Today, the Kalimar camera has been rediscovered as an ideal camera for the production of an animated gif for posting on the internet. The animated gif produces simulated 3D as it flashes back and forth between the two images created with the first and third lens of the Kalimar camera.

NOTE: Similar to the Nishika 8000 3D camera (one less lens thus rendering more images per roll of film - the Kalimar is much less bulky and heavy Nishika - all for the same features)

NOTE: Similar to the Nimslo 3D camera (one less lens thus rendering more images per roll of film - the Kalimar is less than 1/5 the Nimslo price)

Last Chance-
The popular three lens camera from the late 1990s is selling out.

Originally intended as a three lens camera for the production of 3D stereo lenticular prints, it records three half-frame (24 x 18mm ) images on regular 35mm print film from which is made, the lenticular print (3D photographs that require no special glasses or special viewers).

For a few years, lenticular print processors where scarcer than hen's teeth.  The lenticular cameras stopped selling. But photographers  found the Kalmar camera useful for making two image stereo slides using the images produced by the two outer lenses, and for making an animated gif, simulating 3D for internet posting.

Technical Specifications:

• Uses standard 35mm negative or slide film.  400 ASA recommended for best results.

• Film advance: 12 perforations, fixed

• Image size: 24x18mm on 35mm film

• Three matched lenses, 27mm, f8.0 (2 elements in 2 groups)

• Lens separation: 18.5mm, 37mm

• Focusing: Fixed, depth of field 4 feet to infinity (for closer-up images see the 3D Mac camera)

• Shutter speed: 1/100 fixed

• Viewfinder: Reverse Galilean type

• Flash: Built-in with LED ready light, good for 4-15' with 400 ASA film

• Power: 2 AA batteries

• Film advance & rewind: Manual with thumb wheel (advance) and folding crank (rewind)

• Other: Strap, frame counter

• Dimensions: 143x68x40mm, 160g weight

1. For best results the subject should be between 6 and 12 feet (2 to 3.6 m)

2. For enhanced 3d effect include subjects such as flowers or trees 2-3 feet in front of the main subjects so that the composition had foreground interest, as well as background and scenery

3. Do not place persons to be photographed in front of a wall.  Photograph subjects against a more interesting and colorful background that creates a great sense of perspective, accenting the 3-D effect.

Having a strong foreground close to the camera is more important with this camera than other standard (realist format etc) stereo cameras, because of the relatively short distance between the lenses.