Digitizing slides: I’m attempting to digitize some old slides by photographing them with a Canon R and using an iPad as a light table. When I zoom in I’m getting this weird grid...

LarJgrip Loc: The Fraser Valley

I’m attempting to digitize some old slides by photographing them with a Canon R and using an iPad as a light table. When I zoom in I’m getting this weird grid pattern on the photo. Can someone please help me understand what’s going on here or is this just a dumb hack on my part. Tia

Tote1940 Loc: Dallas

Ipad pixels try moving ipad away from slide so pixels out of focus avoid f/ stop smaller than 8 for less depth of focus

LarJgrip Loc: The Fraser Valley

Thankyou I’ll try that…it just occurred to me, I had the anti flicker option turned off in settings. I wonder if that had a part to play.

Bison Bud

I'd try to either scan them with a photo quality scanner or possibly find a way to back-light the actual slide and use a macro lens to get close ups of the actual slide rather than take a picture of an LCD screen. You could also get an old slide projector and photograph the image it projects. Personally, I took the scanner route and have been very satisfied with the results, however, it is a very slow process and most of the older slides also need some work to color correct, etc. Good luck and good shooting to you and yours!

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

You need some sort of diffusing material between the LCD screen and your slide that will mask the grid pattern of the iPad screen. Or do as Tote1940 suggests.

Stan

stanikon Loc: Deep in the Heart of Texas

I had exactly the same problem. You may be able to find the thread under my name somewhere in the archives. I solved the problem by purchasing the Nikon ES-2 Film Digitizing Adaptor kit. I was fortunate in that I already owned one of the two lenses that fit the kit. It 100% solved the problem for me, and after figuring out a good work flow system, I digitized all of my slides easily and fairly quickly.

I suggest you look up this kit and then see if Canon has something comparable.

Jim Bianco

LarJgrip wrote:

I’m attempting to digitize some old slides by photographing them with a Canon R and using an iPad as a light table. When I zoom in I’m getting this weird grid pattern on the photo. Can someone please help me understand what’s going on here or is this just a dumb hack on my part. Tia

I place my slides about 2 to 3 inches away from my pad at F/5.6 works great,or set up a LED light at 6500 kelvin.

JeffL Loc: New Jersey

Bison Bud wrote:

I'd try to either scan them with a photo quality s... (show quote)

I concur. I just finished digitizing approximately 1000 slides, using an older, but still great Epson Perfection V550 photo scanner and Silverfast 9 plus software. The slide holder can hold four slides at a time, and once you set the software for the first one, it will scan the remaining slides with the same settings, if you want. The software will eliminate dust and scratches, even on 50 year old slides. It beats using an iPad and camera, plus there is a certain amount PP you can do with the software. Now I’ve started on the 10,000 negatives I have. I can do two six frame strips at a time. I now have something to do in my dotage.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

LarJgrip wrote:

I’m attempting to digitize some old slides by photographing them with a Canon R and using an iPad as a light table. When I zoom in I’m getting this weird grid pattern on the photo. Can someone please help me understand what’s going on here or is this just a dumb hack on my part. Tia

Please read my 20 page PDF.

Your issue is lack of diffusion between light source and film.

Attached file:
(Download)

Tote1940 Loc: Dallas

Do it ! I digitized my Dad's negs and slides dating to 1940's (main problem none had dates or places or who is who) plus mine about 250K Took me several years but I think it is best we can leave our grandchildren and future ones
Main problem is who is going to keep passing collection as formats and drives become obsolete.
Started with floppies then HD's but none lasts as long as B&W neg or print
It is fun slow but fun
Used mainly dedicated slide film scanner and a monster Epson that takes large negs below glass platen

charles tabb Loc: Richmond VA.

LarJgrip wrote:

I’m attempting to digitize some old slides by photographing them with a Canon R and using an iPad as a light table. When I zoom in I’m getting this weird grid pattern on the photo. Can someone please help me understand what’s going on here or is this just a dumb hack on my part. Tia

Without going thru a punch of setup try and change things I bought Wolverine F2D Titan Film to digital converter.
So far I've scanned slides and many sizes of negative film and am very happy with it's results.
Hope this helps.

Charles

jim quist Loc: Missouri

My wife has an Epson scanner that does fabulous print and slide scanning

fetzler Loc: North West PA

Tote1940 wrote:

Ipad pixels try moving ipad away from slide so pixels out of focus avoid f/ stop smaller than 8 for less depth of focus

As others noted you are seeing the pixels on the i-pad screen. Here are some things you can do.

1. Use a scanner.

2. Get a led light box that is for photo use. Light will be more even and no pixels.

3. Increase distance between slide and light source. Pixels will be out of focus.

4. Try adding some diffusion material over the phone.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/43770-REG/Rosco_RS11611_116_Filter_Tough.html

There are a few other versions of this diffuser. All can be cut to size.

fetzler Loc: North West PA

burkphoto wrote:

Please read my 20 page PDF.

Your issue is lack of diffusion between light source and film.

Yep just do what burkphoto says.

317tman Loc: Indianapolis, In

LarJgrip wrote:

I’m attempting to digitize some old slides by photographing them with a Canon R and using an iPad as a light table. When I zoom in I’m getting this weird grid pattern on the photo. Can someone please help me understand what’s going on here or is this just a dumb hack on my part. Tia

As burkphoto mentioned you need a diffuser between light source and the slide. I just finished mine, bought a led light source of the correct temperature color which was much brighter than my ipad. I tried my epson 600 scanner and compared them to taking pictures with a 20 meg camera and 100 macro lense. The camera shots had more detail and the process was way faster.