Digitizing Slide & Negative Strip Advice

[Glen]

I have a 35 year collection of slides and negative strips I wish to convert to digital. I’ve delayed climbing this mountain of work because I’m uncertain of firstly, best method and secondly, shortening the time consuming work involved. I’m considering using my D800 and purchasing the Nikon ES-2 and FH-4 Adapter Set. Can I use my Nikon 24-70 2.8 lens set at 60mm rather than purchasing the 60mm fixed lens? Is there a better solution? I prefer a digital image so I can correct color etc. However, this method that Nikon has on their website will be slow and tedious? I welcome this forums input over all others out there in web land. Thanks. Glen

 

[DRwyoming]

Can I use my Nikon 24-70 2.8 lens set at 60mm rather than purchasing the 60mm fixed lens?

Nope, the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens won't focus down to 1:1 macro which is what's needed to digitize a 35mm slide onto a full frame sensor. You could conceivably make it work with some extension tubes and fiddling around but really the ES-2 should be used with a true macro lens for best and easiest results. If you're going to digitize hundreds or thousands of slides it's worth it to have a rock solid setup that doesn't require a bunch of fiddling with zoom length, macro tubes and the like. You don't really need the latest and greatest 60mm macro lens and can likely find an older version on the used market for a good price. Even a manual focus version would be fine for slide copying.

 

[eaj101]

There are entire web sites dedicated to film scanning. There are a number of ways to digitize slides, from scanners (film, flatbed, drum) to scanning services to devices like the ES-2 (using a high-res camera as a scanner). I use the ES-2 sometimes and it produces good results, though you need to be careful about having a good (stable, color balanced, even) light source. I use a small variable output LED panel. I also use a Nikon Coolscan 9000 scanner at times, which I think gives you better control over the process but lower resolution (and it's slow at high resolutions, 3-5 minutes/slide). The Nikon slide scanners aren't made anymore, but you can find them used. You'll also need software to run the scanner, since Nikon's isn't supported anymore. I use Silverfast. There are super-hi-res drum scanners that some services use, but the cost per scan is high. Generally the inexpensive scanning services do no better than you can do yourself. The ES-2 is probably the simplest method, though you will need a 60mm macro lens (it's what the ES-2 was designed for and the lens is corrected for copy work and flat field). They're available used at reasonable prices. Yes, it's tedious. I spent a couple of months at the start of lockdowns going through transparencies and digitizing them. It's dull, but you can get a rhythm going

 

[Ralph]

I have a 35 year collection of slides and negative strips I wish to convert to digital. I’ve delayed climbing this mountain of work because I’m uncertain of firstly, best method and secondly, shortening the time consuming work involved. I’m considering using my D800 and purchasing the Nikon ES-2 and FH-4 Adapter Set. Can I use my Nikon 24-70 2.8 lens set at 60mm rather than purchasing the 60mm fixed lens? Is there a better solution? I prefer a digital image so I can correct color etc. However, this method that Nikon has on their website will be slow and tedious? I welcome this forums input over all others out there in web land. Thanks. Glen

I’ve been using my Canon scanner. It does a pretty good job but it’s a slow process with slides. It can do 5 at a time. I been mostly concentrating on digitizing my photo albums and it works really well for that. But even scanning photos is very time consuming. But it can be fun reviewing old photos. Brings back good memories.

 

[Glen]

Nope, the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens won't focus down to 1:1 macro which is what's needed to digitize a 35mm slide onto a full frame sensor. You could conceivably make it work with some extension tubes and fiddling around but really the ES-2 should be used with a true macro lens for best and easiest results. If you're going to digitize hundreds or thousands of slides it's worth it to have a rock solid setup that doesn't require a bunch of fiddling with zoom length, macro tubes and the like. You don't really need the latest and greatest 60mm macro lens and can likely find an older version on the used market for a good price. Even a manual focus version would be fine for slide copying.

Nice detailed reply and very much appreciated. Thanks for confirming lens question.

 

[Glen]

There are entire web sites dedicated to film scanning. There are a number of ways to digitize slides, from scanners (film, flatbed, drum) to scanning services to devices like the ES-2 (using a high-res camera as a scanner). I use the ES-2 sometimes and it produces good results, though you need to be careful about having a good (stable, color balanced, even) light source. I use a small variable output LED panel. I also use a Nikon Coolscan 9000 scanner at times, which I think gives you better control over the process but lower resolution (and it's slow at high resolutions, 3-5 minutes/slide). The Nikon slide scanners aren't made anymore, but you can find them used. You'll also need software to run the scanner, since Nikon's isn't supported anymore. I use Silverfast. There are super-hi-res drum scanners that some services use, but the cost per scan is high. Generally the inexpensive scanning services do no better than you can do yourself. The ES-2 is probably the simplest method, though you will need a 60mm macro lens (it's what the ES-2 was designed for and the lens is corrected for copy work and flat field). They're available used at reasonable prices. Yes, it's tedious. I spent a couple of months at the start of lockdowns going through transparencies and digitizing them. It's dull, but you can get a rhythm going

So good of you to reply. I did see a used 9000 on Kijiji but didn’t pursue given software potential issues with my MacPro/Sierra OS. Like the lockdown comment... yup, was my thinking also in times like this.

 

[Glen]

I’ve been using my Canon scanner. It does a pretty good job but it’s a slow process with slides. It can do 5 at a time. I been mostly concentrating on digitizing my photo albums and it works really well for that. But even scanning photos is very time consuming. But it can be fun reviewing old photos. Brings back good memories.

Thanks Ralph. I’ll have to check it out. Yes, we have some old photos that bring a smile. I had way more hair back then!

 

[bwest]

Try to google Peter Krogh ( www.thedambook.com ) who wrote the excellent book Digitizing Your Photos. There is a wealth of information covered.

 

[Butlerkid]

Do yourself a favor and seriously consider a service like Scan Cafe . They will scan your slides and send you back the slides and digital files. Send in small to medium sized batches in lessen the risk of loss. You will save a LOT of time - and the risk of never doing the project. Then you can cull and process the images that are really keepers.

I didn't have the volume of slides that you do....I was always ruthless in culling as I progressed. I used a Nikon scanner and scanned my slides years ago.

 

[Dan291]

Ditto on Scan Cafe. I had a large collection of slides scanned during my transition to digital (when I bought my first copy of Lightroom). They provided me some excellent TIFFs of my slides.

 

[Glen]

Do yourself a favor and seriously consider a service like Scan Cafe . They will scan your slides and send you back the slides and digital files. Send in small to medium sized batches in lessen the risk of loss. You will save a LOT of time - and the risk of never doing the project. Then you can cull and process the images that are really keepers.

I didn't have the volume of slides that you do....I was always ruthless in culling as I progressed. I used a Nikon scanner and scanned my slides years ago.

Good to know. I was totally unaware of Scan Cafe. Thank you for your reply

 

[Glen]

Ditto on Scan Cafe. I had a large collection of slides scanned during my transition to digital (when I bought my first copy of Lightroom). They provided me some excellent TIFFs of my slides.

Thanks Dan. Your Ditto to large collection means you already crossed that bridge and pleased with results. I don’t mind paying for good service and seriously questioned if doing this myself. I’ll take a serious look into Scan Cafe as both Karen and you recommend. I just finished migrating all my Aperture Catalogues into LrC. Very pleased that legacy work now done.

 

[Larry]

I have a 35 year collection of slides and negative strips I wish to convert to digital. I’ve delayed climbing this mountain of work because I’m uncertain of firstly, best method and secondly, shortening the time consuming work involved. I’m considering using my D800 and purchasing the Nikon ES-2 and FH-4 Adapter Set. Can I use my Nikon 24-70 2.8 lens set at 60mm rather than purchasing the 60mm fixed lens? Is there a better solution? I prefer a digital image so I can correct color etc. However, this method that Nikon has on their website will be slow and tedious? I welcome this forums input over all others out there in web land. Thanks. Glen

I have just embarked on digitizing my 20k plus collection started in 1976. I have a Nikon Nikon Coolscan 500 ED with a 50 slide autofeed that I used about 20 years ago for digitizing pics when I was build my current house and some projects related to my research but when I fired it up with Silverfast a year ago I was not all that happy with it. Given that and the time I estimated it would take, I looked for another solution. The cost for a scanning service that would might yield what I wanted was going to be at least $4-5k. I opted last month to buy as "Slide-Snap Pro" ( SlideSnap | SlideSnap Pro ) set up for ~$3k where I can use my macro and dedicate one of my bodies for to snap pics at least every 2 sec in trial. That way I will have raw files compatible with all my other Nikon digital files. So far it is the organizing that is taking the time and getting the images is ignorable time wise--- and I am getting what I want in the end. You have to organize for a scanning service anyway. Hope to get this done in a few months now that I have most of it figured out. Will dispose of my Nikon scanner one way or anther.

 

[Glen]

Try to google Peter Krogh ( www.thedambook.com ) who wrote the excellent book Digitizing Your Photos. There is a wealth of information covered.

Just looked at your link and read though sample chapter. Agree with very informative. Will look into this in more detail when more time. Thanks for your response.

 

[Glen]

Nope, the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens won't focus down to 1:1 macro which is what's needed to digitize a 35mm slide onto a full frame sensor. You could conceivably make it work with some extension tubes and fiddling around but really the ES-2 should be used with a true macro lens for best and easiest results. If you're going to digitize hundreds or thousands of slides it's worth it to have a rock solid setup that doesn't require a bunch of fiddling with zoom length, macro tubes and the like. You don't really need the latest and greatest 60mm macro lens and can likely find an older version on the used market for a good price. Even a manual focus version would be fine for slide copying.

Thanks for clarifying lens usage question and agree a rock solid setup would be needed. As I read the replies, bwest kindly linked me to Peter Krough ‘s book. From the sample pictures it appears he is using ‘a rock solid setup’. The cost of a ‘rock solid setup’ system versus cost of outsourcing ie to Scan Cafe still needs to be addressed. And as rightly pointed out, then there’s my time involvement. I’m fussy as good photographers are. Weighing options now thanks to membership replies to my questions. Again, thanks for your input....most appreciated.

 

[eaj101]

I think scancafe is the service I looked at a few
years back. Then they were using Nikon scanners in mid-res mode, about 10mp (full res on those is @20 but much slower). If you do it yourself the Silverfast software is @$4-500 and very powerful but very complex (something about German software engineers). And it is tedious.

 

[Glen]

I have just embarked on digitizing my 20k plus collection started in 1976. I have a Nikon Nikon Coolscan 500 ED with a 50 slide autofeed that I used about 20 years ago for digitizing pics when I was build my current house and some projects related to my research but when I fired it up with Silverfast a year ago I was not all that happy with it. Given that and the time I estimated it would take, I looked for another solution. The cost for a scanning service that would might yield what I wanted was going to be at least $4-5k. I opted last month to buy as "Slide-Snap Pro" ( SlideSnap | SlideSnap Pro ) set up for ~$3k where I can use my macro and dedicate one of my bodies for to snap pics at least every 2 sec in trial. That way I will have raw files compatible with all my other Nikon digital files. So far it is the organizing that is taking the time and getting the images is ignorable time wise--- and I am getting what I want in the end. You have to organize for a scanning service anyway. Hope to get this done in a few months now that I have most of it figured out. Will dispose of my Nikon scanner one way or anther.

Hi Larry I did check out SlideSnap. From what I see though I also need a SlideSnap Strip Film Scanner also for my Negative Strips for additional +$3K. Am I correct? My historical library is both slides and negative strips so solution needs to be all encompassing. Thanks for your response Larry.

 

[ohpleaseno]

Over the course of quarantine I started digitizing all of the negatives that my mother in law has saved of my wife and her family from about 1976 to 2005 when they stopped shooting film. I think I estimated it at around 500-600 rolls.

I have a camera stand that I had built to hold the camera, a Lester Dine 105/2.8 macro lens and a light box and negative holder. I shoot tethered into Capture One and use a program that is a sort of plugin to C1 to start the inversion process.

It is the photographic equivalent of a Japanese Tea Ceremony to say the least.

If you are not interested in learning more than you ever cared to about how to balance colors using whatever software you decide to use, then stay away. I think I spent three months fine tuning my process to get consistent results and I think I’m only now at the point where doing one roll off film takes about 30 minutes from the shoot off the first frame to exported jpegs shared to the family.

Long story short, it’s a very frustrating process.

 

[ohpleaseno]

Also, to further make this a fun time, I forgot that my source material was stored in a hot garage for ten years and the cameras used to shoot were all terrible P&S models of variable quality. YMMV if your source material is better.

 

[Glen]

Also, to further make this a fun time, I forgot that my source material was stored in a hot garage for ten years and the cameras used to shoot were all terrible P&S models of variable quality. YMMV if your source material is better.

Good sense of humor through it all; nice to see. Thank you. I’m reading all replies, following up on links provided, and will give it a bit more soak time. Sure do appreciate directional advice. And like many, this COVID quarantine is prime time to tackle project like this....or at least get started with ‘solid rig’ as DRwyoming points out. if I chose this route that makes a lot of sense. The advantage of a forum like this is I don’t have to be the Lone Ranger; many have already converted their collection of work. Best to ask. Thanks again, Glen

 

[Dan291]

Thanks Dan. Your Ditto to large collection means you already crossed that bridge and pleased with results. I don’t mind paying for good service and seriously questioned if doing this myself. I’ll take a serious look into Scan Cafe as both Karen and you recommend. I just finished migrating all my Aperture Catalogues into LrC. Very pleased that legacy work now done.

As I recall, at the time, they would scan all items I sent them then I could review them online and reject those I didn’t like. They would charge according to the price range for those I accepted. They default to JPGs, charge a bit extra for TIFFs. The results were dust-free. I don’t recall the turnaround time, but it wasn’t anything unusual.

Since then, I’ve scanned old negatives with a D810, a 105 Micro Nikkor, a Lomography Digitalizer negative carrier, and an iPad as a light source. That has worked very well, but I wouldn’t recommend it for a lot of images, as it’s time consuming.

 

[Glen]

As I recall, at the time, they would scan all items I sent them then I could review them online and reject those I didn’t like. They would charge according to the price range for those I accepted. They default to JPGs, charge a bit extra for TIFFs. The results were dust-free. I don’t recall the turnaround time, but it wasn’t anything unusual.

Since then, I’ve scanned old negatives with a D810, a 105 Micro Nikkor, a Lomography Digitalizer negative carrier, and an iPad as a light source. That has worked very well, but I wouldn’t recommend it for a lot of images, as it’s time consuming.

Thanks for info Dan. I’ve lots of negatives also so I will need a carrier. It’s not an over night project. I’ll look into items you listed as another approach. Time consuming so I’ll need to factor into the costs the additional red wine to see me through.

 

[Glen]

There are entire web sites dedicated to film scanning. There are a number of ways to digitize slides, from scanners (film, flatbed, drum) to scanning services to devices like the ES-2 (using a high-res camera as a scanner). I use the ES-2 sometimes and it produces good results, though you need to be careful about having a good (stable, color balanced, even) light source. I use a small variable output LED panel. I also use a Nikon Coolscan 9000 scanner at times, which I think gives you better control over the process but lower resolution (and it's slow at high resolutions, 3-5 minutes/slide). The Nikon slide scanners aren't made anymore, but you can find them used. You'll also need software to run the scanner, since Nikon's isn't supported anymore. I use Silverfast. There are super-hi-res drum scanners that some services use, but the cost per scan is high. Generally the inexpensive scanning services do no better than you can do yourself. The ES-2 is probably the simplest method, though you will need a 60mm macro lens (it's what the ES-2 was designed for and the lens is corrected for copy work and flat field). They're available used at reasonable prices. Yes, it's tedious. I spent a couple of months at the start of lockdowns going through transparencies and digitizing them. It's dull, but you can get a rhythm going

Before I originated this post I did fair bit of homework. My local Kijiji had some listings over the past month for the Coolscan 9000 and carrier BUT issues with Silverfast PC based. I have MacPro and iMac, (although iMac is now frozen in time given it’s vintage with El Capitan storing my Referenced Aperture Library’s as backup). I did move all over to LrC via LaCie Drives my MacPro. I wasn’t keen in investing in further legacy equipment so chose to ask Forum members. Thanks for reply. Appreciated.

 

[BirdDogDad]

On a somewhat related note, for those of you using Macs with various scanners, consider VueScan software: https://www.hamrick.com/?keyword=vu...hknh6UUe4ofClkneWKhNjJHhuda5n7pxoCFP0QAvD_BwE

I used to use Silverfast but never found it exceptionally user friendly and the cost is quite high. I have a very old Nikon Coolscan 5000, an Epson 4990 flatbed at least 15 years old, and a Fujitsu Scansnap that is also long in the tooth. Some or all of my scanners would be useless without VueScan, since drivers for older scanners are quickly discontinued by manufacturers. VueScan supports all of my scanners (they claim to support over 6000 devices). VueScan is $99.95 for the professional version, and continual updates are free. It keeps my old scanners humming and sure beats buying new ones.

 

[Glen]

On a somewhat related note, for those of you using Macs with various scanners, consider VueScan software: https://www.hamrick.com/?keyword=vu...hknh6UUe4ofClkneWKhNjJHhuda5n7pxoCFP0QAvD_BwE

I used to use Silverfast but never found it exceptionally user friendly and the cost is quite high. I have a very old Nikon Coolscan 5000, an Epson 4990 flatbed at least 15 years old, and a Fujitsu Scansnap that is also long in the tooth. Some or all of my scanners would be useless without VueScan, since drivers for older scanners are quickly discontinued by manufacturers. VueScan supports all of my scanners (they claim to support over 6000 devices). VueScan is $99.95 for the professional version, and continual updates are free. It keeps my old scanners humming and sure beats buying new ones.

Good info to know, thank you.