revised March 30, 2003

Nimslo and Nishika Cameras
Some people are captivated by multi-layer 3-D color prints and they want to own a camera capable of taking these pictures. Others may own such a camera and can't find anyone to process the film. This is particularly true for Nimslo and Nishika owners. The i3Dx division of Orasee Corp. is the only company which processes film for Nimslo and Nishika users. On the web site, click on 3D Photos. You must mail your film to i3Dx in Duluth, Georgia for processing.

Nimslo and Nishika cameras are no longer made. Nimslo's parent company withdrew from 3D technology in 1994. The same year Nishika filed for bankruptcy after being accused of telemarketing and credit card fraud by the Federal Trade Commission. (Note: This link changes frequently, so you may have to do a search for Nishika on the FTC site.)

(If you sent film to Nishika Ltd. in Henderson, Nevada and never received your prints, i3Dx stored the unprocessed film at their expense for several years as a service to consumers.)

Orasee/i3Dx has acquired the last of the Nimslo Quadra Lens 3D cameras (still brand new and in the original box) and is selling them for $119.95. Mint condition Nimslo and Nishika cameras can be purchased for about $100 from many used dealers and private parties. People report finding them at garage sales and flea markets for much less, however you have no way of knowing how the camera has been treated or whether the light meter works properly, a very important factor in these largely non-adjustable cameras.

After having personally compared the Nimslo and Nishika cameras, it's clear the Nimslo is the better product, with a metal body and glass lenses. The Nishika has plastic lenses and overall less quality construction.

Both cameras are designed for use with 35mm color print film.

3D Image Technology Closes Doors
Until the late 1990's, there was another choice for 3-D cameras. On March 31, 1999 3D Image Technology (3D-IT) in Norcross, Georgia closed their doors and ceased operations, citing a shortage of print material and an inability to pay for it, disputed tax liabilities, and a judgement obtained by Eastman Kodak against 3D-IT for failing to pay for material purchased in 1993 and 1994 by the former parent company. 3D-IT and Kalimar brand cameras have three lenses instead of the four lenses found on Nishika and Nimslo cameras.

Owners of 3D Image Technology and Kalimar 3-D cameras will be relieved to learn Orasee Corp./ i3Dx has stepped into the vacuum left by 3D-IT's closure and offers photofinishing to owners of 3-lens cameras. Click on 3D Photos on the Orasee web site for more information.

Read our FAQ on 3D Image Technology for additional details.

Another Option: Stereo 3-D Cameras
Stereo 3-D has been around for more than a century. Stereo 3-D cameras have two lenses. It's likely you have seen people looking at stereo photographs using a handheld viewer which holds two nearly identical prints side-by-side. Viewmaster(tm) slide reels are another example of stereo 3-D.

Argus Industries makes a stereo 3-D camera kit which is reasonably priced ($89.95) and can be used with both color print and black and white 35mm film. The kit even comes with a viewer which holds 4x6 inch prints. This means you can get film processed anywhere you want and not be bothered with mail order processing or companies which might go out of business.

Free membership is offered in the Argus Camera Club; members get a 20% discount off current Argus products, a newsletter, and help in locating antique Argus cameras and parts. Argus has been around since 1936 and was largely responsible for popularizing the postwar rise of 35mm cameras.

Many baby boomers will remember the famous brick shaped Argus C-3 camera manufactured from 1939 to 1966. (C-3 cameras can still be found at garage sales and thrift stores but the C-3 is not a 3-D camera.) Considerable historical information is included on the web site, including repair shops which can repair old Argus cameras.

You could even use the Argus 3-D camera with slide film if you buy a stereo slide viewer. Berezin Stereo Photography Products sells Star D brand illuminated stereo slide viewers which can be modified for viewing full frame slides.