Version Number & Date
The basic standard is simple enough. It is a horizontal four by six inch stereoview with the pictures arranged for parallel viewing, that is, the left image is on the left and the right image is on the right.
This simple statement of the standard allows for creativity and flexibility. However, there are other considerations that will make production more successful. They are just recommendations and ARE NOT requirements.
Holmes Card Format |
6x13 Format |
See the drawing below:
The biggest design criterion was that the Holmes Card Design be compatible with standard Holmes stereoviews (3 1/2 x 7 inches). This is easily accomplished by trimming 1/2 inch from the top of the print and gluing the view to a card. Trimming excess off the top of the print was chosen because information included on the print that is not necessary for the view itself is most easily seen at the top when the prints are kept in a storage box. Also, if the view is used with an adapter, the bottom 3 1/2 inches more closely matches that which would be seen on a Holmes card when viewed through a stereoscope.
The left and right borders are the most critical specification in this standard. A 1/4 inch border on each side was chosen for two reasons. First, many digital photo processors enlarge the digital image to about 4 1/8 x 6 1/8 to assure that the image will bleed off the edge of the print. This feature is built into the basic processing of their machines. Second, if an adapter is used to hold unmounted prints, some room must be left to allow for a retaining lip or flange. It is important that this flange not interfere with the stereo window. A 1/4 inch border allows the print to be enlarged slightly and to be used with an adapter while maintaining the integrity of the stereo window that you have chosen.
Top and bottom margins (3/16 each) must also allow for the slight enlargement introduced by the photo processing equipment.
The margin above the left and right images and below the "Holmes stereoview trim line" is to guarantee a white border if the print is trimmed and mounted to a Holmes card.
The width of the septum (space between the actual images) is the least critical specification in this standard. I believe a septum is important in defining the stereo window. My personal preference is for one that's about 1/8 inch, but you can really make this anything you want.
Since this space is not critical to the actual view, it can be used any way you choose. It can even be left blank if desired. I like to put in a title for the view, a source citation if it is a reproduction of a historical view, copyright information, or a website address among other things.
One might think that the size of the images was the starting point for this standard. In fact, the size of the images is what is left over after the other design criteria are applied.
The backs of the prints can be covered and factual information or commentary can be presented.
Cabinet cards up to 4 inches high can be incorporated into this standard by increasing the height of the left and right images to 3 5/8 inches and eliminating the "Information Area".
See the drawing below:
Most of the 6x13 views that I have seen are 6cm tall and 13cm wide. The left and right images area 5cm square (~2 inches). As long as a 6x13 rectangle fits on the 4x6 picture, it really can be anywhere on the card. I chose to place it at the bottom because the centers of the lenses of most Holmes viewers are only about an inch from the bottom of the card.
The left and right borders are not critical in this format. Since the print will be 13cm wide, there is plenty of room outside this dimension to the edge of the 4x6 inch print.
Top and bottom margins (3/16 each) are maintained to allow for the slight enlargement introduced by the photo processing equipment.
The width of the septum (space between the actual images) is approximately 3/4".
Since this space is not critical to the actual view, it can be used any way you choose. It can even be left blank if desired. I like to put in a title for the view, a source citation if it is a reproduction of a historical view, copyright information, or a website address among other things.
The 6x13 stereoviews that I have seen have 5cm square left and right images. If you want to have a little wider image you can do so at the expense of the septum.
The backs of the prints can be covered and factual information or commentary can be presented.
Since 6x13 stereoviews are 6cm x 13cm, you may want to trim them to those dimensions. The template in the Support Files section has a line at these dimensions to make trimming easier. The template also has a slight gray tint outside the 6x13 area so the prints can be left at 4x6 inches and viewed like any other standard digital stereoview.