[Ham-Computers] RE: Converter - film negative to digital.

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

Ken,

The device you're looking for is called a "film" scanner.  Many are specifically designed to scan 35mm slides.  The more expensive ones (like the Nikon Super CoolScan 9000), can also handle medium-format film/sides and run $2,000 or more.

A less expensive alternative is a flatbed scanner with a transparency adapter that supports film/negatives.  They work fine for most, but for archiving those precious slide photos, a flatbed with adapters may not cut it due to relatively low resolution and dynamic range.

For reference, the resolution required for enlarging a 35mm slide to 8x10 prints is about 2,000dpi *optical* (the CS9000 is 4,000dpi) - most inexpensive flatbeds max at 1,200 optical dpi.  Why 2,000+ dpi?  Think about it.  A 35mm slide is about 1 inch by 1.4 inches.  If you scan the slide at 2,000dpi, you get a 2,000 by 2,800 pixel scan (1 x 2000 = 2000 and 1.4 x 2000 = 2800).  If you then print this same scan at 300dpi, it comes out as 6.67 inches by 9.33 inches (2000/300 and 2800/300) - almost 8x10 without any loss in resolution.  If you scanned at 1000 dpi instead, then the largest print you can get without resizing the picture (and getting "blockies") would be 1000 x 1400 pixels or 3.3 inches by 4.6 inches.

And that's today's lesson on scanning.

73,

  - Aaron, NN6O



-----Original Message-----
Sent: Sunday, July 08, 2007 8:38 AM
Subject: [Ham-Computers] Converter - film negative to digital.

Hi Fellows,

Many years ago there was a device advertised that would make digital pictures from film camera negatives.

I would like very much to get one and if anyone has one "gathering dust" would you loan, rent or sell it to me?

Also, I am need of  a device used to edit and splice Super 8 Milliameter movie film. Same query: If you happen to have one, would you loan, rent or sell it to me?

Thanks & take care,

Ken   N5CM


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