For the best possible digital acquisition of a photographed or filmed image, scan the original negative or a slide. Film and photographic prints are reproduced from slides and negatives and are approximations that can lose detail found in the original. Additionally, the borders of the negative or slide are often cropped in a print. Most importantly, slides and negatives can deteriorate over time. Digital scans preserve them. Most professional film archives scan slides and negatives and you can too. The process is easy and relatively inexpensive.
Instructions
1. Purchase a specialized film scanner. Do not attempt to use your flatbed scanner. It will not be able to scan your slides and negatives adequately. Be sure the machine scans at a minimum of 2,400 dpi. If you plan on scanning small-gauge negatives, you will need to scan at an even higher resolution. High-end scanners of 6,000 dpi and more are available for a price. If you need high-resolution scans, consider using a photography lab. It may cost less in time and labor than doing it on your own.
2. Clean your slides and negatives of any dust, fungus or fingerprints. Compressed air and a soft brush usually will do the trick. If not, some film and photography labs offer low-cost ultrasonic cleaning of your materials. As a last resort, a dirty slide or negative can be cleaned up in Photoshop after you scan it but the resulting image will only be an approximation of the original.
3. Scan your slides. The process will vary according to the scanner you purchased but there are several universal rules to follow. Gently insert the slide or negative into the slot of the scanner. Never force it inside or you risk damaging an irreplaceable original. After insertion, use image acquisition software (e.g. Photoshop) to scan your material. When the scan is completed, carefully examine the resulting image on your monitor and make sure it is clear and crisp. Slight movements during the scanning process can blur the image.
4. Save the image on to your computer's hard drive. If you plan to scan a large collection of slides, be sure to organize a system of files and folders that help you identify and locate images quickly.
5. Keep your slides and negatives in a dry, cool place after you scan them. Though it may look nice, a digital file is still just a copy of a slide or negative.
