Black models in scene

[Robin3D]

Every time I import a 3DS model into a scene in 3Dsmax 2009, the models appear black, and look like they have double faces (which they don't).

Now sometimes when I select a part of the model, or move a bit in the viewport it looks normal.

 

I checked the units, that's not the problem. The rest of the scene (not imported) looks fine.

 

It's really annoying, because I need to see the materials on the parts.

[SandmanNinja]

It does indeed look like double faces.

 

I always group my objects before merging. I think of it as 'glue' that holds it together.

 

Hmm... are you importing or merging?

If importing, from what program?

 

I just merge.

[Lester_Masterson]

It may not be double faces, simply flipped normals.

[amer abidi]

or simply too far away from centre point in max:)

[Jackie Teh]

what renderer are you using ?

difference material might not supoort with other renderer,

sometime its will cause blackout of your model.

[BrianKitts]

I would try welding the vertices and see what happens.....

 

could also just be a bad mesh with jacked up smoothing. apply a smooth modifier to it (don't turn on autosmooth) and see if the faces stay black or show their color..... which begs the second idea of it could just be flipped normals. select the object right click go into the object properties and select the "backface cull" optionng the vertices for the object and see what happens.

Edited November 6, 2008 by BrianKitts

[Robin3D]

The faces are not flipped. Also putting them in the center of the scene doesn't help. I'm using Mental Ray, but the materials are just standard ones.

 

I tried welding all vertices, doesn't help.