FAQ

What is this website about?

We are building a next-generation photographic light source. The design and software is open source and interested protographers are invited to participate in a co-creation process.

Why are you doing this?

Because we believe photogs cooperating is a better way to create products for photogs.

What is the role of Rift Labs exactly?

The problem with open source hardware is that manufacturing high-tech physical products is friggin hard! It is relatively easy to make a proof-of-concept on a lab bench. To take that proof-of-concept all the way to a shiny product you can hold in your hand, requires a lot of design, testing, quality control, supply chain management, not to mention expense, factory visits, regulatory approvals, and all that jazz. Rift Labs leads the open co-creation process, the product development, and deals with the practicalities of manufacturing the actual products. Rift Labs will make money from manufacturing and selling the products designed here on this website.

So does Rift Labs own the rights to whatever I contribute?

No.

Ideas, concepts and discussion on this website are shared knowledge.
The software and the electronic circuitry developed here is open source, and there is no notion of individual ownership for open source. We don’t own it. You don’t own it. If you contribute, you donate to the human race, so to speak.
Graphic Design and Industrial Design is a bit different. Design for a specific gadget is contributed under a Creative Commons license. Rift Labs will license the right to use your design for a specific product.

I’m a photographer. How do I get involved?

You are invited to participate wherever you want to contribute. Suggest and discuss features, vote concepts up or down, participate in beta-testing of products.

I’m a techie. Why would I want to join development?

There are lots of reasons. Recognition from your peers and from the community. For the love of creation. To learn. You can join in on a project that is too big/complex for a single person. To see a product all the way to production. To show your willingness to share and collaborate.

Where is the discussion forum?

The website launched days ago, and we’re still fiddling with the knobs. Until we get the forum up and running, discussions will have to take place in the blog comments.

Can’t some other company just steal the designs and make cheap copies?

Anyone is free to make products based on the open source schematics and software.

Where are the products manufactured?

Components are sourced from manufacturers all over the world including USA, China, Germany, France and many more. Final product assembly and quality control will be done by Rift Labs in Europe.

Will the products actually be made and supported?

Rift Labs is committed to manufacturing the products designed on this website. Rift labs will offer customer support, technical support and repair.

What are they going to cost?

The cost of production will be estimated when a concept is evaluated for manufacturability. We aim to make the products as affordable as possible.