How to Buy the Fisher-Price ViewMaster and Reels

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Rate: (3 Ratings)

ViewMasters, which come in many shapes and sizes, are inexpensive toys that provide hours of fun.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

ViewMaster 3-Ds
ViewMaster Discovery Channel Reels
ViewMaster Discovery Series Gift Sets
ViewMaster Super Show Projector Bug's Life Set
ViewMaster Super Show Projector Toy Story Sets
ViewMaster Super Show Projectors
ViewMaster Virtual Barbie Prom Date Set
ViewMaster Virtual Viewer Pooh Set
ViewMaster Virtual Viewer Sesame Street Sets
Viewmaster Disney Reels

Step1

Understand that the Fisher-Price ViewMaster is a classic toy that allows children to watch frames of movie-like stories on reels inserted into the ViewMaster. The ViewMaster looks like a plastic pair of binoculars. It is appropriate for children ages 3 and up.

Step2

Think about the types of ViewMasters available. The simplest version is the 3-D Red ViewMaster, which costs only $5 and comes with one reel. All reels that are viewed on this appear in 3-D. This ViewMaster is an inexpensive gift and one that will be appreciated by all children.

Step3

Know that there are higher tech models of the ViewMaster available as well. The Virtual Viewer has a wraparound visor and a 50 percent larger viewing area than the traditional 3-D ViewMaster. It comes in red and is also $5. This ViewMaster won a 1999 Parenting Magazine award.

Step4

Try the Super Show Projector for an even more juiced-up version. This ViewMaster requires batteries and projects pictures from the reels onto a wall or ceiling. It is handheld and is priced around $13.

Step5

Be aware that you can purchase sets that include a ViewMaster and several reels. There is a Virtual Barbie Prom Date set, a Virtual Pooh High Flying Adventure and a Super Show Projector Bug's Life set and Toy Story Set. The Virtual sets cost about $7 while the Super Show Projector sets cost about $13.

Step6

Look at the Discovery Series Gift Set, which includes a ViewMaster that can also be used as real binoculars. The set sells for $15.

Step7

Select additional reels to go with the viewer you purchase. There is a Discovery Channel series of nature reels that cost about $4 each. There are many Disney movie reels to select from.

Step8

Buy your viewer and reels from the shopping list below or from your favorite online or local toy store.

Tips & Warnings

All the reels are compatible with the different types of viewers.
The handheld projector is easier for younger children to use, because they don't have to try to get their eyes lined up with the openings to see the pictures.

Comments

webesuchi said

Flag This Comment

on 1/10/2008 Another good source is:

http://www.berezin.com/3d/viewmaster.htm

webesuchi said

Flag This Comment

on 1/10/2008 Another good source for reels is:

http://www.berezin.com/3d/viewmaster.htm

jmoeller18 said

Flag This Comment

on 8/30/2007 Hello, I am looking for advice on a view master projector i found at a garage sale for my kids (super show projector, mattel, year 1999, model 35588). After changing the bulb the picture was very blurry. The plastic lens is a little scratched. I am wondering if anyone knows if I can get this one to work or if the scratches will prevent this from being useful.

thanks! Jeff

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 Here is a good reference page of the packets from around the world and from TV and the movies -

http://viewmaster.home.comcast.net/

The place to go to find those old boomer baby viewmasters is -

http://www.kipbrockman.com/viewmaster/