Scanning with DSLR

Scanning with DSLR
So what does “Digitizing film with a digital camera” actually mean?

Traditionally film negatives and color slides are digitized with flatbed or drum scanners. Since high-resolution DSLR have become commonplace and widely-used, simply “taking a photo” of the negative or slide has presented itself as a timesaving and sufficient option.

This list outlines the digitization workflow:


 * 1) Illuminate your negative
 * 2) Mount a closeup or macro lens to your DSLR
 * 3) Having your camera on a tripod, focus on the “film grain”
 * 4) Take a photo
 * 5) Load the image on your computer
 * 6) Edit as needed

Every single step and any technical apparatus used in this digitizing work flow can be optimized ad infinitum – but it does not have to be.

Most people will completely be fine with digital images that can be printed up to 20 inch and look good on screen and social media – at least better than the small scans from their drug store's Photo CD.

Many others like the idea that their workflow will result in a versatile 6000×4000 pixel RAW file to work with, negating the need to purchase expensive high-resolution scans from a professional film lab.

Gear
This section will discuss the various components involved: lenses, camera, light sources, holders, etc.

The theory
A lot of original discussion in the Facebook group was related to focusing techniques, "what is grain?", "what is sharpness?", and achievable resolutions.

Sample rig gallery
A number of folks have constructed various setups from the very simple to the very elaborate. All are invited to document their setups and share their knowledge.

Commercially available products
This page lists more or less complete setups available for purchase or conversion into DIY projects.

Conversion scripts
\ #imagemagick #scripts #inversion Resources:

Fred's scripts Negative2Positive http://www.fmwconcepts.com/imagemagick/negative2positive/index.php

Jaz99's negfix8 https://sites.google.com/site/negfix/howto

Sample images
A space to showcase images resulting from various techniques and describe the intricacies involved.