Slide Film to Photoshop ??

[leonidman63]

Several sites and individuals have suggested using slide film for AP, my question is how would one go about converting slide images to load onto a PC for using a Photoshop program?
I am using Photoshop 5.0 to do cropping and enlargements.

It may seem a silly question but I am beginning to AP and have used my little point-and-shoot digital to some success but would like to be able to expand into the world of 35mm SLR .

What film process would you prefer?

Of course it depends on what the subject is, but what film ISO is the most common? What brand of film do you prefer?
I will be mainly shooting planetary and brighter DSO, or plan to anyway.

I am using a Canon AE-1 Program w/ a 35-70 zoom f-stop of 3.5-22 and it came w/ a UV filter. The lense itself has (printed on the front of it) Canon Zoom Lense FD 35-70mm 1:3.5-4.5

[Radar]

Welcome to the site mate. I am a film guy and I shoot slide film. There aren't many people left using this technique, but I absolutely love it.


how would one go about converting slide images to load onto a PC for using a Photoshop program?

You'll need a scanner capable of scanning negatives and slides. Some flatbed scanners come with an attachment for inserting slides and negs. Once this attachment is on, you just scan as if you were scanning a normal picture or something. This would then bring up the image on your computer screen which you should save in it's raw format, then start processing.

The more professional way (and more expensive), is to purchase a dedicated slide scanner. This is what I have. I am very happy with the quality of scans and I enjoy the flexibility of them. I use a Nikon Coolscan 5000.

An alternative to both of these is to find a pro photo lab in your area that scans slides (a couple of dollars per scan usually). I did a lot of experimenting with different labs etc until I found ones that worked, but I still ended up buying my own scanner ($1000).



It may seem a silly question but I am beginning to AP and have used my little point-and-shoot digital to some success but would like to be able to expand into the world of 35mm SLR. What film process would you prefer?

If you are shooting on slide film (colour negatives), you'll need to use E6 as the developing process (get a pro photo lab to do this for you because it's quite difficult).



Of course it depends on what the subject is, but what film ISO is the most common? What brand of film do you prefer?
I will be mainly shooting planetary and brighter DSO, or plan to anyway.

I shoot on all brands and all types to be honest. All films have their pro's and con's. Fuji Provia 400F and Kodak E200 seem to be the most popular, but I like other films such as Fuji Superia and even the cheap Kodak Gold brand.



I am using a Canon AE-1 Program w/ a 35-70 zoom f-stop of 3.5-22 and it came w/ a UV filter. The lense itself has (printed on the front of it) Canon Zoom Lense FD 35-70mm 1:3.5-4.5

There are some other members here that will be able to shed more light on the digital side of things.

Do you own a telescope yet? And have you been shooting objects through the eyepiece?

Anyway, I hope some of that info is helpful, just fire away if you have anymore questions.

Regards

Ray :thumbsupmate:

[leonidman63]

Thanks for the info Ray.

No one in my area wants to touch E6, C41 is no problem. I'll check the net for processing labs, any one in the US have a suggestion?
Looks like I may make the jump to dSLR sooner than later.

I have an ETX 90RA circa 2001 w/ a T-ring and adapter for prime focus photography, I haven't tried afocal photography with the Power Shot A60 yet.

Thanks again.

[Radar]

No one in my area wants to touch E6,

I think this is the number one reason why people are moving to DSLR; processing is difficult for them to get done in their area.

Also keep in mind, that whilst old film cameras may be cheaper than a DSLR, you may end up spending more on the slide scanner and film costs (buying and developing).

Also Leonidman, just thought I'd check, does your etx 90 have a wedge?

Ray

[leonidman63]

Not a real wedge. I have an older GEM type tripod w/ a slab of oak attached so I can mount the ETX to it. The mount was designed for a reflector OTA, I think it was a Meade DS114 ( I didn't know any better, lol) I had found at a pawn shop for $50.00 a decade ago. It will track decently in RA but definitely not photo quality for extended exposures. I've been looking at Weasner's Mighty ETX Site for potential mods but haven't done anything yet.

I found a place to process using E6, a 36 exposure roll processed and scanned plus film price will be about $26.00-$30.00 w/ shipping per roll so it will add up quickly. 25 rolls later I can have a DSLR and don't have to hassle w/ mail order.
:hmm: To bad but I can still shoot some things w/ the AE-1 and have it processed at C41, I believe.

I've been looking at an Atlas 8 EQ-G Reflector with GoTo Controller
and/or a 6 inch achromatic refractor to go w/ it.
I'll just have to pinch my pennies and see how much I can save before I commit to a scope, maybe in a couple of years I can have one.:eartoear:

[AstroBob]

Hi Jerry, $50 for a scope is a good buy. I have read that same thing everywhere about DSLRs mate, how they end up being cheaper than film cameras. $25 per roll gets expensive.

:thumbsupmate:

[RSW]

DSLR is definitely the way I'd go if getting into this hobby. Much cheaper in the long run, no hassles with developing.

Site is coming along nicely Ray. :thumbsupmate: