Q1- What is 3D?

A- 3D is the perception of depth. In real life, the perception of depth occurs because your eyes see the world from two slightly different points of view. In artificial 3D, cameras or other capturing devices produce two or more points of view, usually simultaneously, that allow for perception of depth. This often requires a special viewing apparatus. Lenticular 3D, however, allows for the 3D effect without a viewing apparatus. The 3D services we provide are lenticular.

Q2- What is lenticular?

A- Lenticular 3D is a format that does not require the use of glasses (red/blue anaglyph) or other viewing apparatuses that nearly all other 3D requires. It is created by the use of a multi-lens plastic surface with an interlaced, multiple points of view image underneath. Our lenticular lens is 179 lenses per inch. Another advantage of lenticular technology is the ability of the lens to support animation pictures on a flat surface. This is illustrated in Snap3D's line of animation business cards. Our sample kit provides examples of the business cards and other lenticular products.

Q3-Why would I want to have a 3D picture?

A- 3D pictures allow us to view the world as we see it naturally. A regular flat photo is a less realistic representation because it lacks the depth our eyes normally perceive.

Q4- How old is 3D photography?

A- 3D was originally developed as line drawings in 1845 by an Englishman, Sir Charles Wheatstone. As the early pioneers recognized, photography was a natural extension of this concept and could have multiple images which would create depth. Although the effect was very life-like, the cumbersome viewing devices hindered the universal popularity of 3D. Finally, in our modern age, the disadvantages of the past have been overcome through technology and our lenticular products provide an appealing solution to this age-old problem.

Q5- Can I take 3D pictures with my regular camera?

A- Yes, it is possible, but requires considerable skill and is limited to stationary subject matter. Regular cameras only have one lens and cannot generate the necessary additional points of view for 3D perspective. Snap3D offers special 3D cameras designed with multiple lenses that are not only user-friendly, but use normal 35 mm print film available at most retail stores.

Q6- Is it difficult to take 3D pictures?

A- No. The same basic techniques used in regular single-lens photography apply with our 3D cameras. However, for best results, our tutorial provides assistance with composition and helpful guidelines for successful 3D photographs.

Q7- Do I need special equipment or film?

A- No. You need a 3D camera such as the ones we offer, and regular 35 mm print film. When your roll of film is finished, you can have your film developed into negatives, but should you prefer, Snap3D will process your roll for an additional fee. If you choose to have your film roll developed into negatives locally, you can then send only the specific negatives you would like to turn into lenticular prints. See price list. Simply mail your negatives or roll to Snap3D and your lenticular 3D prints will be processed and returned to you.

Q8-Why are the prints so expensive?

A- Lenticular prints are plastic, not paper, and the process involved in their production is very labor intensive. Our highly skilled operator must manually register the multiple images individually while adjusting film parameters on an image by image basis. This is a time consuming and exacting process. The results, however, are striking, long-lasting and distinctive.

Q9-What if I like a picture enough to want reprints and enlargements?

A- Snap3D provides reprint and enlargement services. You can order an unlimited number of prints in a variety of sizes. Your lenticular print is also available as a transparency which is ideally suited for our backlit decorative frames. Send us the negatives you desire to have reprinted or enlarged.

Q10-Can I get ordinary flat 2D prints made from my 3D photos?

A- Yes. In 3D photography, any given single image is identical to an ordinary flat photo. Simply take your film roll or negatives to any local photo developing retailer and have them print the images you want.

Q11-How long does it take to get the prints?

A- Your prints will be returned to you approximately one month after we receive your order. The lenticular printing process is exacting and time-consuming and the timeliness of your order is often dependent upon the postal system.

Q12-Can you print lenticulars from existing 3 and 4 lens cameras?

A- Yes! We welcome new orders including reprints and enlargements from all the former 3 and 4 lens cameras. Dig your existing rolls out of the drawers and keep shooting! Examples of these cameras can be seen on our website printing page.

Q13-Can you print lenticulars from existing 2 lens cameras not sold by Snap3D?

A- No. At this time we are unable to do so. If we are able to offer this service in the future, we will announce it on our website. The Snap3D 2 lens cameras are specially designed with a separation of 26 mm for lenticular printing. Other 2 lens cameras are designed with a separation of at least 65 mm and are for other 3D purposes.

Q14-Are you associated with any of the other lenticular printing companies of the past?

A- No. Snap3D is a new company with no association to any former lenticular printers. Snap3D is directly affiliated with the inventor of this consumer 3D process and the manufacturing facility. A number of customers have asked us if we are able to retrieve rolls of film that they have sent to other lenticular companies and not been returned or processed properly. We are unable to do that, but are happy to print those orders if the customer can retrieve his/her film rolls or negatives. Our regular rates apply.

Q15-Can you make my existing normal flat photo into 3D?

A- Yes! We are excited to offer a new and exclusive service. For the first time ever, regular flat 2D images can be affordably converted into high quality 3D lenticular prints. See our 2D to 3D conversion webpage.

Q16-Why do some of your cameras have 2 lenses and others have 5 lenses?

A- Stereo-cameras with additional lenses, such as our 5 lens professional model, allow customers to create higher quality lenticular prints and exercise greater control of the picture taking process. Our 2 lens cameras offer convenience and quality images. The 5 lens model is better suited for those looking for a business opportunity in 3D and for the experienced amateur user. Cameras with additional lenses give a wider, smoother 'look-around' effect.

Q17- Is it safe to mail film?

A- Generally, yes. Only undeveloped film is vulnerable. Irradiation is sometimes used on targeted mail but not all mail in order to protect against biohazards. Specifically targeted areas are those with government offices. For more information contact your local postal service. In the unlikely event that your unprocessed film has been damaged, our technicians will not print it and you will not be charged. It will then be returned to you.

Q18- What is the difference between a reflective and transparency 3D print?

A- A reflective print has an opague back and is viewed with light hitting the front of the picture. This is typical of 90% of all pictures that we see. A transparency print has a clear back and is viewed with light coming from behind the picture. A transparency print is suitable placed on a window sill or mounted in a light box.

The transparency costs a little more to make than the reflective. We provide you a choice of either type of print from the same negative.