copy 35mm slides-How???

[pilgrim1]

copy 35mm slides

My dad recently passed away and I inherited about 2500 family 35mm slides which I would like to digitize and have some prints made and eventually a DVD slide show for other family members. Some are even B&W!

I have an Epson 3170 scanner. My question is this: which would be the best method for copying the slides - scan them with my Epson or get a slide duplicator like Bower Duplicator or Opteka HD2 Copier. I know the best is a dedicated slide copier, but I can't afford that.

So, the question is Epson scanner or a slide duplicator rig - and which one?

If the scanner is the answer, please suggest some settings for me to use. I've never copied anything but text on the scanner.

Is my expected lifespan long enough to get 2500 done????

ANY INSIGHT OR SUGGESTIONS are MOST WELCOME AND APPRECIATED as I don't know where to start!
Thanks
Pilgrim

[spazoid1965]

Does you scanner have a transparency or slide attachment?

[pilgrim1]

Thanks for the reply...

Yes, it does holders for slides. And it has a lighted lid also - I'm sure that it was designed to copy slides and transparencies. However I've never done it. Any ideas about settings on the scanner?

Is it going to take the rest of my life to do 2500 of them? Keep in mind I've never even scanned ONE yet. I've read other places that the slide copier attachments for cameras are a lot quicker - but I wonder about quality of copy. But, on the other hand these are family picts, not art work. Having no experience with either I don't know how to compare them. I guess I need a halfway point between high quality and speed, but I don't know how to comapre. Any ideas?

Better yet, what dpi scanner settings should I use to start with. I'm guessing the higher I go, the longer each scan takes?
Thanks

[tjphoto]

I think it is worth the money and your time to get a slide scanner,People are always needing them and then when they have finished they are sell able at the same price you paid.check out your local trader One of the fella's at my local camera club hired his to me.
Beats mucking around and having to scan 2500 slides twice plus it's quicker because it's set up for it.I did near 3000 over a week.

[lputman]

If this is a one time deal for scanning slides, you should be able to send them off for scanning.

[tjphoto]

Originally Posted by lputman

If this is a one time deal for scanning slides, you should be able to send them off for scanning.

2500 x $2 each Aussie dollars.

[Farkled]

The answer will vary based on your quality requirements and your budget.

The fastest and easiest way is to simply hire it done. I have no idea about quality or cost for that route - depends on your suppler.

If you want control over the quality the Epson V750 Pro is an excellent (arguably the best ) choice both for suppled software as well as scan quality. Dedicated film scanners are beginning to slip behind the technology curve.

I would suggest that you scan a bed full of slides with your existing gear. What you want is TIF output at maximum resolution - original size. If they aren't good enough then you will want a better scanner and/or software (Vuescan is OK and works with almost every scanner). From that exercise you will get an idea of time and disk space requirements. Adjust the program based on that.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by lputman

If this is a one time deal for scanning slides, you should be able to send them off for scanning.

This is typically, as shown, ridiculously expensive. I know most places around here are $1-2 per slide.