Slide/Negative Scanning Services

ScanCafe¹⁾ uses a Nikon Super CoolScan slide/negative scanner for slides and negatives. Choose the following options:

• Pro Library to give you the raw TIFF scan and a processed JPG scan.
• Pro Resolution to give you 4,000 dpi.
• Also request 48-bit color scans by placing a note in the “Order Notes” section of the order form which appears when you enter credit card information.

If you don't choose ScanCafe, choose a service that:

• Uses a Nikon Super CoolScan 9000 ED²⁾ or Reflecta Filmscanner RPS 10M³⁾ or PacificImage PrimeFilm XA or XAs scanner or similar, NOT a flatbed scanner like the Epson V700/V750/V800/V850⁴⁾.

For slides, a DSLR adapter like the Nikon ES-1 (about $45 from eBay) seems to do a good job. You will need a 24-megapixel DSLR to get all the detail, a macro lens such as 100mm, an off-camera flash to aim at the diffuser, and possibly one or more extension tubes to capture a whole frame at a time.

Here's a real-world, effective resolution comparison between scanners⁵⁾:

• Scans at 4,000 dpi or more.
• Scans at 48-bit color.
• Provides you with the raw TIFF scan.
• Dusts or cleans each slide or negative before scanning.

For your very best photos and if money is no object, consider drum scanning⁷⁾. But the cost is dozens to hundreds of dollars per scan.