Cheapest way to convert old 70/80's projection film slides into a digital format.

Forums › Digital Imaging › Cheapest way to convert old 70/80's projection film slides into a digital format.

jimbob79

673 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 165

#198144 28-Jun-2016 11:51

Hi guys,

I have about 700 slides and I want to convert them into a digital format. I have quotes from $1 to $2 per slide. Ouch!!

I'm also investigating the option of buy a slide film scanner to convert them myself but I do not know what is the best product to buy.

Thanks.

rendezvous

197 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 50

#1581821 28-Jun-2016 12:02

I was looking at doing that with some old film (not slide) too. I looked at a few things online, basically the best solution was to use a macro lens and take photos of the slide. That came out with better resolution and dynamic range than using a scanner.

http://petapixel.com/2012/12/24/how-to-scan-your-film-using-a-digital-camera-and-macro-lens/

That site suggests using multiple shots and stitching them, but even just using one shot can produce reasonable results.

clicknz

477 posts

Ultimate Geek
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Trusted

#1581823 28-Jun-2016 12:08

Hi - sorry I'm not up to date with how effective current slide scanners are, but believe that good software/interface is probably key to the process. You're pretty certainly going to need something to remove dust marks, possible scratches and maybe improve colour/contrast... if the places you've investigated will do all this within the price it's probably good value.

Another option is to use a decent digital camera. If you have a camera that will (preferably) shoot RAW files and you have the ability to set up a copy situation with good lighting (LED or flash) and close focus ability, then it's a good way to digitise slides. You will probably still have some post-production to do though.

Cheers,
Mike

Photographer/Videographer clickmedia.nz

jimbob79

673 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 165

#1581841 28-Jun-2016 12:39

I found this on trademe:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/antiques-collectables/clocks-scientific-instruments/auction-1113273642.htm

It's a popular item sold on amazon.

old3eyes

9158 posts

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+1 received by user: 1364

Subscriber

#1582130 28-Jun-2016 16:40

jimbob79:

I found this on trademe:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/antiques-collectables/clocks-scientific-instruments/auction-1113273642.htm

It's a popular item sold on amazon.

Amazon = US$124.49 + $8.88 Shipping & Import Fees Deposit to New Zealand

Regards,

Old3eyes

notesgnome

130 posts

Master Geek
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Lifetime subscriber

#1582176 28-Jun-2016 17:12

Where are you located? I have a good (a bit old and a bit slow, but very good results) slide and negative scanner (Nikon Coolscan) that you might be able to borrow.

simplestuff

84 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#1582178 28-Jun-2016 17:18

I made simple box cut a slot to put slides in Put an extension light in the box a piece of white paper under the slot used a Chines plastic food container

to place My phone on cut a hole for the camera (Samsung S6) to was able to focus the camera which sat about 4-6 cm above the slide and hey presto

Took about an hour to do a 150 slides I will post a couple to show the quality and a picture of the box. Got this idea from YouTube.

Cheers

Geekzone

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simplestuff

84 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#1582209 28-Jun-2016 17:51

Here are a couple of images Need to resize as most are too bug to post

https://cdn.geekzone.co.nz/imagessubs/blog228ae6dbda48d9fb494492f7dedd6f21.jpg

simplestuff

84 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#1582212 28-Jun-2016 17:57

Here is the setup

https://cdn.geekzone.co.nz/imagessubs/bloga4400f5fb4e2eb3bd5307af8369d974d.jpg https://cdn.geekzone.co.nz/imagessubs/bloga4400f5fb4e2eb3bd5307af8369d974d.jpg

rayonline

1736 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 51

#1584205 1-Jul-2016 16:43

I have a flatbed scanner, I still shoot the odd film for my hobby. Let's say a side by side on a tripod, 4MP dSLR like a Nikon D2h had more details than a 100 ISO slide film with a Epson V700 flatbed.

Cheapest way. Get a flatbed that takes film holders and sit there for 2 weekends, 2 days at time full time at home scanning. Once done, only post process the ones you intend to print or email out etc. I do 10 rolls each 6 or 12 months - cos I get my 10 rolls of slides back from the USA. Cheaper, cleaner and no marks.

If you have a slide projector you can add a bit of diffusion between the glass and film and remove the projector lens and stick your dSLR with a macro lens there. If the projector has timer remote even better, do the same to the dSLR.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnvhBXQrfzQ