258 THREE-DIMENSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
SUMMARY
We have deliberately refrained from trying to give any details
of normal photomicrographic technique as that is a field in itself;
but we wish to emphasize the fact that normal photomicrography
should be mastered before working with stereo. Stereomicro is
nothing more than the stereo technique superimposed upon nor-
mal photomicrographic technique. There is nothing new in it for
those who know both stereo and micro, other than the manner of
the control of parallax. The fundamentals which have been given
are adequate to enable the experienced photomicrographer to
adapt stereo to his work. The stereographer who would add photo-
micro to his work will find it highly advisable if not essential, to
master photomicrography first.. , and we would also like to add
that before venturing into photomicrography he should become
thoroughly familiar with the technicalities of microscopy.
It is true that a box camera upended over a microscope ocular
may occasionally provide an image which bears a remote re-
semblance to a microscopic field, but that is a far cry from being
a good photomicrograph.
If the micro field is not as clear and sharp and distinct as nor-
mal objects seen by direct vision, the microscope is not in adjust-
ment and cannot give a truly good micrograph. Also remember
that the condenser focus is NOT provided to enable you to con-
trol the intensity of illumination. It should be focused as care-
fully as the objective and stopped down just enough to cut into
the full cone for the objective used. Then use neutral filters or
crossed polaroids to control intensity. You will never get a good
micrograph with the condenser stopped down to a pinhole. In
short you must KNOW the microscope and use it correctly. Then
you must learn to make photomicrographs, a very easy step if you
have photographic experience and have truly mastered the mi-
croscope. Then you add stereo. Assuming you are a competent
photographer, it may take you three months to a year to really
master the microscope, but two to ten days after that should
give you fair ability in photomicrography and stereomicrography.
For those who are competent in both photography and micro-
scopy, the little volume “Photomicrography” by Eastman Kodak
Company, will prove adequate for the initial attempts. It is un-