How do I digitize 35mm film with a DSLR, and is it better than using a flatbed scanner?
Asked 10/1/2012
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I want to copy 35mm film using a 16MP DSLR. I understand I need a close-focusing or macro lens, an even diffused backlight, and a way to block stray light and reflections. What kind of DIY setup works best for this? What equipment is essential, and are slide-duplicator attachments a good option? I could also try a regular CIS flatbed scanner with a homemade film holder and light source—would a DSLR copy setup generally be the better choice?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
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All you need is a slide duplicator attachment and a decent macro lens (the duplicators that include lenses are generally only good for 1:1 reproduction and very slight enlargements, and so are not really suitable for crop-sensor cameras). The Bower Digital Slide Duplicator is the most versatile I've seen in terms of adjustability, but it's not the only game in town.
You can make your own, of course. All you need is an adjustable tube or box (to exclude extraneous light and to provide variable magnification/cropping), something to hold the slides in place, and a diffuser (usually a milky-white plexiglass or thin UHMW sheet) to provide even lighting (normally from an ordinary flash, but you can use the sun or continuous lighting as well). The hard part is making the slide and the sensor perfectly parallel, which is why springing for the cost of the commercial product might be worth your while.
Originally by user2719. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2719
13y ago
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A DSLR film-copy setup can work well for 35mm if you have three basics: a close-focusing lens, even diffused backlighting, and a way to keep the film flat and aligned square to the sensor.
The simplest route is usually a slide-duplicator attachment plus a macro lens. If you build your own, use a light-tight tube or box, a film holder, and a diffuser such as milky white acrylic/UHMW. Illumination can be flash, sunlight, or continuous light; a bright white monitor can also work as a simple even light source.
Key points for best results:
- use a true macro lens if possible; otherwise use extension tubes or another macro method
- keep film and sensor parallel to avoid softness across the frame
- diffuse the light evenly to avoid hotspots
- exclude stray light and reflections
- hold the film securely and flat
Compared with adapting a regular CIS flatbed scanner, the DSLR approach is generally the more practical option for 35mm, especially since a normal flatbed still needs a film holder and backlight, and is not really designed for this job. If you do not specifically want a DIY build, a slide-scanning/duplicator attachment is the easiest and cheapest path mentioned.
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