Buzz Out Loud Lounge forum: Scanning slides vs. negatives

Whichever one the pictures were taken on - use that as long as it's in good shape. Otherwise, use the other one.

I would normally say go with the slides, but that might not be the *source*. I have a feeling you had the pics taken with the negative film ("normal" film) then got the slides made for your slide shows...huh...slide show - with *actual* slides!

Slide film, a.k.a. "positive film", is some of the most exquisite film you can get pictures on. It is rather sharp and has a lot of richness in colors and textures...but it's also a very truthful film, which can be good or bad - if you set your camera poorly, your pics will come out like that and there's only a limited amount you can do. ahhh, I like reminiscing about analog visual media...at least my meager knowledge is occasionally useful.

Since you have both, you may as well scan them both in and see which turn out better. Be aware, some scanning systems do better with color than B&W (I have a roll of scanned B&W and there's tons of dust specs, etc. that turn up on the scan that are not there in the negative).

I'd strongly consider taking them to a *professional* photographer friend or nearby lab...or call them up and ask them what they think.

That help?

Best,
Shalin

I have an old HP photosmart 35mm scanner & have had good luck with both formats. Then again, I've never had identical shots in both negative & direct positive formats. I'd just scan everything. It's extra work going in, but it relieves you of the need to decide - and any possible second thoughts. Also, since there are so many variables as to how these digitized images will be displayed, printed, projected, etc... scanning everything will leave you with the widest range of options down the road.