Scanning slides to digital formats is now standard in preserving all your family photos from the last 80 years. Quality of scan, though, is still an issue for many people, even though advancements keep making scanning so much easier. One major name in the camera and scanning business might be leading the way in providing higher quality scans, as well as the ability to more effectively clean the slide.
Nikon's COOLSCAN 9000
Nikon has been a leader in slide scanners for a while now, despite previous models not always being able to create perfect scans. They've managed to solve much of that with their 9000 model that can more effectively scan 35mm slides and other film formats. In particular, new technology on this scanner works especially well on scanning old Kodachrome slides that don't always scan well.
Ironically, you can thank Kodak for inventing a technology now employed into recent scanners to help with improved clarity.
Ironically, you can thank Kodak for inventing a technology now employed into recent scanners to help with improved clarity.
Kodak's Digital ICE Technology
Despite Kodak giving up being a producer of film, they're still innovating in the world of scanner technology. Their Digital ICE tech has been around a while in providing improved image corrections. Now in its fourth generation, the Digital ICE process adds a process of enhancing exposure and contrast in certain slides, particular Kodachome.
The Nikon 9000 scanner employed this recently, as have some other scanners on the market. But the improvements also come in the ability to digitally clean the slide of scratches or other debris so details come into better focus. All of that can be done in about 40 seconds per slide, hence giving a good boost in time saving when your slides number in the thousands.
Should you depend exclusively on the Nikon scanner digitally cleaning your slide? It's a good idea to also think about a manual cleaning using some simple practical methods.
The Nikon 9000 scanner employed this recently, as have some other scanners on the market. But the improvements also come in the ability to digitally clean the slide of scratches or other debris so details come into better focus. All of that can be done in about 40 seconds per slide, hence giving a good boost in time saving when your slides number in the thousands.
Should you depend exclusively on the Nikon scanner digitally cleaning your slide? It's a good idea to also think about a manual cleaning using some simple practical methods.
Cleaning Slides Prior to Scanning
 | If you want to blow dust and other particles off your slides before they're scanned, using compressed air is the safest way to do it. Never clean them with water because it can ruin the surface with a single drop. This blog also recommends a photographic emulsion cleaner to use on the slide as a safe liquid form to remove debris. Digitally scanning negatives, slides, and prints is a lot like painting a car or the interior of a house. You get better results if you take the time to do the necessary preparation work. This is especially true when it comes to properly cleaning a slide or negative. When scanning a tiny slide, and generating a 600% enlargement of it, every dust particle, scratch, piece of lint, and hair will be huge in the scanned image. |
Ultimately, though, you need to find a company that can help scan those slides for you when you're short of time.
Click-Scan-Share can scan all slide formats at an excellent rate of 39 cents per slide. We also scan at 4000 dpi and do expert color corrections to assure that each slide looks like it was taken today.
Contact us so we can arrange to digitally upgrade and preserve all your family media for your peace of mind. You can also use our website to get an estimate on slide scanning services and even place an order. See more at
Click-Scan-Share can scan all slide formats at an excellent rate of 39 cents per slide. We also scan at 4000 dpi and do expert color corrections to assure that each slide looks like it was taken today.
Contact us so we can arrange to digitally upgrade and preserve all your family media for your peace of mind. You can also use our website to get an estimate on slide scanning services and even place an order. See more at
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