Frequently Asked Questions about NeoLucida

+ What can I draw with the NeoLucida?

The short answer is: Anything you can put in front of you. Draw portraits, live figure models, still life setups, landscapes. You can even draw still printed images or images on your device screens and use the NeoLucida as a device to make hand-drawn copies of other images. Find more information on the Using the NeoLucida page.

+ Can I use it outside?

Absolutely. Make sure you have a solid table, horizontal drawing easel or tripod fitted with a drawing board to keep your setup stable and movement free. Find more information on the Using the NeoLucida page.

+ How big can I draw with the NeoLucida?

Out of the box, both the NeoLucida and NeoLucida XL can draw up to US Tabloid (11”x17”)/A3 size. The size of the ghost image depends on the height of the eyepiece. Clamp the NeoLucida to a shelf or extended tripod for larger images. With a custom set up, you can draw much larger! See “Know the Limits” at the bottom of the Using the NeoLucida page for more information.

+ How close/far away can my subject be?

The NeoLucida has no optical focal limit. Unlike camera lenses, prisms and mirrors do not have a focal length. In practice, however, we recommend drawing subjects from 12in/30cm to infinity. We recommend starting with subjects placed about 3ft/1m away so yo ucan get comfortable with the optics. To work very closeup, such as drawing an insect, you could experiment by modifying your NeoLucida with magnifying lenses!

+ Which NeoLucida should I get?

Here is a quick guide to the differences between the prism NeoLucida and the mirror-and-glass NeoLucida XL.

+ My vision isn't great. Will the NeoLucida work for me?

Even if you use corrective lenses (glasses, contact lenses), you can use the NeoLucida and NeoLucida XL. You have to place your eye fairly close to the eyepiece, so your glasses might touch the eyepiece during use. You only use one eye when using the NeoLucida, so if you have issues with binocular vision/depth perception, you can still use the NeoLucida.

+ Should I close one eye when using the NeoLucida?

We recommend you begin with one eye closed to concentrate on the ghost image. Some users report it’s easier with two eyes open, but it could be distracting for most first-time users.

+ Does the NeoLucida work for lefties?

Yes! The eyepiece is reversible, so you can either clamp the NeoLucida to the left or right of your paper to leave room for your drawing hand. Out of the box, it is set up for clamping on the left for right-handed use. To switch the handedness of your NeoLucida, follow the instructions provided.

+ Do you have a copy of the instructions?

Yes! Visit Using the NeoLucida for PDF download links.

+ Help! My image is upside down!

When using the prism NeoLucida, make sure your setup is correct. If you have the prism shield at 45º to your table, check to see if you are looking straight down PAST the prism edge towards your paper. Don't look into the prism. Make a straight line between your eye, the prism edge, and your pencil point directly below the eyepiece. Watch this helpful setup guide:

+ It’s hard to see my pencil; the subject is too bright. How can I fix that?

Light balance is important. There should be equal lighting on your subject and your paper. If your setup has a lighting imbalance, try the following:

• If your scene is too bright, use a small light to illuminate your paper.
• If your page is too bright, shade the paper from the bright lightsource.

The NeoLucida XL comes with a shader to help balance the light:

• If your scene is too bright, place the shader in the front slot to dim your scene.
• If your page is too bright, place the shader in the lower slot to dim your paper.

Artists have also used toned papers (grey, cream, buff) that reduce glare from the page. This technique also allows the artist to use white colored pencil or chalk to draw highlights.

+ My eyes are strained from using the NeoLucida. Am I doing something wrong?

Not necessarily. New users can become fatigued from prolonged drawing with the NeoLucida. Since the prism splits your vision between your paper and your subject, your eye is trying to focus on two different distances at the same time. This can result in eye fatigue, especially if your prism is close to the page but your subject is far away. With time and practice, your eye will become more conditioned to the setup.

+ Why does my drawing appear squished while using the prism NeoLucida?

The NeoLucida prism is quite crisp and distortion-free — but, as with any prism, looking at a subject which is too close and below the intended viewing axis will cause distortions. If you notice your drawing is “squished” or compressed in the vertical axis, your subject is too close and/or too low. Elevate your subject to be in line with the prism, and/or move it farther away. We recommend 3ft (1m) as a practical minimum distance.

+ Why is the NeoLucida prism so small?

The NeoLucida prism copies the exact dimensions and design of antique prisms which were used for nearly a century in “classic” camera lucidas. These prisms are small, just a few millimeters on a side. So it’s reasonable to ask: wouldn’t a larger prism have been better? Well, a larger viewing element does give a wider field of view—but it does so at the expense of precision. As surprising as it may seem, the small size of the NeoLucida’s Berville prism offers users a superior experience because it eliminates parallax and therefore allows for precise alignment for copying. In short, the small size of the NeoLucida’s Berville prism is crucial to maintaining the registration of your drawing, because any slight movement of your head would cause your subject’s virtual image to shift. For more information about this, please see the discussion here.

+ How much is shipping?

Global shipping is FREE!

+ I want to track a package or make a return?

You will receive a tracking notice email once the order ships after 1-2 business days from when the order's been confirmed, it may be possible the tracking notice email goes into your spam folder.

We feel that you will love our products. However, if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase from our bigidesign.com website, you may return your item(s) within 30 days of receipt for replacement or refund.

You can request a return through your order confirmation page or email support@bigidesign.com for a return label.

+ Do I need to pay customs duty on my order?

If you live in the USA, no you won't need to worry about this.

If you live outside of the USA, you may need to pay an import fee if your country customs decides to charge tax on it. We see many orders can go through the customs without having fees occur, but if it does occur, it will be the buyers responsibility to pay.

+ What is your return policy? How do I make a return?

You can return your purchase within 30 days of receipt for replacement or refund. You can request a return through your order confirmation email or write support@bigidesign.com with any customer service questions. Big Idea Design is the official manufacturing and retail partner of NeoLucida.

+ How much is shipping?

All USA orders are shipped from either Chattanooga TN or by Amazon Fulfillment.