FORMAT REQUIREMENTS
Custom production of View-Master® reels requires using a larger format 3-D image
to be reduced to the View-Master® format. The View-Master® format is approximately
square. 
VIEW-MASTER® FORMAT SAMPLE
(A mounted
View-Master® transparency measures 11.5mm wide and 10.5mm high.)
Remember
to allow for top and bottom cropping when shooting with a "Realist" format
camera. The Realist format is vertical.
REALIST FORMAT
FILM STRIP SAMPLE
REALIST
CROPPING SAMPLE/35mm CROPPING SAMPLE
When using Verascope or Belplasca, allow
for cropping on the sides.
Twin 35mm stereo slides can also be used with various
cropping options.
(A "flat" or non 3-D 35mm slide can also be
used however, it will not have any of the depth or dimension of 3-D slides.)
STEREO CAMERAS
STEREO REALIST f2.8
A rangerfinder type camera ideally suited for photographing
movie and television assignments. Shutter must be cocked separately from film advance.
Camera mechanism is very dependable. Format is vertical. Don't fill frame too tight,
top and bottom.
VERASCOPE F40
An excellent camera to photograph scenics
and scenic attractions. Accepts wide angle conversion lenses. Shutter cocks when
film advanced. (Format similar to Belplasca)
KODAK STEREO
Used to photograph
the Branson, Missouri View-Master® 3-D Tour. One of the most popular "Realist"
format 3-D cameras. You might use an electronic tape measure or you will have to
guess distance to set focus, otherwise, a very capable 3-D camera.
TDC STEREO
COLORIST II
Another "Realist" format 3-D camera with easy to use built-in
rangefinder. Contains a hot-shoe allowing use of today's electronic flash units without
special adaptors.
LIGHTING AND COMPOSITION
As your originals are to be duplicated, you should strive for the least possible
light and dark contrast in your pictures. However, this light and dark contrast does
not apply to silhouetted areas intended for framing or composition purposes. Shoot
scenes in bright sunlight, preferably with the sun shining directly on the scene.
Avoid extreme side and back lighting. A good sun angle will show your shadow approximately
the same length as the person. You can improve close-up exterior pictures of people
with fill-in flash. The rules of good two-dimensional picture taking apply in stereo,
too. Here are some thoughts to remember:
CENTER OF INTEREST
Keep your
main subject in mind. Try not to place center of interest in dead center. Subject
placement is important and can enhance the depth of your image.
PICTURE ELEMENTS
Use
good framing techniques. Use contrast effectively such as light subject against a
dark background. Repeat elements for strong composition and picture rhythm.
KEEP
IT SIMPLE
Don't try to clutter the scene with too many ideas or interest points.
FOREGROUND
Use
good foreground interest to lead the viewer into the scene. Remember, think "stereo"
and enhance the 3-D effect by using good elements such as trees, roads, walls, tracks,
fences, etc.
BACKGROUND
Avoid having things stick out of the subjects'
heads. Avoid line mergers. Watch the background and keep the picture uncluttered.
SUBJECTS
View-Master®
has final approval of all images which will be reproduced. Model releases must be
obtained for any person appearing in any image.
Do not use copyrighted material
on images unless you can obtain a release form to reproduce such material.
*The term View-Master® is a registered trademark of Fisher-Price, Inc.