2X2 Part 3

Why I Use 2x2 Part 3

by Dennis M. Hanser

When working with two cameras, you will have to mount them in some stable manner and find a way to trigger both cameras at the same time. The mount can be relatively simple, as in a piece of wood or aluminum with two holes drilled to accept ¼ 20 bolts that then screw into the camera tripod mounts. You can also purchase various brackets in ready-made form. Two cable releases fastened side by side can be used to trigger the cameras. A double switch and two electronic cables can be used to fire electronic cameras. There are several ways that two cameras can be mounted together. Last week I assembled my two Minolta X-700 bodies in various configurations and measured the lens spacing so that I would have a better idea of what I am working with. Probably the most common way to use twin cameras is side by side.

Parallel #1 Parallel #2

In Parallel #1 the two are mounted next to each other and have 152mm between lens centers. Parallel #2 shows one camera behind the other. This results in less distance between lens centers, 100mm, but adds a 38mm offset. One camera is 38mm closer to the subject. This offset is not generally noticeable as long as the near object is kept 8 or 10 feet away. There are also several vertical mounting configurations.

Vertical #1 Vertical #2

In vertical #1, the cameras are mounted prism to prism and, on my system, are separated in such a way as to allow full 3d viewing (through both cameras at the same time). The lens separation measures 125mm.Vertical #2 is used when it is important that both shutter curtains travel in the same direction, as in certain action situations. Lens separation measures 116mm. When I need less lens separation, I use one of the following;

Vertical #3 Vertical #4

In vertical #3 the two cameras are held together with a piece of a ¼ 20 bolt and a thin friction spacer to allow a tight fit. The lens spacing is 68mm. Vertical #4 uses a longer bolt and an angle bracket to allow tripod mounting. Lens spacing is 73mm. This configuration only works when the tripod sockets are directly under the lens. If your cameras have offset tripod mounts, 2 bolts and a bracket would be needed to allow the lenses to be aligned vertically.

I haven’t gone into very much detail on any particular configuration, as I wanted to present as many options as possible to give something to think about. If anyone has specific questions, feel free to ask , and I will try to help. Upcoming articles will be influenced by your feedback. I am thinking of making this a regular column if there is enough interest in 2x2 stereo. Let me know.