Best to use the FBX export/import tool for Maya and Max (only if you have Max tho, or someone who can import it).
Other than that Maya 8 allows export to 3ds, but Maya 7 has no native export tools for 3ds. Have a gander at Autodesks "The-Area" site and see if there is anything in there.
Chris (formerly R@nSiD)
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Winner SM VFX Challenge 1
3rd Place SM SteamPunk Challenge (May 2007)