1.-Patience -- It
actually will take you a good amount of time. Figure on
spending 5-10 minutes per slide (manually). The process can be
faster if you do not do multiple scan passes and turn off all the
image enhancements.
2.-Quality
of equipment --You can buy cheap, but
in a sense, you get what you pay for. Technology in this area
has increased dramatically these last few years, so the low end
equipment is not a "bad" as it used to be.
3.-
Patience again --
Besides the time it
takes to scan, a few things you need to think of:
Time you will spend re-scanning due
to color balance -- don't like the first, so you will invariable
rescan trying to improve. Many times you may end up with the
original setting.
Jams -- if you have older slides in
paper mounts, and have a scanner with a feeder, you most likely
will have a lot of jams, thus having to start over again, and
again as the system jams. The alternative is to sit with the
system and catch each jam as it happens to prevent the actual
jam.
A means of cleaning some slides due
to dust, mold, etc. Just another process as you try to improve
quality of some slides.
4.-
Equipment Cost --
Plenty of systems are
on the market, but if you really want to get the best quality for
the money, you are much better spending the money on a Nikon system
(our opinion). The CoolScan V runs around $500.-, however this
is a manual feed system.
The CoolScan 5000 runs around $1000.-
plus about $450 for a slide feeder (50 slides at a time). The
quality is better on the later system, but not something you would
necessarily see or need.
The Nikon systems do NOT use a hot light
bulb type system, to illuminate the image, but rather user cold LED
light technology. This keep the brightness always the same and does
not fade or time like a normal light bulb.
Plus you do not heat the
slides up -- which changes focus since the film will twist/pop with
heat.
Besides the quality difference, the
automated portion of it makes a big difference when using the
Coolscan 5000 system.
Hopefully the above gives you a fairly
simplistic overview of what you would face. Bottom line:
Cost of hardware
The time it takes to do the work
How many slides you have to
convert.... this goes back to time and cost of the investment
you wish to make. Even if you wish to spend the money, you are
always faced with time, and what to do with the hardware after
you complete the job.
In determining if you want to do the
task, these three things will be the most critical. After that,
patience and a little understanding of color corrections.
Oh yes.... all this assuming you just wish to save the images as
JPG or TIFF images and make small prints. If you wish to make
slide shows, edit the images, enhance the images, etc, you will need
to invest in additional software. If you wish to edit the
images, then you should have some good image editing software.
Adobe offers several excellent solutions.
If you wish to edit
images, then you will want to create TIFF images so that you can
edit in layers, etc.
All this requires an investment
in your PC. You will need large drives for storage, a current
processor (all the current models should have sufficient speed
[MHz]), and plenty of memory (RAM - minimum of 1 GIG, preferable 2
GIG or more if editing images).
One thing we did not
mention - the software that comes with the scanner should meet your
needs. Key is that you get a system that has Digital Ice and
some of the other elements that you see on the Nikon scanner.
See the following link for an overview. We would recommend
Silverfast scanning software.
When deciding on having
your slides (and/or negative and prints) scanned, their are a few
basic decisions you need to make before completing the order form.
The are:
Image format.
Do you want JPG or TIFF. Generally speaking, JPG is the
most common format used. If viewing your images on the
computer, making a DVD slide show, screen saver, emails, web
sites, etc. JPG will be what you need. If you plan on
editing the images with the likes of Photoshop, etc., then you
will most likely want TIFF images. *One thing to remember,
when editing JPG images, each time you save the file, the file
size will decrease along with the resolution (you will always
have the master on CD/DVD). If editing with Photoshop, you can
edit in layers, keeping the original image intact.
Resolution. Generally 2000 ppi is more
than sufficient for most applications. If viewing on
computer, or printing 4x6 prints, 2000 ppi. If you plan on
printing 8x10 or larger prints, then you may be better off with
4000 ppi. Scanning prints is a bit different. We
offer 300 ppi and 600 ppi - with the physical image size being
equivalent to the 2000 and 4000 ppi slide scans.
Resolutions of printed material is just lower than slides or
negatives.
Media. You will next need to decide the on
what media you wish to save your images to. You may choose
either CD or DVD. Just remember that one DVD is equivalent
to about 7 CD's, so if you have a lot of slides to slides to
scan, you will most likely want DVD. The key question is
does you PC have a DVD player. DVD's are just another form
of data disk, just a larger disk (data wise) than a CD.
These DVD' s WILL NOT play on a TV DVD player - they are
computer data disk. We charge less for images saved to DVD
than CD since it actually takes less disk (remember, we don't
charge and additional fee for media).
Once
you have made these decisions, it will be simple to complete the
order form. From the Categories left hand side column, just
select the service you wish (for example "Scan Slide") and then the
"Image Format". The next screen will show you the resolutions
and media - select the desired resolutions and media and enter the
desired quantity in the box - then click on "Add to Car". This
will give you the cost along with any volume discounts.
Before
sending us a job, use the order form to build your order profile.
Once you have completed the form, press the "Submit
Order"
at the bottom of the form. This will allow you to print the
order (change copies to 2 copies rather than one) so that you are
able to enclose an order form with your order after receiving
confirmation back from us. This will also send us a pre-alert
of your order, which we will confirm via return email. PLEASE
make sure you give us a valid email address,
as this is very important in processing your order.We
will look at your order info and then confirm the scheduled time for
your order. This helps us completed your order in a timely
fashion, and makes sure we can spend quality time with your order
when doing the digital conversions you are requesting.We
will reply to order info request by email.
Please
send us an email with the tracking number so that we can prepare for
your order and be on the lookout for it.
After having selected the image type (JPG or
TIFF) and the image resolution you wish, you have one last decision
to make, and that is the storage media. Do you wish to save
your images to CD or DVD? The preferred choice is DVD since
one DVD holds the equivalent of 7 CD's - thus you have less disk to
keep track of. IMPORTANT - these are only DATA disk and not
VIDEO disk, so as a result cannot be viewed on your TV DVD player.
For that you would select a DVD Slide Show after the data images are
created.
Since we use less media when saving to DVD rather
than CD, we charge less for slides to DVD than Slides to CD.
You
may click on any of the many "Contact Us" links available from all
the pages on this site. Should you need to talk to us, please
send an email with your number and we will give you a call.
Y
ou
may leave at VM at 901-485-8816 - we normally are able to answer.
o
provide you the best service and quality in digital scanning, we
specialize in slides to digital images. Our primary specialty
is 35mm slides (slides in 2x2 mounts) to digital images.
Additionally we scan 120 and 4x5 film, and stereo slides to digital
images.
We
process other sizes by request.
We scan color and B&W
prints (up to 11.5"x17.5"). You may combine orders with a mix
of slides, negatives and prints. If you prints are
larger, we are able to stitch images together seamlessly using
PhotoShop Photomerge - and you will not see the seam. return to top of page
We
provide a simple single price per image conversion based on the
media type, resolution and image format (JPG or TIFF).
All
charges are listed on the pricing work sheet/Order Form. This
form will give you the totals for your order and will provide you
with a copy to include in the order sent to us, as well as a hard
copy for your records (please print two copies - one to keep, one to
send with the order).
WE DO NOT CHARGE EXTRA FOR MEDIA
and the like.
The
only charge you will incur on top of the per scan charge will be
shipping. We provide shipping via FedEx or USPS. return to top of page
We
accept payments by credit cards. While your order is being
finalized, you will receive an email with a Google®
link in order to process your payment. It is very important to include your valid
email address.
O
nce
your payment is processed, your completed order will be shipped to
you.
Prior to shipping your slides, prints or
negatives, their are
several steps you may want to do to help ensure that your order is
processed properly:
Please complete the online order form prior to
sending to us your order. This is very important so as to provide
you quality service (see How do I schedule a job?).
There are two options
for preparing your slides. You may sort them by groups or
individually.
OPTION 1
You can send your
slides in unmarked boxes or sleeves and we will scan the slides in
groups. We will create a file folder for each group of slides,
negatives, prints assign a number for each group. This way the
folder and contact proof sheets will match bat to the original
photos. If all the photos are in just one large group,
then you receive a disk with just one file folder and all the
scanned images.
OPTION 2
If you are very
organized and/or structured and group all your photos into groups,
and then label the groups, we will create a file folder for each
group name you have the group of photos. The contact proof
sheet will match back to the original photo groups so that you can
find the original image should you need.
We used to have
a long drawn out example of how you might want to group photos.
Bottom line though - we scan the photos in the order you give them
to us, and label them as such.
NOTE: Please ensure
that the negative sleeves/folders are arranged neatly and securely
in a box so things will stay in orde
Do not ship loose slides. Please use the
original 35mm slide boxes your slides came in. You may also use the
slide trays from your slide projector if you prefer.
You may place 35mm negatives in individual
envelopes for each strip you wish scanned. Please label (mark) the
envelope with any instructions or comments prior to placing your
negatives in the envelop. Place the envelopes in some protective
packaging that will not bend the negatives.
It is important to pack your
slides/negatives safely. You do not want to ship loose slides or
negative envelopes that will get bent during shipments get out of
the order you have selected.
If you need help packing
your slides or negatives, you may want to use a service such as Pak
Mail or FedEx Kinko's Office and Print Centers to package and ship
your slides and/or negatives.
Pak Mail for example can:
*
Provide Custom packing and shipping * Multiple
locations close to you
FedEx Kinko's Office and
Print Center can:
* Can provide generic shipping supplies * Provide FedEx
Express and FedEx Ground shipping services * Many
convenient locations close to you
Orders
will vary depending on order size. You will be notified when
we receive your order, as well as when we being processing the order
and when it is shipped to you. The following table will
provide an approximate time frame for orders:
Quantity
Processing Time ( approx. days)*
1-100
3-5
101-200
4-7
201-500
5-10
501-1000
10-25
1000
or greater
30+ (please
contact us to verify time)
* Processing times shown
are typically worst case scenario. We will strive to
complete your order is a shorter time frame. Please make
sure you confirm you order shipment request prior to sending
so that we can meet our commitment to you.
ll
orders will be returned by USPS or FedEx Ground®, unless you have
specified otherwise.
USPS will
be sent Priority Mail. Delivery is normally within 2-3 days.
USPS Tracking numbers will be provided for all return shipments.
FedEx
Ground® service to most locations in the country is 2-3 business
days. West coast and East coast may take a day longer.
Tracking numbers for FedEx Ground shipments will be provided to
allow you to do real time tracking of your shipment.
FedEx
Express® Standard delivery will be used for next day service (by
4:30 pm). We can also ship FedEx 2 Day service. Tracking
numbers for FedEx Express shipments will be provided to allow you to
do real time tracking of your shipment.
We
reserve the right to refuse processing any material deemed as
pornographic, inappropriate or otherwise objectionable.
If we receive material of this type, it will be returned to you
without processing. If you have questions about any material
before sending it to us to process, please contact us first.
LeeDigitalScanning
.com
(Lee Digital Scanning) only accepts legal material and will not
reproduce copyrighted material without the explicit permission from
the owner of the copyright. The customer accepts all
responsibility for violating copyright laws in submitting material
for scanning without notifying Lee Digital Scanning of the copyright
of such material. The customer agrees not to hold Lee Digital
Scanning responsible to any violations of national or international
copyright laws without its knowledge.
We accept and process
orders from US addresses as well as from APO and FPO
addresses. APO and FPO orders will be shipped via the USPS
postal system only. Please ensure that you use a shipping
service level that insures your shipment and provides a tracking
number for tracing purposes.
If you live outside the US (other than an
APO/FPO address), please make sure you select the type of
international shipping mode you wish:
FedEx Ground Canada
FedEx International Economy
Global Express International (Postal Service)
Shipping rates are
estimates -- they will vary by actual weight. We have tried to
give you as accurate and estimate as possible. You will be
charged actual shipping charges plus a USD 2.00 fee to cover
handling of international shipping.
Duties and taxes will be
the responsibility of the recipient.
enerally
speaking 2000 ppi is the "default" average resolution. Even
with a large screen TV (such as the HDTV type sizes - 40" and
above), 2000 ppi should serve you well. The resolution has
proven to actually be better on an large screen HDTV than on a
regular 27" standard TV. If you plan making large prints of
your images we would recommend 4000 ppi or TIFF images.
Resolution is not all you should consider.
Also consider the format for your images -- TIFF or JPEG.
Use TIFF when saving images for high-quality output
or editing. A lack of compression will result in larger files,
but a high level of image quality will be maintained. TIFF is
supported in a wide variety of platforms.
JPEG is a good choice for images that will be output
at low resolution or distributed in electronic form. Images
can be compressed (if you wish to "zip" and e-mail to a friend).
Due to the file size, you will be able to get more images on
each CD or DVD. JPEG should normally be chosen as the default
format.
JPEG is best for general purpose viewing. These images will
take less time to load.
Your
images will be delivered on either CD or DVD, depending on your
choice of format as JPEG or TIFF images. With these high
quality images you will be able to email, print, post to a web site
or share in some other way with others.
If
you order a Slide Show on DVD, you will receive an additional DVD(s)
with the slide show on it. Due to the design of NTSC TV
signals, the images will not be displayed in the same quality as
your computer monitor. If you have an HDTV set, the images
will display better than a normal TV, but still not as good as the
monitor. The overall display quality is good however.
Note: In order to use DVD's, your PC must have a DVD player
installed. DVD disk will not work in a CD player.
DVD Slide Shows do not require any applications to run. The
DVD slide shows will automatically play when inserted in your PC DVD
player, or DVD player connected to your TV.
Lee Digital Scanning
assumes no responsibility for any possible loss or damage incurred
in shipping the material to and from the customer. The
customer submits material to Lee Digital Scanningwith the full
understanding that Lee Digital Scanning is not responsible for any damages to the
material itself.
Lee Digital Scanning
recommends that customers ship all orders to Lee Digital Scanning via USPS insured with a tracking number, or
via FedEx or UPS.
As much enhancement as our systems
provide using the Digital ICE, Digital ROC, Digital GEM and
Digital DEE systems(see
Services for explanation of these features),
they cannot
remove smudges such as some fingerprints that are imbedded in
the film over time. The system will not remove mold images
that have eaten into the film.
As you will notice from our Gallery display, images
are enhanced, but the process cannot make an imperfect image surface
perfect. You will also notice some slides that are 50+ years
old, the color has enhanced and restored, but the mold has not all
been totally removed.
We clean each slide or negative for dust before
scanning, but cannot clean each frame individually to remove mold,
or imbedded finger prints or the like. Our digital
enhancing/scanning process is a good system, but it is not a miracle
cure for severely damaged slides.
Using silverfast, we have similar features av
ailable,
however with better functionality - for example, iSRD is
actually better than Digital Ice in that you do not loose
image resolution which is an end result over high Digital
Ice settings.
After processing and shipping your order, we will
keep your files in storage on our systems for a minimum period of 180 days,
after which time we may delete the images from our system.
During this period, should you need duplicates or
another combinations of CD/DVD slides shows, we will be able to
process this order for you without having to rescan your images.
NOTE: We actually begun archiving
images to external hard drives and storing in our vaults -
which has been a blessing for some customers who have come
back to us years later to ask for duplicate disk.
When you want to to make a DVD Slide Show, you
need to do several things first:
Scan your slides and/or prints first.
From the scanned images (they can be in TIFF or JPG format), you
will create the DVD Slide Show
Determine how you wish to arrange all.
You can have multiple chapter for different groups of slides.
Max number of slides you want in a "chapter" is 100-150 slides.
After that, the show becomes a bit too long. NOTE:
You may have 100-150 slides or so and want how them as one
simplle show - possible looping.
Determine the duration for each slide to
show. Typically between 4-7 seconds
Determine music if you wish to have music in
the background.
NOTE: With today's new DVD technology for
TV's, you may be able to do the following on you new TV/DVD set:
If you DVD is a new "upscalling" DVD player,
most of these units will show JPG slides images from a DATA DVD
or Data CD disk. This IS NOT the same as a DVD Slide
Show. Check the capabilities of your DVD player
If your DVD player is a Blue Ray unit, it may
play a Data DVD or Data CD disk with JPG images. This IS
NOT the same as a DVD Slide Show. Check the capabilities of your
DVD player
IMPORTANT NOTE: The images on your Data
DVD or Data CD may be to large for your unit to display.
The images from the online web preview will display.
HD TV - many of these unit will read a USB
Flash card and display the images from it.
How
do I schedule a job?
USPS will
be sent Priority Mail. Delivery is normally within 2-3 days.
USPS Tracking numbers will be provided for all return shipments.
FedEx
Ground® service to most locations in the country is 2-3 business
days. West coast and East coast may take a day longer.
Tracking numbers for FedEx Ground shipments will be provided to
allow you to do real time tracking of your shipment.
FedEx
Express® Standard delivery will be used for next day service (by
4:30 pm). We can also ship FedEx 2 Day service. Tracking
numbers for FedEx Express shipments will be provided to allow you to
do real time tracking of your shipment.
