Use a digital camera to convert slides to digital files
There a number of ways slide negatives can be converted to digital files. Many photofinishing centers offer the service or you can purchase a negative scanner that scans slides directly into a computer. But if you have a digital single lens reflex camera that has a self-timer function, you can create digital copies of slides without a negative scanner.
Instructions
1. Construct a support for the slide. Using the small wooden block as a base, drill a hole in the center big enough to insert the 12 inch wood dowel. A dowel is a skinny cylindrical rod often used as knitting needles or supports in cabinet work. Glue the dowel rod into the hole in the wood base. Glue the broad side of the clothes pin handle to the dowel, one inch below the top.
2. Place the 11 x 14 inch white board approximately 10 inches behind the slide support. Attach the board to a wall or to the front of a computer screen using non-marking tape so that the board is vertical.
3. Position the halogen desk lamps at a 45 degree angle to the white board. Place one lamp on the left side and one on the right. Turn the lights on and ensure the light from the desk clamps illuminates all of the board with no shadows. The illuminated board serves as a light source to shine through the slide negative.
4. Clean the slide using the anti-static cloth. Clamp the slide negative with the clothes pin to hold it in place in front of the illuminated white board. There are two sides to a slide. The "front" or the viewing side of the slide is shiny. The non-shiny side is the emulsion side.
5. Attach the camera to the tripod and set the exposure mode to "Program." If you can manually adjust the ISO, set it to a low number, such as 100 to 200. A lower ISO setting will produce better image quality. Set the self-timer to the shortest time, typically two seconds. Using the self-timer will help eliminate camera shake from depressing the shutter button.
6. Adjust the focal length of the lens so the viewfinder is filled with the image on the slide, without any boarder of the negative showing. A macro lens will allow you to place the lens very close to slide and easily fill the frame. Use at least a 135mm lens if a macro is not available.
Tags: white board, digital files, negative scanner, slide negative