Step into another dimension, the third dimension

3D photography is a fascinating fun hobby.

The first step is to use a 3D camera. Although I imagine it is feasible to use a regular camera and just shift the lens for the subsequent views, true 3d requires multiple views of the same subject merged. The best results come from cameras with multiple lenses, each lens providing a slightly different view in the same horizontal plane. Multi-lens 3D cameras usually have two or four lenses. I use a Nashika 6000 four lens camera. This camera uses standard 35 mm film and takes four images per two film frames. Some cameras with one lens, such as Pentax digital cameras, provide a 3D feature that helps you align your lens for the second shot. Properly aligned shots from the same lens can provide the basic 3D effect with appropriate viewers.

Viewing 3D images can be done in a variety of ways. My Nashika came with a 3D photo example, taken with the camera and developed on reticulated paper, so no glasses are required to view it. The only problem is finding the right paper and anyone who still develops using this method. Barring that, the images can be developed normally, and used with a viewer to get the 3D effect. I chose to develop mine to CDs. This gives me the flexibility to edit and print only selected images. The trick to viewing them though is making them the right size for the viewer of choice.

At the Third Dimension Society Meeting on August 10, Dave Rapp gave a presentation called Stereo with a Nimslo. The Nimslo is also a four lens cameras, but both that I saw at the meeting were modified to two lens systems. They also had macro lenses mounted onto the front of them, to enable macro photography of subjects like flowers and bugs. A slide show of pictures taken using this system followed and it was a great to watch. The pictures were taken with slide film and shown with a two lens projector. The audience wore 3D glasses to get the desired effect. The detail and depth of field in the photos was great. I wish I had a way to display it properly here but I don't. The best I can do is offer one of my 3D pics, displayed side by side. If you look at it just right, you might be able to merge the images without a viewer, but I wouldn't go cross-eyed trying. It's easier to get a viewer and be amazed.

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