Soliciting opinions on scanning slides into digital files
Dec 28, 2021 11:58:00 #
When I notice discussions on scanning, I offer the alternative off copying the slides with a camera. I too used a good slide scanner, but found that some images were not usable once examined with PP software. So I bought a used Nikon ES-2 slide copier, coupled it to my macro lens, and the outcome is far superior. I recovered slides that were almost black, with minimal loss of detail. Also, each and every slide, even if slightly bowed, is in sharp focus, which the scanner would not do. I would suggest you consider this alternative. I actually went back and re-digitized a bunch of slides that were just not acceptable using the scanner. Good luck with your decision. JimR
Dec 28, 2021 12:00:14 #
Dec 28, 2021 12:12:39 #
BebuLamar wrote:
Sharpness wise the scanner is better as some how I can't get the entire slide in perfect focus but it's not bad at all. Exposure wise and color rendition I like the camera better. Overall I would use the camera approach only when I have a lot of slides to scan and need speed.
Thanks!
Dec 28, 2021 12:21:36 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
JimRPhoto wrote:
When I notice discussions on scanning, I offer the... (show quote)
I found this regarding the ES-2. Seems like you have to have the right camera and lens.
"The problem is not compatibility with the camera but with the lens. You need a macro lens plus you need one with a 62mm filter ring such as the AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED - other macro lenses do not work simply because there is no way to attach the copier to the lens. There is an older D series lens with a 62mm f… see more
By Daniel R. Kestly on January 6, 2020"
Dec 28, 2021 12:51:34 #
The white paper posted above explains most of the challenges of camera scanning. I ran the scanning operations for a major school portrait lab, 2000 to 2005. We had nine of the finest production scanners available then — Kodak Bremson HR500/500+.
Today, the results possible with digital camera scans rival those machines. My setup is low budget, compared to some, but still resolves ISO 400 film details.
Today, the results possible with digital camera scans rival those machines. My setup is low budget, compared to some, but still resolves ISO 400 film details.
Dec 28, 2021 13:42:32 #
Dec 28, 2021 15:10:50 #
SAVH
Loc: La Jolla, CA
LFingar, Thank you. The Epson answer keeps being a popular choice, it seems.
Scotty
Scotty
Dec 28, 2021 15:11:44 #
Dec 28, 2021 15:12:33 #
Dec 28, 2021 15:55:48 #
lnl
Loc: SWFL
I bought the Wolverine scanner and found it to be useless. After scanning a couple hundred negatives, I switched to an Epson V-600 and started over. I am using the provided Epson software. Many hoggers recommend VueScan or Silverfast. I have been satisfied with the Epson software as it was so much better than the Wolverine scans, all of which had an intense yellow cast. I have scanned about 6000 negatives, photos and slides since last year and am quite happy with them, although they still require some help to be the best they can be. I don’t have the equipment to try the camera route of taking a photo of a photo so the scanner is my best option.
Dec 28, 2021 16:22:33 #
SAVH
Loc: La Jolla, CA
Inl, Thank you. More good input. However it does make it really difficult to sort it all out. It appears the choices are slow but good quality or faster with iffy outcomes.
Scotty
Scotty
Dec 28, 2021 16:23:55 #
SAVH
Loc: La Jolla, CA
burkphoto, Thank you. You are always a fount of information. I'll have to take all this in. It does seem rather complicated but it also seems the results are probably extremely good.
Scotty
Scotty
Dec 28, 2021 16:32:56 #
I had a ton of slides, going back to my days in Korea.
After working for a day or so, I found a company who would do the work for me at what I thought was a reasonable price so I turned it over to them. They did a good job. End of story. Harry PS You have plenty of time to daydream while working but I pefer to daydream while lolling in my easy chair! :-) Harry
After working for a day or so, I found a company who would do the work for me at what I thought was a reasonable price so I turned it over to them. They did a good job. End of story. Harry PS You have plenty of time to daydream while working but I pefer to daydream while lolling in my easy chair! :-) Harry
Dec 28, 2021 16:38:56 #
SAVH
Loc: La Jolla, CA
Actually my first task is to finish winnowing down the full stack of slides before digitizing them. So far, I think I have managed to reduce the piles I have done by about 60-75% depending upon the subjects.
Scotty
Scotty
Dec 28, 2021 16:42:19 #
lnl
Loc: SWFL
SAVH wrote:
Inl, Thank you. More good input. However it does make it really difficult to sort it all out. It appears the choices are slow but good quality or faster with iffy outcomes.
Scotty
Scotty
The Epson scanner scans 4 slides at a time so that gives me time to sort through for those I want to scan. The Wolverine only does one at a time with minimal ability to make the image better. So I’m not sure there is much of a time difference overall. Also the Epson will allow you to scan a variety of images including old photos and negatives. There are negative holders available online for varying film sizes. I forgot the name of the company that makes them, but a search will produce it. So, if you have anything other than slides, it’s useful to scan.
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