STEREO 3D DISPLAYS

3D viewing systems since 1832

Stereoscopic imaging began with the discovery of stereopsis: the ability to fuse two 2-D images (one for each eye) into one with 3 dimensions (not just height and width, but depth as well) mimicking the 3D world around us.

STEREO SLIDE VIEWERS

STEREO REALIST Red Button 1947
realist viewer realist viewer

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Known as the "red button" viewer it featured achromat lenses... it's still the most popular slide viewer and is easily found on eBay. Original price $19.75Super bright LED lamps are often used with 2 D batteries.

KODAK Kodaslide II 1954
Kodaslide II Kodaslide II

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Kodak came out with a pair of viewers to compete with Realist- the Kodaslide I (single element lenses $12.75) and Kodaslide II (achromat lenses $23.75). An AC light unit with dimmer was available.  

BRUMBERGER #1265 1954
brumberger viewer Brumberger

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Certainly one of the cheaper viewers (original price $9.95) but one of the few with a wide enough image aperture to view 7-P (European format) slides. Plastic lenses and no interocular adjustment.

3DISCOVER 1996
brumberger viewer Brumberger

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Unique viewing system with scenic and souvenir cassettes available, full 35mm film strip in motorized viewer. Unfortunately sales were disappointing, though images were spectacular. MORE INFO HERE.

ANTIQUE 3D VIEWERS

WHEATSTONE VIEWER 1832
charles wheatstone jb dancer stereo camera

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Charles Wheatstone is considered the father of stereoscopy, being the first human to view a pair of images (he drew to simulate 2 viewpoints... this is pre-photography!) stereoscopically with the reflecting mirror stereoscope he designed.

BREWSTER SCOPE 1849
David Brewster David Brewster

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World's first digital 3D camera included an autostereoscopic screen on the back which was a huge asset.

HOLMES SCOPE 1861
oliver wendell holmes Oliver Wendell Holmes

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Oliver Wendell Holmes is famous for many things, but few realize his design for the standard stereocope (along with Joseph Bates) which most people are familiar with due to it's poplarity during the heyday of the stereocard format.