@The NYC Toy fair 2008 it was reassuring to see ViewMaster, I figured they were long gone since the TuberNet has since dominated both eyes for while – but they’re around and have a unique line of ViewMaster products. For the most part it looks like they’re promoting custom runs, makes sense – they’ll even send you out a 3D camera to take the best photos and the once you’re done you’ll get the ViewMaster round wheel, viewers, etc. I’d like to do some of these for Maker Faire. Would be cool to see them develop a video version at some point… (here’s a magazine that did something cool).
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4 thoughts on “ViewMaster – they’re still around, custom views”
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I’ve made a couple of viewmaster reels. It really is pretty easy. My first one was cut by hand (dumb). Later, I got access to a laser cutter. The patent is in the common domain and you can get it off of wikipedia. Using illustrator or other vector programs to copy it is super easy. Then just use a laser film printer (or a transparency) to put your two stereoscopic images in the proper spaces (across from each other and skipping one space counter-clockwise). Just hot glue in your images and you are good to go.
Your eyes will correct for slight errors of placement, so it is really hard to screw up
If you like viewmasters, and making things, you must check out awesome Portland Oregon artist Vladimir.
Her “vladmasters” reels are custom-made viewmaster reels, accompanied by cd soundtracks. She uses reels of her own design, and shoots in 16mm film, with a bolex, I believe, rather than a traditional stereo camera. I hope one day to see one of her performances, where the entire audience gets a viewmaster, and changes reels in sync.
http://vladmaster.com/