FAQ and Support Information
 General Inquiries: info@snap3d.com Order & Sales Questions: sales@snap3d.com Support Issues: tech@snap3d.com |
Frequently
Asked Questions Below is a list of the most commonly asked questions. If your question is not answered here or is more technical or sales oriented please contact Snap 3D at any of the methods below. Telephone Phone: 416-850-1972 |
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. However, lenticular 3D prints allow for the 3D effect to be seen without a viewing apparatus. Most of the 3D services we provide are lenticular related from making lenticular prints from your own files to selling Famous Art conversions and vintage historical lenticular prints from our Gallery.
Q2- What is lenticular?
A- Lenticular 3D is a format that does not require the use of glasses (red/blue anaglyph) or other viewing devices 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 from consumer 3D cameras is 179 lenses per inch and 60 LPI or 20 LPI for larger prints. Another advantage of lenticular technology is the ability of the lens to support animation pictures. This is illustrated in Snap3D's line of animation business cards which are on 100 LPI lens or personal animations which are on the 179 LPI. You can order a sample of this if you want to see what it looks like. See our Sample Kit page. We have 75 LPI for our commercial laminated postcards and bookmarks.
Q3-Why would I want to have a 3D picture?
A- 3D or animation pictures allow us to view the world as we see it naturally. A regular flat photo is a less realistic representation than 3D because it lacks the depth our eyes normally perceive. An animation print provides a fun and pleasing device that moves and shows motion when you tilt the print in your hand or walk by it.
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 some practice 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 without moving the camera sideways for a second shot..
Q6- Is it difficult to take 3D pictures with 3D cameras such as the Fuji 3D digital camera?
A- No. The same basic techniques used in regular single-lens photography apply with the 3D cameras. However, for best results, our tutorial provides assistance with composition and helpful guidelines for taking successful 3D photographs. See “3D Shooting Tips”
Q7- Do I need special equipment ?
A- Yes. You need a 3D digital camera such as the Fuji 3D digital W1 or W3, or you can make digital scans of the film from 3 and 4 lens film cameras. We no longer support 3D printing from film directly. Instead, you would send your digital files to us through the internet and receive your 3D prints in the mail. See “Price List”
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. A 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- At this time we are making 3D lenticular prints on very fine 179 LPI photo emulsion backed material in 4”H X 6”W or 8”H X 6”W sizes and 8”X 10” and larger on 60 LPI or 20 LPI laminated material. Within these sizes we can make reprints and enlargements.
Q10-Can I get ordinary flat 2D prints made from my 3D negatives?
A- Yes. In 3D photography, any given single image is identical to an ordinary flat photo. Simply take your digital file, film roll or negatives from 3 and 4 lens cameras 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 6 weeks 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. This is a niche business and we have to gather enough orders to justify a print run which can take some time to accumulate.
Q12-Can you print lenticulars from existing 3 and 4 lens cameras?
A- Only from digital scans of the 3 and 4 lens film cameras. We no longer do 3D prints directly from the film negatives.
Need to scan your 3D film into digital files?
You can use a scanning service such as Scan Cafe “ http://www.scancafe.com/services Tel: 866-745-0392. I only give you the link. I have no direct knowledge of their services or any affiliation with them. Be sure to tell them about the unusual nature of the 3D images that you would be scanning. Snap 3D does not provide any scanning services.
See ”Price List" for our consumer print services.
Q13-Can you print lenticulars from existing 2 lens cameras not made by Snap3D?
A- Yes. As long as we receive digital files from those 2 lens cameras or almost any other 2 image source we can make a 3D print from it.
Q14-Are you associated with any of the other lenticular printing companies of the past?
A- No. Snap3D is a company operating since 2004 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 and have them scanned into digital files. Our regular rates apply. See "Price List"