Iloca Stereo Camera - way cool!

[Lowenburg]

A friend of mine showed me an Iloca stereo camera her dad had used from the 50's into the 80's, along with a box of slides and a viewer. The images were simply stunning -- family and party shots on Kodachrome from the 50's. The 3-D effect is realistic and the colors are rich and saturated.

The camera has two 35mm lenses and uses regular 35mm film, and has easy to figure out controls for aperture, shutter speed and distance. The one little quirk is the viewfinder is a round hole on the bottom of the camera body. The photographer has only the wildest guess as to what will be contained on the edges of the frame. However, that didn't seem to daunt my friend's dad, who had a great eye, and also appeared to luck out quite often. There are several images in the collection in which someone is reaching into the frame, with a cigarette or a drink in hand, and it makes for a wonderful spontaneous addition to the moment being recorded.

Does anyone know of a repair service that can get this camera back in working order? The shutter release is stuck, no doubt from sitting on the shelf for over 20 years. My friend is anxious to get it fixed and start snapping away again!

I'd also like to pick up a stereo cam for myself, so if anyone has recommendations as to models, dealers, etc., I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!

Bill

 

[reellis67]

Welcome to the wonderful world of stereo! I would strongly suggest that you join the photo-3d and film-3d lists on yahoo! The stereo community is very strong and very willing to help answer any questions you might have. If you are looking for a stereo camera, I would suggest the Stereo Realist. They can be had easily, repaired easily, and is very sturdy and reliable. Contact George Themelis a.k.a 'Dr. T' via his Dead Link Removed for a plethora of info on stereo gear and camera repair. Stereo mounts are readily available and since you are already familiar with film, you should be able to dive right in. Let me know how it works out for you.

If you like stereo photography, I am the organizer of a stereograph study circuit and a member of a stereograph exchange group - I would be happy to supply info on either or any other aspect of stereo you might have questions about. One more thing, there is a stereo division of the PSA, as well as mulitple stereo photo groups/clubs in Europe and the States and each had event, competitions, salons, etc...

- Randy

 

[Lowenburg]

Thanks!

Thanks Randy, I'll try to contact Dr. T! The Stereo Realist sounds like a good camera to start off with, and I'll try to track one down.

Regards,

Bill
http://www.crashburnlove.com

 

[Jim McD]

George Themelis specializes in Stereo Realist (readily available on the auction site). Jess Powell, 131 Bartlett Avenue, Woodland, CA 95695, (530) 666-5334 repairs all stereo cameras-he does good work at fair prices. Jess also sells stereo camera repair videos.

Tell your friend to try to "work" the shutter. I have gotten many old shutter unfrozen after an hour of hands on therapy.

You should be able to pick up a usable Realist for under $100. Try to avoid the earlier one-button cameras (only one button sticking out the back at the top, not two) because I have had problems with the earlier wind mechanisms. You will also need to pick up a decent viewer (Realist, Kodak II, Revere are all great) and learn how to mount the slides yourself or you will pay through the nose (it's easy to do)