In this post, I will talk about collecting antique stereoscopes for glass stereoviews from the period 1850 to 1930. Some tips from my previous post can also be applied to stereoscopes, so I recommend to read this post first. However, collecting stereoscopes comes with some additional challenges that I will address now.
This is the first post of a two-part series about collecting stereoscopy antiques. This post is about collecting stereoviews. André tells about his experiences based on two years of searching and bidding on glass stereoviews of the First World War, but in general these tips apply to all themes.
You may or may not know that adding a small handheld mirror to your stereo arsenal can help you overcome many of the common ‘cha-cha’ problems. With the mirror reflecting half of the camera’s view, you can capture an entire stereopair in a single shot, eliminating timing-related issues. Read a step-by-step guide here.
All of these stereo photos were taken with a single shot — the only further equipment you need is a mirror.
Multiview stereoscopes are table stereoscopes that are capable of showing multiple images in one viewing session. These viewers use a slide tray or chain in which the stereoviews are placed. By turning a crank or pushing down a lever, the images are displayed one by one.
Here you see the cast members of The St Petersburg Opera Company. All images were created backstage during a performance.
The Scottish wilderness can be a magical place to be, especially during sunrise in summer. It is easy to be captivated by the beauty.
The toy figures in this gallery are carefully and playfully staged. But most startling is that they break through the stereo window!
If you are already taking stereo pictures, well done! However, if you desire to broaden your horizons by capturing more challenging images, for example freezing motion, or creating dramatic landscapes, then a twin camera set up may be the answer.
Look at the incredible variety of stairways and their dynamic expression increased through stereoscopy.
