Slides, Film and Images
What size slides and negatives, besides 35mm do you scan?
Super 35, 110, 126, 127, Disc Film and all medium and large formats. Keep in mind that the 127 and medium sized formats are priced at 58¢ per image, and large formats are priced at 99¢ per image.
Cropping of each image to give a nice edge? Does this mean that the white slide holder (mount) is eliminated from the finished image?
Yes, cropping eliminates the white slide holder (it looks black once scanned). Some older slides have rounded corners and we crop those out giving the image a clean crisp look without cutting out any valuable information in the image. If you would like to crop your images yourself or have special cropping instructions just let us know and we will be more than happy to work with you.
What is the typical size of each image after being scanned?
The most common slide/film type we receive is 35mm, and these measurements will be based on that size. Please contact us for information about other sizes.
Each color .tiff image comes to approximately 112mb and 5200x3500dpi. These .tiff images are of high enough quality that they could be printed to poster size without any issues. Typically a DVD holds about 43 pictures at full resolution.
We also create .jpegs from the .tiffs in two sizes. The larger .jpegs are approximately 4mb each and the smaller .jpegs are 1mb each.
Can you save in a format other than .tiff and .jpeg? Like .png or .whtvr?
Yes we can. Just be sure to write in the notes section on your order form if you would like you pictures saved in a format other than .tiff or .jpeg. You can also follow this link to our format page.
What is the difference between a TIFF and JPEG image?
Please see our TIFF vs JPEG page.
Can Adobe Photoshop use .png? Can Mac OS X, Windows XP/Vista read .png?
Yes, Photoshop can use the .png format. Mac systems, Windows XP and Windows Vista can also read .png formats.
What color bit depth (8 or 16 bit per channel) files will I get back?
As for bits per channel, we normally send 16 bit, but if you want 8 bit just write it on the order form in the notes section. There is no extra charge for that.
Can you scan black and white slides/negatives?
Yes, we can. However, the hardware technology that we (and everyone else in the industry) use to remove dust and fingerprints from the scanned image is not as reliable with B&W slides. Sometimes the scratch removal works great, sometimes not as good. If you are interested in how your slides/negatives will look, we can scan a few of them for you and send you a preview by email. If you are happy with the quality of the images, we will continue with the order.
Super 35, 110, 126, 127, Disc Film and all medium and large formats. Keep in mind that the 127 and medium sized formats are priced at 58¢ per image, and large formats are priced at 99¢ per image.
Cropping of each image to give a nice edge? Does this mean that the white slide holder (mount) is eliminated from the finished image?
Yes, cropping eliminates the white slide holder (it looks black once scanned). Some older slides have rounded corners and we crop those out giving the image a clean crisp look without cutting out any valuable information in the image. If you would like to crop your images yourself or have special cropping instructions just let us know and we will be more than happy to work with you.
What is the typical size of each image after being scanned?
The most common slide/film type we receive is 35mm, and these measurements will be based on that size. Please contact us for information about other sizes.
Each color .tiff image comes to approximately 112mb and 5200x3500dpi. These .tiff images are of high enough quality that they could be printed to poster size without any issues. Typically a DVD holds about 43 pictures at full resolution.
We also create .jpegs from the .tiffs in two sizes. The larger .jpegs are approximately 4mb each and the smaller .jpegs are 1mb each.
Can you save in a format other than .tiff and .jpeg? Like .png or .whtvr?
Yes we can. Just be sure to write in the notes section on your order form if you would like you pictures saved in a format other than .tiff or .jpeg. You can also follow this link to our format page.
What is the difference between a TIFF and JPEG image?
Please see our TIFF vs JPEG page.
Can Adobe Photoshop use .png? Can Mac OS X, Windows XP/Vista read .png?
Yes, Photoshop can use the .png format. Mac systems, Windows XP and Windows Vista can also read .png formats.
What color bit depth (8 or 16 bit per channel) files will I get back?
As for bits per channel, we normally send 16 bit, but if you want 8 bit just write it on the order form in the notes section. There is no extra charge for that.
Can you scan black and white slides/negatives?
Yes, we can. However, the hardware technology that we (and everyone else in the industry) use to remove dust and fingerprints from the scanned image is not as reliable with B&W slides. Sometimes the scratch removal works great, sometimes not as good. If you are interested in how your slides/negatives will look, we can scan a few of them for you and send you a preview by email. If you are happy with the quality of the images, we will continue with the order.
Order Process
I am not sure I want to just send my pictures to just anyone. How do I know I can trust you will do what you advertise? And why is Slide Scanning Pros not listed with the Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau?
We understand that your slides are important to you. We could have purchased proxies for trust by joining the chamber of commerce and other organizations and paying their dues. (But we would have to pass those cost onto our customers). One of the great things about Slide Scanning Pros is that we don't have a minimum order size. You can start with a few dozen slides. See how it goes. See our quality on your pictures. Feel your originals returned safely to you. Then send in the remaining slides once you feel comfortable and are satisfied with the quality of our work. Customer satisfaction is very important to us and we know that we are handling your precious memories.
Do you take orders from Canada? other countries?
Yes, we will take orders from all around the world. You will pay via credit card and pay your bill in your currency, but the price will be in US dollars and your card company will handle the exchange conversion. For shipping you will pay the postage both ways (as do all of our customers).
Where Can I find an order form?
There is a tab for it at the top of our site or a link at the bottom. Or you can click the following link: Order Form
What are some suggestions for organizing my slides?
Usually, when it comes to organizing, it is best to keep things as simple as possible. Also keep in mind that a flat directory structure works better than multiple hierarchical layers of folders inside folders
For example:
A group called "Mexico" with 3 trips to Mexico labeled in sub-folders "1978," "1985" and "1991," does not work as well as just having 3 folders labeled "Mexico 1978" "Mexico 1985" and "Mexico 1991."
The other thing to consider is how alphabetizing on your computer will make the groups come together. If you want them in chronological order you should put the year first "1978 Mexico," "1988 France" "1989 Mary's Birthday" etc. On the other hand if you want all the same subjects together in a list you should put that first "Mexico 1978" "France 1988" and "Birthday - Mary - 1989" (or maybe "Mary - Birthday -1989").
As for organizing your slides physically, it is easier on us if they are all orientated the same way with the emulsion of the slides facing the same direction.
How do I package my slides to ship?
See our Packing Tips and Instructions page.
Do you have a minimum number of slides that I have to send in to get the $.39 price?
No, we do not have a minimum number. You can send in as many or as few as you wish. Some customers even prefer to send in a few images so that they can get a feel of our commitment to quality before sending in an entire collection for scanning. Please remember that you will have to pay for postage both ways plus as least 1 DVD-R even for just 1 slide.
Is there a way to check on the progress of my order?
You will receive an email when your order is started, another while the order is in process with some samples of what we are doing, and of course an email when your order is completed.
customer.service@slidescanningpros.com
Can I see my pictures before you burn them to DVD-R?
Yes. We post thumbnails to a web site for you to review the work before we burn the images to DVD.
We will set up a private preview area on the web and upload thumbnails of all your images. Once completed, we will send you an email with your own personal account number and password so that you can access them. Your images will not be shared and cannot be viewed by anyone else. Once you approve them and we have received full payment for your order, we will burn the remaining full resolution images onto an external hard drive or dvd(s) and send them with your originals to your address.
Can I order prints? How much do they cost?
Yes, you can order them straight from zenfolio.com, the site that we use to upload all your photographs with a protected password. Their prices are very reasonable. They have many options, sizes and prices to choose from. Prices range from .70¢ for wallet size prints, .39¢ for a 4x6 inch print, to 1.99 for an 8x10 inch print. They also have various other things for sale such as coffee mugs and apparel with your photos on them. Also they make beautiful high quality canvas wraps for hanging on your wall.
Do you keep back-ups of all my images for the future?
We do for a little while (about a month) just to make sure that your images arrive safely. Ultimately, you are responsible for backing up your images (along with everything else of value on your computer). If you don't already have a reliable automated off site backup system we recommend Backblaze. They have a completely automated system that backs up everything of value for only $5 per month. Backblaze works on both PC and Mac. You get as much personal storage as you need. We investigated all of the back-up services available and this one came out on top. We use it on our personal computers and it works great.
How do you return the slides when you are done scanning them? Do you insure packages when you return them?
After we scan your originals, we carefully package them and return them to you with delivery confirmation. Usually, we skip the insurance on return because we will keep a backup copy until you confirm safe return of all materials. If you want insurance let us know and we will be happy to give you a quote.
How do you calculate return shipping charges?
We calculate postage by weighing and measuring the package we are returning to you. With the information we gain we can accurately input the weight, measurements and your zip code at usps.com. We receive a quote for shipping and we give you the exact same quote.
We understand that your slides are important to you. We could have purchased proxies for trust by joining the chamber of commerce and other organizations and paying their dues. (But we would have to pass those cost onto our customers). One of the great things about Slide Scanning Pros is that we don't have a minimum order size. You can start with a few dozen slides. See how it goes. See our quality on your pictures. Feel your originals returned safely to you. Then send in the remaining slides once you feel comfortable and are satisfied with the quality of our work. Customer satisfaction is very important to us and we know that we are handling your precious memories.
Do you take orders from Canada? other countries?
Yes, we will take orders from all around the world. You will pay via credit card and pay your bill in your currency, but the price will be in US dollars and your card company will handle the exchange conversion. For shipping you will pay the postage both ways (as do all of our customers).
Where Can I find an order form?
There is a tab for it at the top of our site or a link at the bottom. Or you can click the following link: Order Form
What are some suggestions for organizing my slides?
Usually, when it comes to organizing, it is best to keep things as simple as possible. Also keep in mind that a flat directory structure works better than multiple hierarchical layers of folders inside folders
For example:
A group called "Mexico" with 3 trips to Mexico labeled in sub-folders "1978," "1985" and "1991," does not work as well as just having 3 folders labeled "Mexico 1978" "Mexico 1985" and "Mexico 1991."
The other thing to consider is how alphabetizing on your computer will make the groups come together. If you want them in chronological order you should put the year first "1978 Mexico," "1988 France" "1989 Mary's Birthday" etc. On the other hand if you want all the same subjects together in a list you should put that first "Mexico 1978" "France 1988" and "Birthday - Mary - 1989" (or maybe "Mary - Birthday -1989").
As for organizing your slides physically, it is easier on us if they are all orientated the same way with the emulsion of the slides facing the same direction.
How do I package my slides to ship?
See our Packing Tips and Instructions page.
Do you have a minimum number of slides that I have to send in to get the $.39 price?
No, we do not have a minimum number. You can send in as many or as few as you wish. Some customers even prefer to send in a few images so that they can get a feel of our commitment to quality before sending in an entire collection for scanning. Please remember that you will have to pay for postage both ways plus as least 1 DVD-R even for just 1 slide.
Is there a way to check on the progress of my order?
You will receive an email when your order is started, another while the order is in process with some samples of what we are doing, and of course an email when your order is completed.
customer.service@slidescanningpros.com
Can I see my pictures before you burn them to DVD-R?
Yes. We post thumbnails to a web site for you to review the work before we burn the images to DVD.
We will set up a private preview area on the web and upload thumbnails of all your images. Once completed, we will send you an email with your own personal account number and password so that you can access them. Your images will not be shared and cannot be viewed by anyone else. Once you approve them and we have received full payment for your order, we will burn the remaining full resolution images onto an external hard drive or dvd(s) and send them with your originals to your address.
Can I order prints? How much do they cost?
Yes, you can order them straight from zenfolio.com, the site that we use to upload all your photographs with a protected password. Their prices are very reasonable. They have many options, sizes and prices to choose from. Prices range from .70¢ for wallet size prints, .39¢ for a 4x6 inch print, to 1.99 for an 8x10 inch print. They also have various other things for sale such as coffee mugs and apparel with your photos on them. Also they make beautiful high quality canvas wraps for hanging on your wall.
Do you keep back-ups of all my images for the future?
We do for a little while (about a month) just to make sure that your images arrive safely. Ultimately, you are responsible for backing up your images (along with everything else of value on your computer). If you don't already have a reliable automated off site backup system we recommend Backblaze. They have a completely automated system that backs up everything of value for only $5 per month. Backblaze works on both PC and Mac. You get as much personal storage as you need. We investigated all of the back-up services available and this one came out on top. We use it on our personal computers and it works great.
How do you return the slides when you are done scanning them? Do you insure packages when you return them?
After we scan your originals, we carefully package them and return them to you with delivery confirmation. Usually, we skip the insurance on return because we will keep a backup copy until you confirm safe return of all materials. If you want insurance let us know and we will be happy to give you a quote.
How do you calculate return shipping charges?
We calculate postage by weighing and measuring the package we are returning to you. With the information we gain we can accurately input the weight, measurements and your zip code at usps.com. We receive a quote for shipping and we give you the exact same quote.
Hardware and Software Configurations
Do you use a Mac or a PC?
We use Mac software and Macs to do our scanning and editing (though we have a PC for other office work as well), but make sure that the file formats and hard drives we select for our customers are both PC and Mac compatible.
What scanners do you use?
We use Nikon Coolscan scanners on most slides and film. We also use a flat bed scanner, the Epson Perfection V500 for medium format to large format slides, film and loose prints.
Can you scan without using the ICE technology?
Yes, we can turn off digital ICE. Just make sure you request turning it off in the notes section of the order form.
Do you calibrate your monitors?
Yes, we use a hardware colorimeter and set our monitors to a gamma of 2.2 and a temperature of 6500 K.
Which color space or profile do you use?
We normally use Ekta Space. If you have other needs please email us to discuss them.
I can see my images but they look weird or they are too dark, what can I do?
Depending on what browser you are using you may need to check if the color display (of the browser) is managed or non-managed. Go to this link and find the color bar about a 1/4 of the way down on the right hand side of the page. If the color names do not match up with the color, your browser color is non-managed (which may be the result of why your pictures appear off-color or too dark.
As with all questions and concerns, however, please give us a call or send us an email and we will be glad to help.
How do I make my browser "color managed"?
The simplest way for Mac users is to download Mozilla Firefox 3 and then download this Color Management Ad-On. The easiest fix for PC users is to download the latest version of Safari here, which has color management built-in. With Firefox 3 for PC or MAC you may be able to turn color management on by typing about:config into the address bar. To turn it on you must find gfx.color.management.enabled change it to "true" and restart Firefox (We have not tried this method, but have read that this works). No current version of Internet Explorer has color management capabilities.
What are the differences between getting a DVD-R and a 500GB Hard Drive?
Each DVD-R is $5. If you would like additional copies, each additional DVD-R costs $5. A DVD-R can hold about 43 images at the full 16 bit color and 4000 dpi. If you want smaller images please contact us to discuss your needs.
Each 500GB hard drive we sell is $80. These hard drives can hold approximately 4400 images at the full 16 bit color and 4000 dpi. If you choose to upgrade to the hard drive option we will put the images onto the hard drive for you. These drives are easy to use. All you need is to have an available USB port on your computer and you are set to go.
We also allow you to send in a hard drive (include all cables and power cords) and we will gladly put your images on it for no cost. Please contact us to see how large of a hard drive you will need for your quantity of images.
What are the benefits of using a hard drive?
If you have many images, over 250, we recommend that you consider a hard drive. This saves you the hassle of trying to sort through a large number of DVD's to find one picture. In most cases it also provides additional room for you to add your digital pictures too in the future, unlike DVD-Rs that cannot have extra files added to them.
If the hard drive fails, do you have a warranty period in which you keep backups so you can re-send the pictures to us?
The manufacturer's warranty is for 6 months on the drive. So, if a warranty issue comes up with your drive in the 6 months, send it back to us. We will send you a new drive and deal with the manufacturer concerning the warranty.
Can you burn to Blu-Ray?
No, we cannot at this time.
We use Mac software and Macs to do our scanning and editing (though we have a PC for other office work as well), but make sure that the file formats and hard drives we select for our customers are both PC and Mac compatible.
What scanners do you use?
We use Nikon Coolscan scanners on most slides and film. We also use a flat bed scanner, the Epson Perfection V500 for medium format to large format slides, film and loose prints.
Can you scan without using the ICE technology?
Yes, we can turn off digital ICE. Just make sure you request turning it off in the notes section of the order form.
Do you calibrate your monitors?
Yes, we use a hardware colorimeter and set our monitors to a gamma of 2.2 and a temperature of 6500 K.
Which color space or profile do you use?
We normally use Ekta Space. If you have other needs please email us to discuss them.
I can see my images but they look weird or they are too dark, what can I do?
Depending on what browser you are using you may need to check if the color display (of the browser) is managed or non-managed. Go to this link and find the color bar about a 1/4 of the way down on the right hand side of the page. If the color names do not match up with the color, your browser color is non-managed (which may be the result of why your pictures appear off-color or too dark.
As with all questions and concerns, however, please give us a call or send us an email and we will be glad to help.
How do I make my browser "color managed"?
The simplest way for Mac users is to download Mozilla Firefox 3 and then download this Color Management Ad-On. The easiest fix for PC users is to download the latest version of Safari here, which has color management built-in. With Firefox 3 for PC or MAC you may be able to turn color management on by typing about:config into the address bar. To turn it on you must find gfx.color.management.enabled change it to "true" and restart Firefox (We have not tried this method, but have read that this works). No current version of Internet Explorer has color management capabilities.
What are the differences between getting a DVD-R and a 500GB Hard Drive?
Each DVD-R is $5. If you would like additional copies, each additional DVD-R costs $5. A DVD-R can hold about 43 images at the full 16 bit color and 4000 dpi. If you want smaller images please contact us to discuss your needs.
Each 500GB hard drive we sell is $80. These hard drives can hold approximately 4400 images at the full 16 bit color and 4000 dpi. If you choose to upgrade to the hard drive option we will put the images onto the hard drive for you. These drives are easy to use. All you need is to have an available USB port on your computer and you are set to go.
We also allow you to send in a hard drive (include all cables and power cords) and we will gladly put your images on it for no cost. Please contact us to see how large of a hard drive you will need for your quantity of images.
What are the benefits of using a hard drive?
If you have many images, over 250, we recommend that you consider a hard drive. This saves you the hassle of trying to sort through a large number of DVD's to find one picture. In most cases it also provides additional room for you to add your digital pictures too in the future, unlike DVD-Rs that cannot have extra files added to them.
If the hard drive fails, do you have a warranty period in which you keep backups so you can re-send the pictures to us?
The manufacturer's warranty is for 6 months on the drive. So, if a warranty issue comes up with your drive in the 6 months, send it back to us. We will send you a new drive and deal with the manufacturer concerning the warranty.
Can you burn to Blu-Ray?
No, we cannot at this time.
Competitors
How do your prices compare to your competition?
Please follow this link to see out list of competitors comparisons.
One of your competitors talks about the "ICEy Eyes" that come from using a Nikon Coolscam 5000. Do you have problems with that?
We have never had a problem with it. We believe that this is because we do not use the same software that our competitor used when testing out scanners.
Many of your competitors say they will scan slides for 39 cents, but when I go to set up an order there are extra hidden fees. What are your hidden fees?
We have no hidden fees. We scan AND edit all your 35mm slides by hand, looking at each one individually for 39 cents each. 127 Slides and Larger are scanned for 58 cents or 99 cents, depending on the slide.
Just to be clear (as we are several placed on the website), you do pay for shipping (exactly what usps.com charges us), a hard drive or DVD-Rs (unless you send in your own hard drive - no charge for that) and any additional repair that you have requested (mold removal, hand cleaning, etc).
Please follow this link to see out list of competitors comparisons.
One of your competitors talks about the "ICEy Eyes" that come from using a Nikon Coolscam 5000. Do you have problems with that?
We have never had a problem with it. We believe that this is because we do not use the same software that our competitor used when testing out scanners.
Many of your competitors say they will scan slides for 39 cents, but when I go to set up an order there are extra hidden fees. What are your hidden fees?
We have no hidden fees. We scan AND edit all your 35mm slides by hand, looking at each one individually for 39 cents each. 127 Slides and Larger are scanned for 58 cents or 99 cents, depending on the slide.
Just to be clear (as we are several placed on the website), you do pay for shipping (exactly what usps.com charges us), a hard drive or DVD-Rs (unless you send in your own hard drive - no charge for that) and any additional repair that you have requested (mold removal, hand cleaning, etc).
