Hack A Pair Of Anti-3D Glasses [Instructables How-To]

In a world suffering from 3D visuals hype, sometimes all we want is to watch a film without the clunkiness of 3D glasses or the headache-inducing “hyper-real” 3D television sets. Besides being more expensive and significantly darker than their 2D versions, boycotting 3D movies just got a little bit easier as Sony just announced they’re going to stop paying for 3D glasses starting in May (and you know theaters are not likely to pick up that cost).

If you’re “over it” but still find yourself accompanying groups of friends to see 3D movies before the additional cost kicks in, this week’s clever Instructable from kaptaink_cg will teach you how to modify your 3D glasses in order to watch a film in 2D.

Gather your materials, including two pairs of polarized 3D glasses (the author suggests the “Master Image” brand), a small flathead screwdriver, and a razor blade or pair of scissors.

Before you begin, take a step back and understand what exactly you’re doing. Typically theaters use “Passive 3D” technology, which means the image on the screen is projected through two polarized lenses, one rotating clockwise and the other rotating counter-clockwise (same as the corresponding 3D glasses). You see a 3D image because the glasses only allow the light from one projector to reach each eye, and so both eyes see a slightly different picture.

Put this in action by putting on a pair of 3D glasses and holding up the other pair in front of you. If you close one eye and rotate the pair of glasses you’re holding, one lens will turn completely dark. The glasses you’re about to make will be modified so both eyes see the same image.

Pop off the sunglasses’ arms with the screwdriver and remove the lens retainer piece. Do the same with the second pair of glasses, making sure you keep track of which lens is which.

Exchange the two lenses as shown in the photo, keeping them facing the same direction as they originally were placed in the glasses. Using the lens retainer as a guide, trim the edge of the lens so it will fit into the frame. If there are any gaps in the retainer, simply cover them with electrical tape.

Snap the retainer piece and arms back onto the glasses you “hacked” and you’re ready to start enjoying films in 2D again!

Vote for the Anti-3D glasses in the Instructables Hack It! Challenge or submit your own hack to Instructables by November 28th for the chance to win a full electronics workshop, including an oscilloscope, bench supply and USB logic analyzer.

Visit the Instructables How-To for further instruction, more detailed photographs and tips on where to buy materials.