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What's in a name
 Some
people call them "stereographs," some "stereograms."
Others put up their dukes in defense of "stereoviews," "stereo
views," "stereocards," "stereo cards," "3D
pictures," or just plain "stereos."
It doesn't matter.
What they are
A
stereograph is a picture that lets you see in three dimensions. What's that
like? "Powerful," comes to mind. But you'll have to try it yourself.
Like having children, seeing a photograph in three dimensions has to be
experienced to be comprehended.
The two pictures on a stereo card -- the two "stereo-halves"
-- were made with two cameras, or at any rate one camera with two lenses.
One lens for each eye. Two slightly different pictures. That's all your
brain needs to perceive depth and create a sense of immersion. Don't ask
how. No one knows.
Where to buy new stereographs
You
can't. They aren't made commercially anymore. You can, however, make your
own. That's even better.
What you need to make and enjoy your own
Surprisingly
little. You can get fancy, but all you really need is
- any modern camera
- something to trim your photos -- scissors will do
- 2 sided Scotch tape or some sort of glue
- matte board
- a $4 viewer
- know how
Goofy 3D glasses
You
will need a stereo viewer. Not goofy red and blue cardboard glasses. Colored
glasses don't work for stereographs. You'll look at your stereographs through
a viewer with specially designed lenses. Prices: $2 - $300.
(Some people can fuse narrow side-by-side stereo pairs into a 3D image.
This is called "free viewing." It's a useless low-browed primitive
skill. I don't happen to have it myself.)
What it costs
Marginal cost: whatever you spend on film and developing, plus 15 to 20 cents per stereograph
for the mounting matte board.
Fixed cost:minimum $10 to $50 for basic equipment. Add $130 if you invest in a
matte cutter.
Like any hobby, the sky's the limit. A new RBT 35mm stereo camera sells
for over $3,000.
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