,
Ron Zakowski, Realists only, WI,
There are more repair places and people around the country.
This list is not intended as an endorsement, it is provided only as a service. Please use at your own risk.
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)?
Yes. Please contact , Tel:
18.Where can I find out more about 3-D camera clubs?
A list of 3-D Clubs worldwide is available at the Stereoscopy.com website.
19. Is there a web site that teaches an overview of the whole subject of 3-D photography?
Yes. We suggest you link to the "Short Course on 3-D Photography" which covers a wide range of topics,
and has links to other interesting web sites.
20. Am I alone in my passion for 3-D photography?
No! You are one of thousands of 3-D enthusiasts . Every day we hear from new people who have just discovered the excitement of 3-D , people just like you. So spread the word and share the fun - we're here to help, and to provide the information that you need.
21. Can I make Stereo Cards like the ones from the turn of the last century?
Yes, just shoot print film in your stereo camera. The stereo pairs must than be mounted onto a
3 1/2" X 7" card. Q-Vue mounts make this easy (see information below).
Check this site for basic instructions: http://home.earthlink.net/~pgwhacker/APEC/HowTo/HowTo.html
This list is provided as a service and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by either Reel-3d Enterprises or the National Stereoscopic Association. 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 only)
K&L Custom Photographics, NY Tel:
Qualex (all over USA, call for local lab location information) Tel:
Pinky's Photo Service, AR Tel:
3-D (Stereo Realist Size) SLIDE DUPLICATION SERVICES
Tel:
Atkinson-Stedco, CA Tel:
STEREO SLIDE DUPLICATION
Studio 3D, , E-Mail: ,
http://www.studio3d.com
SIDE-BY-SIDE PRINTS FROM STEREO REALIST or NIMSLO SIZE NEGATIVES
Grand Photo, MN Tel: , E-Mail:
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)
, Tel:
VIEW-MASTER REEL MOUNTING SERVICE
3-Dimensional Services: OR Tel:
NON-STEREO (WILL MAKE SLIDES FROM UNCUT NEGATIVE FILM)
Dale Laboratories, FL Tel
3-D CAMERA REPAIR SERVICES
Camera Tech, NV all stereo cameras
Ron Zakowski, WI - Realists only
3-D VIEWER REPAIR/UPDATING & BOOKS ON 3-D VIEWER REPAIRS
George Themelis, OH Tel: , E-Mail:
PLASTIC GERMAN RBT SLIDE MOUNTS & RBT STEREO CAMERAS
Jon Golden, MA, Tel: , E-Mail: , http://www.stereoscopy.com/3d-concepts
PROFESSIONAL 3-D SERVICES (Lenticular, Anaglyph, custom 3-D work)
David Burder, 3D Images, London, England Tel: , E-Mail: ,
http://www.stereoscopy.com/3d-images
New Vision Technology, CA Tel: , E-Mail: , http://www.3d-web.com
Studio 3D, , E-Mail: ,
http://www.studio3d.com
USED 3-D CAMERAS, PROJECTORS, VIEWERS & OTHER 3-D GOODIES
3-D Stereo.com. NV, , Fax: , E-Mail: , http://www.3dstereo.com
PhotoEmporium, Inc. IL, , Fax:
BPW Limited. CA, , Fax: , E-mail: ,http://www.bpwltd.com
Harry Poster, NY, E-Mail: , http://www.harryposter.com
Ron Speicher, NY, Tel: , E-Mail: , http://members.aol.com/camron888
STEREOVIEW CARDBOARD MOUNTS - CLASSIC 3½" x 7" SIZE
Tel:
SLIDE BARS
Tel:
3-D TV, 3-D VIDEOS, LCD GLASSES
, Tel:
V-Rex, Tel: , E-Mail: , http://www.vrex.com
3-D NEWS GROUPS
To learn more about 3-D photography and have questions answered by others interested in this hobby, join the Photo-3D bulletin board at egroups. Information can be found at: http://www.egroups.com/group/photo-3d
ORGANIZATIONS
The National Stereoscopic Association (NSA). Publishes an excellent magazine: STEREO WORLD, 6 times a year. Also hosts annual national convention that is held in a different area of the country each year.
Address: 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. The USA representative is Shab Levy, 6320 S.W. 34th Avenue, . http://www.stereoscopy.com/isu
The Photographic Society of American - Stereo Division. Hosts competitions, and sponsors an annual convention. For more information contact: P. Sweezy, APSA, 4594 Las Lindas Way, Carmichael, CA 95608. http://members.aol.com/psastereo/
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.
