AnthonyBiss Loc: Toronto, Ontario

I have over 2,000 slides and could like to transfer them to digital format. Equipment: Nikon D300s with a Nikon 60mm macro lens connected to a Nikon Slide Coping Adapter ES-1. Unable to see the slide information, Some say that I need a 20mm extension tube or a BR5, others say it should work without the extension?.(don't).
So folks, what configuration do I need to get the copy process working.
Cheers

NikonRocks Loc: Sydney

I went down your path a little differently. I purchased an Emora branded HD Digital Slide Duplicator kit that included all the parts needed to do the job. The extension tube is around 90mm in length with a 52mm lens thread for compatibility with the Nikkor 40mm macro lens I bought especially for the job.

The end result was excellent. The whole slide was visible in the viewfinder of my D7200 with a slight amount of the slide fame also included. This is easily cropped out during post. I had the camera arrangement mounted on a tripod and used a remote SB-600 Speedlite to illuminate each slide in turn - the remote speedlite was triggered by the D7200's internal flash set up as the master flash. Best and consistent results require you to have the camera set up in full manual mode.

Each slide was shot in RAW mode. I used a remote trigger to fire the camera to minimise any vibration. This included remotely raising the mirror MUP before each exposure using the same remote control.

Another tip to get tack-sharp results is to check that you are focused right on the surface of each slide before firing the camera shutter. Unloading and reloading the slide carriage can move the slide holder thereby putting the slide ever so slightly outside the very narrow focal plane as I had my lens aperture wide open leading to a very narrow DOF.

I am not familiar with your model camera so can't be sure my setup can be completely translated to your photographic system. You can use whatever light source you have at hand remembering to accommodate its color temperature via your camera's white balance facility. It can be a slow and tedious process but the results are well worth the effort. Good luck!

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

"...as per your equipment", does your 60mm get you to 1-to-1 magnification with the D300? Is it the "newer" DX G type? If so, try it out. I use the ES-2 with my D850 and an "old" 60mm D lens and THAT set up works perfectly.

AnthonyBiss Loc: Toronto, Ontario

Your response is appreciated folks. Es-2 should work on my D300s. will check out both suggestions an provide a response.
Thanks

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

Tony, just a little more help.

https://nps.nikonimaging.com/technical_solutions/d850_tips/useful/digitizing_35mm_film/

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

The ES-1 and ES-2 are designed for FX format. With your DX camera you will need to devise a way to extend the adapter farther in front of the lens. You do not need an extension tube, but I believe you will need a BR-5 or a 62-52mm step-down ring.

AnthonyBiss Loc: Toronto, Ontario

Many than will not work on my Nik D3s body.

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

Y'lost me. Is it a D300s "DX" body or a D3S "FX" body? Makes a difference.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Deleted.

AnthonyBiss Loc: Toronto, Ontario

I tried it on my D3s body also with no success.

Leitz Loc: Solms

A PK-11a tube may get you close. Otherwise, go with an ES-2.

AnthonyBiss Loc: Toronto, Ontario

Thanks

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I would use a flat bed scanner instead. It works better and faster than what you are proposing.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/647187-REG/Epson_B11B198011_Perfection_V600_Photo_Scanner.html

Don, the 2nd son Loc: Crowded Florida

[quote=AnthonyBiss] "Unable to see the slide information,"

I don't understand. What information is on your slides? Mine are in cardboard or plastic mounts but even those I have dismounted show no information that I feel necessary to preserve.

User ID

You need the tube in a position unfamiliar to some of your “advisors”.

The ES-1 on the 60 macro is set up for an FX sensor. Cuz you are cropping you are too close to your subject (slide or neg). The tube you need will increase your subject distance so your lens and sensor combination sees the whole subject.

As the tube must fit in between the lens and subject, and as the subject sits in a holder, and as the holder has a 52mm connection you need a 52mm threaded “extension tube”.

Such a tube is part of a manual macro focus extension tube set, which you will repurpose. It’s this repurposing that sometimes leads to confusion. Some will say that adding an “extension tube” will make the problem worse. However, when repurposed, it’s no longer serving as a “macro focus extension tube”.

The tube set you need is easily available on eBay for between $10 and $20. It always comes with end pieces, adapters, that you don’t need.

An adapter you may need is a 62-52mm filter thread step down ring. The EA-1 has a 52mm fitting, likewise the space tube that gets you the full coverage of the subject, while the lens has a 62mm filter thread.