One shot only, because one camera shoots right past the mirror. So you only get half the frame (the right one)
I tried to put a mirror at a spot so it'll reflect the LCD of the non flipped camera and assemble the two images, but it doesn't work.
I've made a separate viewfinder that shows an image with no DOF at all (more like a telescope)
I probably don't mind using the old technique used for movie cameras, measure the distance from the lens to the subject and pull the focus to that number on the ring of the lens. In fact, it's more precise than your eye.
Maybe I'll put a laser measure on the camera.

So, here's the progress. Mostly on the housing, but I’ve also done the microphone plugs, four jacks for the two stereo channels on the DV camcorders. Maybe I'll use them for surround sound, but maybe I'll just use it for a well balanced stereo mix.

And I've put the remote on to the housing (connected to the batteries of the GG motor, and extended the infrared thing and placed it between the cameras.)


http://s01.picshome.com/52a/2.jpg

http://s01.picshome.com/52a/3.jpg

http://s01.picshome.com/52a/4.jpg

'
New test shots were good, only I'm not posting them, because one of the cameras was not focused well.
I'm amazed that the grain looks very natural and film like, in stead of the color noise the DV normally gives.

That is very exciting Oscar.
I can't wait to see some stills from the combined footage.
Looks good so far.
What program do you use to combine the images?

All I can think of is using 2 HDV cams!

How about 3 HDV cams with two mirrors, but I can't afford it.

I'm now using After Effects at a friend of mine, but other software in which you can size, flip, rotate and blend edges of the footage should be fine I think.

Oscar,
When you say "blend edges" you mean as a permanent "half dissolve"? Is this the blending?

Oscar, looks great! I love the way you are very open about showing what you are doing - a true visionary!

How is the Spinning CD working for you? HAve you gone with your own home-made GG cd or just the factory one? Are you getting any wobbling or light dispersement when it is running?

Dan, I think a permanent "half dissolve" is the right term yes, an area in the middle where the two images need to have an overlap that fades to the left or to the right (depending on which side is on top). I'll post a next test with and without the fading (so one with a hard edge)

Mandy, the GG is not a final version, but gives neither wobbling nor a light flickering. I just polished a CD until all the silver coating comes of. Than I glued (with a glue spray) a slice of 'smooth tracing paper' or 'calque' onto the CD. It works very well, but has some more light loss than other options.

I had to change the CD motor once for a more stable one. Also, try a higher or lower voltage, because at some point, the spinning rate conflicts with the shutter speed of the camera (or try another setting on your camera)

OK, here's another test. With this footage I found out, the infinity wasn't set well, so it's a bit blurry.

http://www.degalerie.nl/1/dak2.wmv

It's the sunset on my roof, so it should be a bit dark.

But I managed to mix the two cameras pretty well. The colors and the brightness of the left and the right part aren't really visible anymore.
You can see the GG slightly, I think because the whole thing is overexposed, so the lens openings of the DV cameras aren’t correct.


The footage is compressed of course, if I have a test to show the sharpness, I'll better post a still frame.

Wow is all I can say. That footage looks great. You are really bringing this 35mm X 2 thing up a notch, Oscar!

I just remembered that we are in the same country Ocar! Funny to
see that someone here is playing with such systems. Where are
you in the country? I'm up in the north.

Haarlem N-H. And it's Oscar, I mistyped when signing up. I know a De Savornin Lohman who bought a sculpture of mine, but that's not you right?

That's not me. Please send an e-mail to chris@dvinfo.net to notify
him of your invalid username, he'll get it fixed. I'll also point this
out to him.

Fixed -- thanks Rob,

Here is a low light test I made. It's shot with one 500w spot and is the minimal to have acceptable dimmed images.


http://s01.picshome.com/52a/lowlight.jpg


It's much compressed JPG, but I think the image is pretty sharp.