Played with Viewmaster as a kid? Â If you’ve ever fancied making your own 3D slides (like I did) but couldn’t figure out how to, the Holga 120-3D Stereo Camera will gladly fulfill your wishes, all while looking like the most badass snapper this side of the Ghetto Blaster. Â Sporting stereo dual lenses and a pinhole-based body, it certainly sets itself apart from your average Lomo-style plastic snappers.
The 3D tag may be a little confusing to some since 3D photography isn’t really something we get to treat ourselves with on a daily basis. Â Basically, the Holga Stereo Camera shoots two dreamy, whimsical images at a time into a 120mm slide film that you can then watch with the Viewmaster-style 3D Stereo Slide Viewer (separate purchase). Â It will look three-dimensional when seen from the Viewer’s specs, but you can’t exactly bring them to a shop for decking as a 3D print. Â In fact, processing the film will likely just get you the two images side-by-side on a single frame.
Still, being able to make my own Viewmaster picture stories in 3D? Â Where was this thing 20 years ago when I ended up having to satiate my creative desires by drawing 2D pictures on a round cardboard instead? Â Features include threaded shutter release, single mask, standard tripod mount, bulb setting and built-in color flash with a rotating color filter wheel. Â Pimping insane-looking double lenses, it measures a handy 7.5 x 3 x 3.5 inches and packs a whole lot of character.
Urban Outfitters is selling the Holga 120-3D Stereo Camera for $120. Â You’ll, of course, need a viewer to watch the slides, which I suppose can work with a Viewmaster (not sure) if you still have one. Â Otherwise, you can fork another $20 for the Holga 3D Stereo Slide Viewer plus another $5 for each set of six slide mounts.
[Urban Outfitters ]