Scanning my slide library

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hi All,

I have a scanning question. I just set up a new slide scanner-- a
Nikon Cool Scan 5000. The scans that I am getting are really sweet.
Much better than my old Smart Disc Scanner (which did nice scans,
totally adequate for communicating with clients, galleries, etc.).

I’m about to start scanning my slide library which consists of 20 +
years worth of images of my work plus many, many process images that
I use for teaching. It’s getting harder and harder to count on there
being slide projectors when you are giving a lecture or demo, not to
mention carousels…

The default on my scanner is set to around 60 megs, which takes a
while to scan. I noticed that scans that I have had made
professionally are around 10 megs or so. I realize that the ultimate
use to which the image will be applied drives the scan size, but I am
looking for a “gold standard” scan size to begin assembling this
digital archive. If it was only a couple of slides it wouldn’t
matter, but there are many images to scan.

Thanks,
Andy Cooperman

2 
The default on my scanner is set to around 60 megs, which takes a
while to scan. I noticed that scans that I have had made
professionally are around 10 megs or so. I realize that the

I’m not a professional scanner-person - likely there are more expert
than me, here. You might look into SilverFast software, first of all.
It is the standard for high-end scanning software. Second, I just
don’t get what you mean by 60 megs, 10 megs. Scanning is usually done
by resolution - 2400x whatever and up is publication quality - 600 x
800 is snapshots and stuff. Pick your resolution that suits your
needs and let the file size be what it is - and get a DVD burner…

3

Andy,

Unless you are willing to sit and wait for your slides to be
scanned, there is an easier way to do this.

I have used faithfully, and have others with great accolades,
Charles Prather at discountdigitalart.com

He is reasonable, quick, and your time is worth it. One offs are
fine, but when you are scanning an entire life’s worth of work, at
around 67 cents a slide, this is the best way. Charles and I have
developed a very good working relationship and the scans I have
received have been fantastic. He can also make 2 x 3 ft enlargements
which are beautiful and crisp.

You are right about slide projectors going the way of the Dodo.
Imagine 50 years of SNAG’s slide library moldering away. I have been
wanting to get this imagery scanned and available for anyone to
download. Charles can even put in a copyrighted watermark with your
name, dimensions, media, etc., right on the image.

Anyway, good luck on your scanning.

Take care,

-k
M E T A L W E R X
School for Jewelry and the Metalarts
50 Guinan St.
Waltham, MA 02451
781 891 3854
www.metalwerx.com