STEREOSCOPIC CAMERAS 13This point has been discussed at length simply because it often
becomes the most important consideration when buying a stereo
camera, when in fact, it is the least important. Certainly the
smaller the picture the cheaper it is to make. For example, if
you take a 20 exposure magazine of film, depending upon the
camera you use, you may obtain 10, 12, 15, 16 or 38 exposures
upon that film. If the operating cost is not a factor, then there
is a second one, namely, that at the present time there are certain
accessories which are available for the original 35mm size which
are not as yet available for some others.
For example, rigid cardboard mounts are available for the five-
perforation frame width, so wider films must be cut down for
use in such mounts. In the case of the European models this
amounts to a considerable loss of film area.
So the intending purchaser should study the salient points of
each camera available, and make his choice by deciding which
best meets his specific requirements. Among the three domestic
cameras offered, the choice will be so guided because in the matter
of results all three will afford performance beyond criticism. The
European cameras include the most costly of all, the Verascope,
which is truly de luxe, and the Continental wide frame with
the traditional French or German design details will appeal to
many users who are accustomed to European cameras.
Because of the wide use of 35mm (at least 100 to one), we
shall limit our description of the larger cameras to the one which
is the prototype of all de luxe stereo cameras and which will serve
every need of the photographer who prefers the larger format.
There is no matter of preference involved in the order in which
the cameras are described. It is convenient to start with that mak-
ing the smallest picture, after which logical transition indicates
the order in which the remaining cameras are discussed.
PERSONAL CAMERA (Sawyer’s Incorporated). This camera has
been introduced by the makers of the widely known “View-
master,” and the finished films are mounted in the familiar
“reels” of seven pairs each, for viewing in the Viewmaster. It
is only fair to point out that inasmuch as the Personal films are
direct camera images, they are even more satisfactory than the
commercial reels which are, of necessity, copies,
The Personal camera is particularly attractive to those who are