Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-lens camera that can be used for taking three-dimensional and two-dimensional photographs. The multi-lens camera is constructed so that it is capable of exposing a series of 2-D images of a scene onto the photographic film corresponding to the number of lenses of the camera. The multi-lens camera of this invention has a film plane for one of the lenses which is from 1.5 to 4 times wider than the film plane behind the other lenses. Baffles are used to optically separate the film planes behind the lenses. In a preferred embodiment, the wider film plane is a full frame (e.g., 35 mm) and the other film planes one-half frame. The wider film plane results in a broader field of view of a scene for producing a normal or panorama 2-D print. The multiple images of the scene exposed by the camera can be used for producing a conventional 2-D print.

Abstract: A method for determining the spacing between adjacent vantage points for taking a 3-D photograph which involves computing the desired spatial parallax in accordance with the following formula: ##EQU1## where P is the desired spatial parallax, V is the viewing distance and E is the capability of the eyes to fuse the two images together expressed in terms of arc minutes of the scanning angle and utilizing results of this computation to compute the distance T between adjacent vantage points in accordance with the following formula: ##EQU2## where B is the distance between the camera and the background object and K is the distance between the camera and the key subject and u is the back focal length of the camera lens. A calculator has been provided for making the necessary calculations.