Chances are, you have boxes lying around filled with slides from before you bought your first digital camera. While most of your photo prints have been long scanned onto your hard drive, it is much more difficult to digitize 35mm slides. Read on for a couple of ways to usher your old slides into the 21st century.

The Scan-It-Yourself Approach

Use a flatbed scanner: this method of digitizing typically gives less-than-desirable resolution and overall results, but we’re including it because most households already own a flatbed scanner. Use a light diffuser or adapter to ensure that light spreads evenly to let you capture the slide. There are adapters on the market that mount the slides for scanning.

Use a slide scanner: slide scanners are available on the market for the very purpose of converting your old 35mm slides and negatives. As the old adage says, “you get what you pay for.” The steeper your investment, the better your results tend to be. High-quality, high-megapixel slide scanners run upwards of about $100. These scanners allow you to scan and upload the slides onto your computer using dedicated software. Depending on the number of slides you want to convert, this can be a lengthy process, so set aside some time to get this project done.

Reshoot

Black out a room by shutting the windows and doors and turning out the lights. Then, use your old projector to display each slide on your wall or screen. Attach your digital camera to a tripod and photograph each slide as you go, adjusting the focus with each photo to ensure the best possible quality.

If All Else Fails, Give Us a Ring!

If you run into problems, don’t fear! The qualified experts at Disc Hounds are here to help. You can even send us the bulk of your slides and we’ll convert them for you. Contact us today at 610-696-8668 for advice, guidance, and encouragement through the transfer process.