Self Timers & Air Release
 |
A stereo photographer is defined as a person with too may stereo pictures of every conceivable subject, except of him/herself! Just think about it... How many stereo pictures of yourself do you have in your collection? Very few, I am sure.
Why is this happening? For two reasons:
- Either you don't trust anyone using your stereo camera, or
- You cannot find anyone willing to take your picture!
The solution to this problem is to use either an air release or a mechanical self-timer in your stereo camera.
Air-Release Bulbs
I had seen these in catalogs and got one fairly quickly. How does that work? Simple! You squeeze the air bulb and that thingy comes out and presses the shutter! This is not a new invention. The designation "B" for the camera setting that keeps the shutter open as long as you hold the shutter release comes from the word "Bulb" used in the long exposures of the very early cameras.
 |
 |
Here is how the air-release works: By pressing the bulb, air moves along the plastic tube to the cable release at the other end and pushes the cable which in tern pushes your camera's shutter release button. Most stereo cameras have an opening to screw a cable release. |
Where can you get these? I carry it! See: http://home.att.net/~sales3d/AirRelease.htm
Mechanical Self-Timers
While I like the air-release, my young children were constantly dinging with the cords, making it unsafe for the camera (or the children). The next step is the mechanical self-timer. I became aware of these cute little things from a picture in the "Stereo Realist Guide" which showed one attached to the Realist, just like you see at the top of the page. I later found one in a camera show. Since then I have been stocking these (not many other photographers are interested in them since most modern cameras have built-in timers since the 1960s.) If you have the urge to buy one right now, go here: http://home.att.net/~sales3d/Timer.htm
 |
Two mechanical timers. Both are made in Japan. Many timers are made in (prewar) Germany or Japan. |
With the mechanical timers you don't have to worry about cords, but you give up control of the exact exposure time. If you are waiting for your baby to give a good smile before taking a picture of the two of you, you must use the air bulb or you might miss it with the timer.
 |
 |
This very unusual timer has a different function. It is used for timed long exposures. Set the timer for a specific time-exposure and press the button. The shutter will open and will remain open for the set amount of time (in seconds). |
Updated: April 2003