35mm Kodachrome slides to computer files?

[MplsBob]

I have roughly 40 some 35mm Kodachrome slides I would like to get into computer usable files.

I don't care how much disk memory they tie up and I would like to retain the original image quality.

(1) How do I get the slides converted to files, preferably without buy new equipment?

(2) What file formats are the best for retaining image quality and editability?

(3) What are the approximate costs for the various approaches you guys/gals suggest?

 

[craftech]

Simplest would be to set up the screen and slide projector in a dark room. Make sure the screen has a high gain.

Set up a digital camera on a tripod. Make sure it is in sharp focus. Shoot digital stills. Transfer to computer and color correct, etc if necessary.

John

 

[yacoub]

Try also asking on photo forums... folks on those forums probably have more experience. This is mostly videocard talk

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: craftech
Simplest would be to set up the screen and slide projector in a dark room. Make sure the screen has a high gain.

Set up a digital camera on a tripod. Make sure it is in sharp focus. Shoot digital stills. Transfer to computer and color correct, etc if necessary.

John

You'll probably get far better results with a relatively cheap scanner (preferably one with a slide attachment). Unless you have one of those crazy 15MP digital cameras, maybe.

Best would be to either take them to a photo place (I'm guessing it would be a few bucks per slide to get them scanned in at high resolution on a CD), or buy a high-quality slide scanner (unlikely to be worth it unless you plan on doing this on way more than 40 slides.)

Slide film is usually in the 2000-3000DPI range, IIRC. My recommendation is to find a decent-quality USB scanner (probably in the $75-100 range) that can do at least 2400DPI optical. A desktop scanner is a very useful thing to have anyway...

 

[Wreckage]

I use an Epson scanner with a light adapter for slides. I also use the PSD format as it's uncompressed and does not suffer from artifacts when editing.

Since you only have a few, you may want to find someone with a scanner and have them do it for you.

 

[Madwand1]

Scanning is not easy and not particularly fast or cheap if you want to do it well. I don't recommend starting a new hobby for 40 slides. You can get them scanned at photo shops or online services, and as long as the prices are reasonable, this is the way to go -- let people who already know what they're doing, and have good equipment, do it for you. Of course you have to pay for their time.