Horseman 3D Stereo Camera

Direct Source Marketing (DSM) Press Release

Horseman/Rollei Partnership Unveils First 3D Camera Built From the Ground Up

CONCORD, CA (August 9, 2006) – One of the most advanced 3D stereo cameras ever developed was announced today by Horseman, which is in a joint venture with Rolleiflex to develop professional level cameras and accessories. Called the Horseman 3D, the new camera features the ability to make stereo pictures of high-speed moving objects, such as flying birds, jumping animals, a spray of water, and indoor or night scenes. These kinds of shots were difficult with conventional stereo cameras, but are routine with the Horseman 3D because of a unique 24x65mm size electronically controlled focal plane shutter that allows perfect synchronization of right and left images up to 1/1000sec. shutter speed. This synchronization is possible thanks to a 24 x 65mm long blade, one piece metal focal plane shutter.

Besides high-speed stereo shots, the camera is ideal for studio photography, weddings, pets, recording academic research, and criminal investigation.

Features of the 35mm split-image Rangefinder focal plane camera include aperture priority AE system, automatic film winding and precise rangefinder focusing that allows quick stereo snapshots. A pair of sharp 38mm F2.8 lenses give crisp and vivid stereo pictures. The camera only weighs 900 grams.

“What makes the Horseman 3D truly unique is its high level of precision, which comes from its integrated metering and advanced shutter system,” said Richard Dischler, head of US sales for Direct Source Marketing. “In addition, this is the first 3D camera that has been built from scratch and not had 3D added on to an existing system.”

Direct Source Marketing was created as a result of the joint venture between Komamura Corporation, a long time distributor of Rollei and Horseman products in Japan, and Franke & Heidecke, the Germany-based manufacturer of Rollei products. DSM is the U.S. distributor of the partnership’s medium and large format Horseman and Rollei professional cameras.

The Horseman 3D will be available at retail outlets later this month. For more information, go to http://www.dsmww.com

Published: Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Reader Comments

1. Looks like the Hasselblad XPan II with a different lens. I wonder if the lens is fixed in place, or if it can be removed?

   Gordon Moat at 07:35pm on Wednesday, August 09, 2006

2. I suspect it to be fixed , to allow image sensor alignment as in the dual lensed Kodaks, VERY ineresting camera. I have been a fan of stereo stuff for a long time, stll play with the Mamiya Passport ( Dual Picture) lens attachment now and then....

   nick in japan at 10:28pm on Wednesday, August 09, 2006

3. Stereo is mostly a gimmick anyway, so it oughta be digital.

   golfzilla at 05:21pm on Friday, August 11, 2006

4. I wonder why it is especially suited to forensic recording?

   Peter in Japan at 12:40am on Friday, October 06, 2006

5. All these new toys! How exciting!
   
   hehehe

   AA at 01:13am on Friday, October 06, 2006

6. Rumored price: $5000. How ridiculously pathetic.
   
   Digital solutions:
   http://www.pokescope.com/cameras/index.html
   http://www.stereoscopy.com/3d-concepts/cameradig.html

   DogBreath at 01:47am on Friday, October 06, 2006

7. Partnership with Rollei? Camera body is based on the now defunct Hasselblad Xpan (made by Fuji) and lens by Cosina. (Probably designed by Rollei.)
   
   The advantage of the single shutter is completely eliminated by the short stereo base, only 35mm. (About half normal) This is NOT a good stereo camera and will only show good stereo separation at close shooting ranges.
   
   And $5000 ???? Xpan kit was under $2K retail and there is no reason why this shouldn't be too, other than the typical, hyper-inflated Horseman prices. Just another weird and fairly useless boutique piece of chest candy for consumers with money and no brains.

   RonJay at 12:38pm on Wednesday, November 22, 2006

8. I own this camera and I have taken beautiful close up. It is not a general use stereo camera but it excells in close ups. It is not a "useless boutique" piece. On the contrary, on the right hands, it is a powerful tool.

   George T at 01:18am on Friday, November 09, 2007

9. I would never be satisfied with the 34mm base! Check out the more distant subjects in the sample photos and you'll see why!
   
   $5000? I'll pass.
   
   While a single shutter would give perfect synch whithout resorting to some sort of image splitter, you really don't need that kind of precision for a shutter speed of 1/1000! There are twinned digital cameras that achieve 1/3600 sync for less than $1500!

   John Elson at 01:49pm on Thursday, June 26, 2008

10. I didn't realize this was a film camera!
    
    Are these people joking?
    
    No wonder I couldn't find a megapixel rating!

    John Elson at 02:07pm on Thursday, June 26, 2008

11. “In addition, this is the first 3D camera that has been built from scratch and not had 3D added on to an existing system.”
    
    Richard Dischler is not only unbelievably ignorant about the history of stereo cameras (almost all were built from scratch!), he is clueless about the product he is promoting. It is indeed a reworked vesion of Hasselblad XPan II.
    
    In any case, how can a filmbased rangefinder camera be considered advanced? You can't get any more retro!

    John Elson at 11:40pm on Saturday, July 05, 2008