Slide Viewing Tips

We offer archival scanning of photographic slides and can capture digital images at very high resolution and stunning quality. Some clients want us to scan all their slides (which we’re happy to do), while others want to preview their slides and only scan their favorite memories. These are our recommendations for previewing slides:

Window with Daylight

Hold each slide up to a window in your home which should provide enough natural light to view the image. To ensure you’re viewing the slide correctly, hold it so the shiny side of the film is facing you and the slide mount with the logo or film type is facing away. It’s no big deal if you view a slide from the wrong side, but any text or signs will read backward.

Computer Screen

If you don’t have convenient access to a window or want to work at night, then open a web browser on your computer and visit Blank. This will open a web browser window that’s just an empty white screen that makes a great backdrop for previewing slides.

Slide Viewer

If you have impaired vision and need a little help, then you might enjoy a dedicated slide viewer like:

The benefit of a slide viewer is that they magnify each slide 3-4x which makes them easier to view and select your favorites. Most slide viewers are powered by batteries or optional wall plugs for the integrated light source.

Light Panel

If you have less common sizes of slides or want to view many slides at once, then you’ll love an LED light panel like Kaiser’s Slimlite Plano. This super-thin panel has a rechargeable battery so you can work anywhere and any time.

I hope this helps.
– Adam

Interested in working with Chaos to Memories?

If you’re near Chicago and ready to get started, come visit our Wheaton Studio Monday – Friday, 10-5. Please bring your memories with you.

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