01 — What is FAX OFFICE 1987?

Browser-based film camera simulator. Emulates 8 legendary film cameras using a halftone dither engine. Drop a photo, get an authentic analog look. No signup, no upload, no subscription.

02 — Is my photo uploaded anywhere?

No. Everything runs locally in your browser. Your photo never leaves your device.

03 — What cameras are included?

1 free: Contax T2 (Carl Zeiss · Superia 400). 7 PRO (3 free trial develops each): Leica M3 (Summicron · Tri-X 400), Nikon F (東京 1971), Pentax 67, Polaroid SX-70, Yashica T4, Mamiya 7, Plaubel Makina 67.

03b — Can I try PRO cameras before buying?

Yes. Every PRO camera includes 3 free develops — no account, no card. After the 3rd develop on a given camera, you'll be prompted to unlock. The Contax T2 is always free with no limit.

04 — What's included in PRO ($29)?

7 PRO film cameras (unlimited), archived halftone modes (Floyd-Steinberg, Threshold, Crosshatch, Adaptive), clean export without watermark strip, GRID export (all 8 cameras at once), PROMO grid, REEL video export, AUDIO sync mode.

05 — Is this a one-time payment?

Yes. $29 once. No subscription, no renewal, no account required.

06 — What resolution does it export?

Free: up to 1920px on the long edge, with signature strip. PRO: full resolution (no cap), watermark optional.

07 — Can I use the exports commercially?

Free tier: personal use only. PRO license: commercial use is permitted for editorial, social media, client work, and print. Not permitted: reselling the output as a standalone filter product or bulk NFT minting.

08 — What browsers are supported?

Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge — any modern browser with Canvas 2D support. Works on desktop and laptop. Mobile has a simplified version: 1 free camera + 3 trial develops per PRO camera, limited sliders. Full PRO feature set requires desktop.

09 — How do I activate my PRO key?

After purchase via Polar.sh you'll receive a license key. In the app, click ··· → ACTIVATE, paste your key, press ACTIVATE. The key is stored locally — re-enter on new devices.

10 — I bought it but the key isn't working.

Keys must be 16+ characters. Make sure there are no extra spaces. If still failing, email [email protected] with your Polar.sh order ID.

11 — Is there a refund policy?

7-day no-questions refund if the tool isn't what you expected. Email [email protected] with your Polar.sh order ID.

12 — What is the DEVELOP button?

It plays a 6-second cinematic transmission ritual — grain builds, tone resolves, a completion tone plays. The canvas updates live as you adjust sliders; DEVELOP records the full sequence as an animation reel (WebM). Not required for export.

13 — What is the CCTV mode?

Uses your webcam as live input, rendered continuously through the dither engine. Your webcam feed is processed locally — nothing is recorded or uploaded. Click CAPTURE to freeze a frame as a static document.

14 — Who made this?

Solo developer project. Built entirely in the browser — no server, no framework, pure Canvas 2D. Questions or feedback: [email protected]

15 — Will there be more cameras / features?

Yes. Upcoming: batch export (multiple photos), LUT export (.cube), film border presets. PRO buyers get all future camera additions at no extra cost.

16 — Commercial license — what's included?

+ Client work — deliver processed images to paying clients
+ Print sales — sell prints of your processed photos
+ Merchandise — use on products, packaging, apparel
+ Editorial & publishing — books, magazines, campaigns
+ Social media & advertising — commercial posts, paid ads

✕ Reselling as a preset pack or filter product
✕ Re-licensing to third parties
✕ Claiming authorship of the FAX OFFICE engine

One license covers one individual. Studios and teams: [email protected]

17 — Why not VSCO, Dehancer, or Lightroom presets?

VSCO is a subscription — $30/year for presets that live in a mobile app.
Dehancer is professional desktop software — $139, requires installation, targets colorists.
Lightroom presets are static LUTs — no grain engine, no scan ritual, no character.

FAX OFFICE is different:
— 8 cameras with independent grain, tonal curve, and halftone engine
— Runs in a browser tab. No installation. No account.
— $29 once. Yours permanently.
— Built around the transmission ritual, not a one-click filter

If you want a monthly subscription app, VSCO is excellent.
If you want a browser tool that treats the process as the point — this is it.