Converting old photographic images to digital formats that tin exist easily shared is a fourth dimension-consuming procedure. It is also potentially expensive if you rely on photographic shops to conduct out the conversion.

The same is true of photographic slides. What, exactly, can y'all do with quondam photo slides? Is it possible to scan them, or should y'all merely take a photo of photographic slides to share online?

In fact, at that place are several things you can practise to digitize sometime slides. Here are five ways you tin convert erstwhile photograph slides into image files you lot can print or share.

Clean Up Your Slides

Before you lot start scanning your slides, however, accept a moment to bank check them. Any grit and clay that has collected on them will also exist scanned. Consequently, it'southward wise to clean the slides get-go rather than spend ages in your image editor touching up the browse.

Clean up your old slides before scanning

All yous'll need for this is:

  • Standard microfiber cloth (anti-static optional)
  • Pure booze cleaner or Naphtha

Avoid water-based chemicals. Cleaning should take place in a well-ventilated area. It's also wise to have a test slide---perhaps of a poor shot that you don't want---to ensure the cleaning method is effective. If non, there's ever Photoshop for cleaning upwards old snaps.

To clean, simply wipe the cloth in a direct line across the slide. No unnecessary pressure level is required.

With your slides cleaned upward, you lot'll exist ready to start scanning!

i. How to Browse Slides With a Flatbed Scanner

Perchance the about obvious tool for scanning a photographic slide is, well, a scanner. Unfortunately, you lot tin can't merely stick your slide on the flatbed and printing scan. The results volition almost certainly exist unsatisfactory.

This is because the scanner features a sparse beam of light that will but light a portion of the slide.

To fix this, use a diffuser to ensure an fifty-fifty spread of low-cal which volition enable a quality capture of the slide.

Diffusers tin be bought online, but you can as well make your own. Follow the steps in our guide to capturing your former slides with a flatbed scanner and you lot'll be scanning your slides with good results within 30 minutes.

ii. Use A Slide Projector

Convert an old slide to digital

Perhaps the nigh obvious method of digitising slides is to use a slide projector. It doesn't take to be brand new---you might option upwardly an quondam model on eBay---simply information technology does have to be able to project a clear image of the slide.

For the best results, black out windows, switch off lights and snap the projected image with a digital camera.

Y'all may also be able to get your hands on an old converter box. These were used many years agone for converting cine film to video, or slides to SLR, and are still useful. All you demand to do is projection the slide into the box and photograph the reflected image.

These devices can be found at flea markets and on eBay quite cheaply. Various brands were available---search for "cinelink" to get started.

3. DSLR Slide Duplicator Mount

If you're passionate about photography, you probably own a DSLR. Slide duplicators tin can be mounted on DSLR cameras to photograph old slides. Be certain to select a device that matches your photographic camera brand.

These are typically replacement lenses, or lens-mounted devices that come with a slot to place slides. One time focused, the devices are the perfect size to get a full, high-definition copy of the epitome. The slide slot is opaque plastic to lengthened the light source.

You don't necessarily even demand to take a photo with this solution. If your DSLR has a video out feed, it is possible to use the device as a slide viewer through your computer or digital Television receiver.

Slide scanning mounts for DSLR cameras can be purchased from well-known photographic retailers. You should as well find i on Amazon.

4. Employ a Dedicated Slide Scanner

You may have tried the suggestions above and decided that what you really need is some dedicated hardware. Various slide scanner devices are available---some are fifty-fifty capable of scanning slides and photographic negatives. It's a smart idea to opt for hardware from reputable photographic brands rather than cheaper alternatives. The KODAK Mini Digital Slide Scanner is a smart solution.

The process is uncomplicated: insert the slide, press a button, and the slide is scanned. An image of the results is displayed, while the scan is saved to an SD card or sent via USB to your PC.

Seem also expensive? Cheaper alternatives are available---only maybe all yous demand is your iPhone…

5. Scan Slides With an iPhone or Android Device and an App

Incredibly, all you lot really demand to scan an one-time slide is an iPhone or Android. But similar snapping images of old photos, the default camera app isn't suitable.

Rather, you'll need an app that is optimised for photographing slides (or negatives or transparencies) and a suitable calorie-free source.

Download: Slidescan - Slide Scanner App for Android | iPhone (Gratuitous)

All this app requires is a light source (such equally a daylit window, or the dedicated spider web page) and a relatively steady mitt. One time snapped, the frame can exist cropped out of the image leaving only the original slide to share online.

Steady hand not an choice? Don't worry. This compact smartphone slide scanner features a battery powered backlight and is compatible with virtually phones.

Now You Know How to Digitize Slides!

While yous might non want to throw the slides abroad, digitizing them so that they are easily shared with friends and family unit is a great way to find previously unseen photos. You might fifty-fifty include them in some family unit tree inquiry.

Not sure how to share your pictures? You might share online to social networks like Facebook, shop in a cloud drive, or but copy to USB.

How to Scan Sometime Slides With a Flatbed Scanner

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About The Author

Christian Cawley (1591 Manufactures Published)

Deputy Editor for Security, Linux, DIY, Programming, and Tech Explained, and Really Useful Podcast producer, with all-encompassing experience in desktop and software support. A correspondent to Linux Format magazine, Christian is a Raspberry Pi tinkerer, Lego lover and retro gaming fan.

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