The Stereo Graphic

This remarkable little camera is a precision instrument of the highest calibre and was designed by one of the World's most famous manufacturers of photographic equipment, Graflex Inc. of U.S.A. It is now being made in England under licence by Wray whose Wrayflex camera has proved to be England's challenge in the field of miniature cameras.

The A.B.C. of Stereo Picture Taking

1. Select the Correct Exposure Setting. There are five positions marked Cloudy, Hazy, Bright, Brilliant and f/16. The four larger apertures are also shown by f. number. These settings are based on the use of Kodachrome K135 film. If an exposure meter is being used, calculations should be made on 1/50th second exposure.
2. Sight and Shoot
3. Wind the Film for the Next Picture. This automatically cocks the shutter and turns the film counter. Double exposure is impossible.

The STEREO GRAPHIC is different from other stereo cameras. The exclusive "DEPTHMASTER" lens system eliminates the need for focusing mechanism and gives greater depth of field than ever before. Compare the slides from a Stereo Graphic with those taken with any other stereo cameras and you will see the difference, STEREO GRAPHIC slides are always in focus from foreground to deepest background.

The Kind of Film to Buy

Any type of 35 mm. film can be used in the Stereo Graphic but it will be found that reversal colour film which gives a full-colour positive transparency is by far the most effective.

This includes Kodachrome, Ektachrome and others that your photo dealer might recommend. As mentioned before (See The A.B.C. of Stereo Picture Taking), the settings for the exposure indicator are based on K135 Kodachrome whereas other film used may have a faster emulsion and ths require amended settings. All colour films are identified for outdoor (daylight) or indoor (flash or flood) use. You can use either type and get excellent pictures so long as you follow the instructions for Flash Pictures and Daylight Settings.

The films are bought in "cassettes" giving either 20 or 36 exposures on a normal miniature camera. In the Stereo Graphic the smaller cassette will provide 15 pairs of stereo pictures while the larger one will give 28 pairs.

Loading the Stereo Graphic

 

1. Remove the camera from its leather case by loosening the screw on the bottom. Turn the index line on the Rewind Release Button to "R". Turn the Lock lever on the bottom of the camera in an anticlockwise direction.
2. Now the camera is unlocked the bottom and back can easily be slipped down about a quarter of an inch and lifted off.
3. Turn the winding knob so that the slot in the take-up spool is showing.
4. Crease the film about half an inch back from the end. Hold the camera in the left hand and the cassette in the right. Insert the end of the film into the slot in the take-up spool with the perforated side against the flange.
5. Place your left thumb on the film to hold it in place, draw the cassette towards you and slip it into position.
6. Turn the rewind knob until the cassette is engaged.
7. Transport film by winding knob in the direction shown by the arrow until it stops. The film can also be advanced by turning the take-up spool directly with the thumb. The film must lie between the guide rails and both sprockets must engage with the film perforations.
8. Lay the back of the camera over the film and slide it up into the closed position. Lock the back by turning the Lock lever in a clockwise direction.
9. Now the camera is securely locked, press the shutter button and wind on the film. Repeat this complete cycle twice more. The film is now in place for the first exposure.
10. Now, turn Rewind Release to "L". Take up slack in the film by turning the rewind knob until slight restistance is felt. This knob should be seen to revolve each time the film is advanced. If it does not turn, repeat the operations of loading to ensure that the film is advancing correctly.
11. Set the exposure counter at 15 or 28 by pressing down on the black centre of the counter and turning. After each exposure turn the winding knob fully but without force, until it locks; the counter will then show the number of exposures remaining of the film.

Setting the shutter

There are only two shutter positions on the Stereo Graphic, identified by the letters "I" and "B" for "Instantaneous" (approximately 1/50th second) and "Bulb". The shutter selector on the top of the camera shuld normally be kept turned to "I" at which all exposure settings given in the table are based.

Setting the Exposure Dial

The exposure dial contains the lens stops and controls the amount of light reaching the film. When the setting knob is turned, it will be seen that there are five positions, each identified with the f. number and a descriptive words referring to sunlight, making it easy for the beginner to select the correct exposure.

Do not set the exposure dial between stops.

Cocking the Shutter

The Stereo Graphic has an automatic cocking shutter coupled to the winding knob. Simply wind the knob after each exposure and the shutter is cocked ready for use. The knob should be turned just until it stops; excessive pressure is not needed and should be avoided. Double exposure is prevented; if the shutter fails to operate, it is an indication that the winding knob has not been turned.

Releasing the Shutter

The shutter release button is situated in the centre of the Shutter Selector. When pressed, and audible click is heard as the shutter opens and closes.

Holding the Camera

When using any stereo camera it is important to hold the camera perfectly straight and level. Pick up with both hands and hold as shown above. Hold the camera tightly against the face so that you can see through the viewfinder. Pull your elbows in close to the body keeping the camera completely steady.

Framing the Subject

To get the best results, consider the scene you see through the viewfinder.

1. Get the subject in the centre of the picture.
2. Check to make sure that horizontal lines are not tilted.
3. Check all verticals to ensure that trees and buildings do not appear to be falling over.
4. Make sure your picture has apleasing background because it will be as sharp as the foreground. Don't be afraid to get close when photographing people and animals; the Stereo Graphic will give sharp focus as close as four feet.
5. To get the maximum stereoscopic effect you should try to include some object in the foreground to emphasize depth.

Flash Pictures

The Stereo Graphic is synchronised for all "M" type bulbs such as PF1 and PF5. These bulbs are available with clear or blue glass. Use blue bulbs (PF5/97) for daylight colour film and clear bulbs (PF1 or PF5) for black and white film or tungsten (indoor) type colour film.

The shoe on the top of the camera will accommodate any standard flash-gun and the co-axial socket also on the top will accept the standard plug fitting. On releasing the shutter an electrical circuit is automatically closed through the flash contact and fires the bulb.

It is difficult to give settings for flash pictures as so much depends on the type of flash gun and reflector to be used. The instructions issued by the makers of the flash gun should be carefully followed.

Rewinding the Film

Turn the rewind release button until the slot points to "R". Hold the button down with the lock pins engaged in the key slot until the film is completely rewound. Turn the rewind knob in the direction of the arrow until it turns very freely showing that the operation has been completed. To check, release the button and if the knob continues to turn freely the back may be removed and the rewound cassette taken out. Turn the rewind release button back to "L" so that it cannot be accidentally depressed.

Unloading the Camera

After the film has been rewound release the lock on the base of the camera. Slip the back down a quarter of an inch and lift off. The cassette can now be removed. Have a new one handy so that you can immediately reload the camera. Exposed film should be processed promptly; take it to your dealer or follow the processing instructions packed with the film.

It is important when returning Kodak film for processing to cut off the corner from the yellow mailing bag to ensure that the film is returned in strip form.

Take Care of Your Camera

Protect it from dust, dirt and rain. It is a good idea to keep the camera in its leather carrying case with the cover flap closed whenever the camera is not in use.

Do not attempt to oil or repair your STEREO GRAPHIC yourself. Remember that on general principles it is advisable to have your photo dealer check your camera every few years to make sure it is in tip-top operating condition.

The lenses on your camera have a hard anti-reflecting coating to help make clearer brighter colour transparencies. Clean when necessary by first brushing with a camel hair brush and then wiping with a lens tissue or very clean polishing cloth moistened with a drop or two of lens cleaner. Do not apply the lens cleaner directly to the surface of the lens. When cleaning the lenses wipe them with smooth easy motions. Avoid scrubbing the lenses.

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