Converting projector slides to digital files can be done at home with the correct equipment. It can be a time-consuming and tedious project especially for people who own hundreds or thousands of slides. A better solution, under those circumstances, can be using a photo service bureau. These bureaus will use high-resolution professional scanning equipment to convert your slides to digital files that you can then use for both digital and print projects.
Instructions
Instructions
1. Select a scanning service provider, taking into account location, preparation requirements, resolution, scanning equipment and cost. Selecting a local company might save you money on shipping because you can drop off and pick up your slides in person. Some companies will require you to remove film from sleeves, label and organize the slides prior to shipping them. Other companies will do the organizing and prep work for you. The scanning equipment they use affects the resolution output; technology that corrects for dust and dirt is also important to ensure a quality result. Cost is a real concern when having large lots of slides converted. Many companies have a flat per-slide scanning rate, but be sure to discuss the possibility of a flat project charge, especially if you are dealing with thousands of slides.
2. Prepare your slides for shipping. Follow the instructions provided by your photo scanning service. Most services will offer a discounted price if you do some of the prep work for them. This may include removing the slides from sleeves, labeling the correct screen side for each slide, organizing the slides in groups of 50, numbering the slides within each group and including a detailed list of the name of each group.
3. Place your slides in resealable food-storage bags after prepping. The bags will protect your slides against dust and scratches. It will also prevent them from sliding around in the shipping box. Bag and label them by groups. Then place the bags in shipping boxes. If required by your scanning service provider, place your order form and payment in the box at this time as well. Use packing peanuts or bubble wrap to add extra protection. If you've chosen a local company, you can tape your boxes, label with your contact information and deliver them. If you are shipping your slides to the scanning company, tape your package carefully and address as appropriate. For best results, ship with a delivery company such as Federal Express or UPS so you can track delivery and arrival. Be sure to inform your scanning service provider that the package is on its way. Once scanning is completed, the company will return your original slides along with CDs or DVDs containing your digital images.
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