Pixelpuffin wrote:
As per title
I’m sure I’ve read where good results can be got using a dslr to copy negatives and slides.
Can anyone explain in really simple terms how best to go about this - assume I know nothing.
I have macro lenses and extension tubes also have (somewhere?) a Ohnar slide copier attachment
Have lots of flash guns plus a few mains strobe lights (cheapo brands)
Probably a 1000 negs to copy
How’s then best to convert to positive? If possible don’t want anything subscription based.
Equipment is either canon EOS digital or Pentax digital
Anybody??
Oh, really would prefer to shoot JPEG’s… is that possible??
Pixelpuffin,
I think you are referring to what is commonly called dslr scanning. To copy or duplicate a film or slide negative involves making another film slide or negative with a dedicated machine you can find by googling a "Honeywell Repronar Model 805 A"
I've used them, and their lenses are amazing.
To scan with a dslr - thus making a digital copy - you basically put your digital camera on a copy stand, put your film in a carrier (holder) that you set on top of a light source. (led light panel, light box, even a cell phone) - then taking a digital photo of that backlit slide or negative. That digital photo is your copy. After that you asked about "best", and I don't want to go down that rabbit hole. I have an opinion, but so does everyone else. Needless too say - there about as many ways to do it as people that take pictures.
Jim
Pixelpuffin wrote:
As per title
I’m sure I’ve read where good results can be got using a dslr to copy negatives and slides.
Can anyone explain in really simple terms how best to go about this - assume I know nothing.
I have macro lenses and extension tubes also have (somewhere?) a Ohnar slide copier attachment
Have lots of flash guns plus a few mains strobe lights (cheapo brands)
Probably a 1000 negs to copy
How’s then best to convert to positive? If possible don’t want anything subscription based.
Equipment is either canon EOS digital or Pentax digital
Anybody??
Oh, really would prefer to shoot JPEG’s… is that possible??
Pixelpuffin,
I think you are referring to what is commonly called dslr scanning. To copy or duplicate a film or slide negative involves making another film slide or negative with a dedicated machine like this link
I've used them, and their lenses are amazing.
To scan with a dslr - thus making a digital copy - you basically put your digital camera on a copy stand, put your film in a carrier (holder) that you set on top of a light source. (led light panel, light box, even a cell phone) - then taking a digital photo of that backlit slide or negative. That digital photo is your copy. After that you asked about "best", and I don't want to go down that rabbit hole. I have an opinion, but so does everyone else. Needless too say - there about as many ways to do it as people that take pictures.
Jim
Sep 12, 2026 at 06:25 PM
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