Retroviewer

[Ces1um]

A little while ago I was watching a YouTube channel called the "Art of Photography". The host, Ted Forbes, was opening his mail one day and someone had sent him a slightly updated version of the old Fisher Price Viewmaster with their own photographs on the photo "reel". Feeling nostalgic I found out the name of the company that makes them now, called "Retroviewer" and purchased two of their viewers. One for myself and one for my parents. The website is image3d.com.

I have to say I've been quite happy with their unique way of displaying and cataloging my photos. My photos no longer live on a wall or in my computer. They're out for anyone to pick up and view. What I like in particular is the reels are so thin and small that it's quite easy to store dozens and dozens of these reels in the same tiny box that the viewer ships in, while the viewer is still in it. They're also very easy to label, which is part of the creation process when making the reel. It's been great for family events like Christmas 2019 or Joe's 15th birthday. I'm not sure it's the right medium to eek out the subtle nuances of a fine art photo, but it's certainly unique.

I'm curious if anyone else has tried it for themselves?

 

[AgX]

First time I hear of them. They are a digital to film service.

(Used Viewmaster viewers and reels are quite rare over here.)

 

[Ces1um]

First time I hear of them. They are a digital to film service.

(Used Viewmaster viewers and reels are quite rare over here.)

It's certainly a novel approach to viewing your photographs. I really do find they're best for family photos and snapshots rather than fine photography. Still, if you wanted to easily show someone a catalog of your work passing them a viewmaster would leave a lasting impression on them. Kind of neat but a little gimmicky too.
The company itself will sell you one of their updated models though so you don't have to source a vintage viewmaster.

 

[AgX]

Well, I see the viewers now and then, but in hindsight I think I saw the most of them in Belgium. I once refrained from byuing a set of discs of the '58 World Exposition. Twice I came across the mono projector, made in Belgium too.