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How to Convert Slides With a Camera

If you want to convert slides to another format, the very best way is to take them to a reputable photo lab. They will be able to get the best quality image and create a photographic print for you or convert the images to a digital format and burn it to s CD-ROM. The next best way is to covert the image yourself using a scanner. If you prefer to do the conversion yourself with a camera, you can convert the slide to an electronic image by using a digital camera or to an analog (print) image using a standard film camera.

Things You'll Need

Camera (digital or film, depending on desired output)
Clear piece of glass minimum 2 inches x 2 inches
Stand or props for glass or plastic
Lamp (halogen preferred)

Instructions

- 1
  Place lamp on flat surface. An upturned halogen reading light works well in terms of lamp strength and color temperature--actual color of light emitted.
- 2
  Suspend the glass over the lamp, using props. Blocks of wood or books are fine, as long as the glass is high enough to keep the heat from the lamp from damaging it. For a halogen lamp, 2 inches are sufficient.
- 3
  Place slide onto surface of glass and photograph using camera. If you are shooting with a digital camera, use the macro sitting so you can get closer to the slide. If you are shooting with a film camera, use print film and a macro lens if you have one. The closer you can get to the slide the higher the final resolution the final image will be.

Photography