Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

On the SlideSnap Pro, all slides in a standard 2×2″ mount can be loaded and framed for (110, 126, 127, half 135, 135 (35mm) and 828).

Pocket slides (110 film in a 1×1 mount) require the use of 2×2 adapters (sold separately)

120 slides (75mm x 75mm frame) are not compatible.

For the Pro, it depends on the megapixel rating of the camera body you choose. Refer to this chart. ( a typical 24MP sensor can produce a 4600PPI scan).

For the X1, with an A5100 body which is 24 effective megapixels, you achieve roughly 3800 DPI/PPI 35mm scans.

If you capture as recommended, with area for overscan, you will sacrifice 5-10% of your maximum resolution.

Scan resolution is calculated by taking the width of your sensor in pixels (6000px for a 24MP sensor) divided width of the subject (1.3″ for a 35mm frame) -> 6000/1.3 = 4615PPI.

The SlideSnap Pro is a universal system. Any interchangeable lens digital camera with wired shutter release capability should be compatible. Visit our lens / camera recommendations page for our current recommended combinations.

With your purchase you will receive a software license for BatchCrop. BatchCrop features a state of the art dust removal function that mitigates the majority of dust without softening the source image ( example 1 : example 2  ) ). In fact, unlike Digital ICE, BatchCrop works on black and white film as well as Kodachrome. Also, since it is purely a post-process, it doesn’t impede the scanning process.

BatchCrop, like Digital ICE, rely on infilling. Infilling paints over artifacts with content from surrounding pixels. This method is by no means perfect and should not be left unattended. Depending on the aggressiveness you choose, details like text and power lines may be compromised.

The quickest, non destructive means of combatting dust, is filtered, compressed air. Thankfully, the slide trays allow enough of an air-gap for you to treat the slides in place in just a few seconds. We offer a powerful dust blower for this application.

Ideally, all slides should be in the landscape orientation (even if they were shot in portrait) to maximize sensor utilization / capture resolution. The base (glossy side) of the film should be facing the camera otherwise the images will need to be mirrored in post for text to read correctly.

Cardboard slides that were stored poorly, for example in a humid environment, may exhibit a subtle curvature. This causes the slide to leave the gate at steep angle, catching on its way out, causing a jam. Whenever this happens, account for about 10 seconds to remedy.

Either manually using any number of imaging editing suites, or automatically with BatchCrop or our own SlideSnap Pro Auto Cropper . Both are included with your purchase of a SlideSnap Pro.

Our SlideSnaps are built as new equipment using a mixture of brand new and vintage components. Because Kodak no longer produces slide projectors (as of 2004) We source high grade projectors and refurbish to like new condition. Every component must meet our strict quality standards. We test the equipment thoroughly throughout the build process.

Kodak projectors are the most time-tested, reliable available. Kodak originally rated them at 1 million plus cycles. The most common failures were due to wear from the powerful 300 watt halogen bulbs they used. Since we only use cool LED light sources, the life expectancy of the entire system is further improved.

You will want to wipe the backlight’s condenser lens and your camera’s macro lens with a lens cloth occasionally to prevent dust from appearing in your scans. The frequency of this procedure depends on your usage.

All of our equipment is built in advance. However, if you send us a well lit, in focus picture illustrative of the vintage and condition of your projector(s) and it meets our standards for quality and vintage, we may offer you credit for a trade in. ( send to adigitalshoebox@gmail.com )