It is important to setup your scanner to the correct film type you are scanning. If you are scanning a 127 slide, and tell your scanner you are scanning 35mm slide, your scanner will crop your scan. You do not want that.
So here are the many types of slides and negatives you may have, what they are called, and what is the best resolution to scan.
1. All The Different Types Of Slides
Slides are part of the Film family. Film is anything you can see through. So sometimes Film is called Transparencies.
Here are all the different size and shapes that come as Slides:
135 Slide (35mm Slide)
Approx. size in inches: 1.3" x 0.85"
Max resolution you can scan: 4000 DPI
Mega pixels when scanned at 4000 DPI: 18
Pixel dimension when scanned at 4000 DPI: 5200 x 3400
127 Slide
Approx. size in Inches: 2" x 2"
Max resolution you can scan: 2600 DPI
Mega pixels when scanned at 2600 DPI: 18
Pixel dimension when scanned at 2600 DPI: 5200 x 3400
126 Slide
Approx. size in inches: 1.04" x 0.98"
Max resolution you can scan: 4000 DPI
Mega pixels when scanned at 4000 DPI: 17
Pixel dimension when scanned at 4000 DPI: 4160 x 3920
110 Slide
Approx. size in inches: 0.63" x 0.47"
Max resolution you can scan: 4000 DPI
Mega pixels when scanned at 4000 DPI: 5
Pixel dimension when scanned at 4000 DPI: 2520 x 1880
Medium Format Slide Transparency
These come in many different format sizes, and are usually labeled as 6 x 4.5cm, 6 x 6cm up to 6 x 9cm. To get a 18 mega pixel scan you, scan these guys using a resolution of 2400 DPI.
Large Format Slide Transparency
Also known as sheet film, these guys will need to be cut. Once cut they are about 4"x5". To get an 18 mega pixel scan, set your resolution to 900 DPI.
2. Negatives And Their Different Shapes And Sizes
Just like slides, negatives are also called Film. Since you can see through Film, they sometimes call it Transparencies. Slides are considered positive film, and your negatives are called, well, negative film.
Here are all the different types of negatives, and what resolution you should scan them at.
135 Negative Film (35mm Negative)
Approx. size in inches: 1.3" x 0.85"
Max resolution you can scan: 4000 DPI
Mega pixels when scanned at 4000 DPI: 18
Pixel dimension when scanned at 4000 DPI: 5200 x 3400
126 Negative Film
Approx. size in inches: 1.1" x 1.1"
Max resolution you can scan: 4000 DPI
Mega pixels when scanned at 4000 DPI: 18
Pixel dimension when scanned at 4000 DPI: 4400 x 4400
110 Negative Film
Approx. size in inches: 0.5" x 0.7"
Max resolution you can scan: 4000 DPI
Mega pixels when scanned at 4000 DPI: 5
Pixel dimension when scanned at 4000 DPI: 2000 x 2800
Disc Film
Approx. size in inches: 0.43" x 0.31"
Max resolution you can scan: 4000 DPI
Mega pixels when scanned at 4000 DPI: 2
Pixel dimension when scanned at 4000 DPI: 1720 x 1240
Medium Format Negative Film
These come in many different format sizes, and are usually labeled as 6 x 4.5cm, 6 x 6cm up to 6 x 9cm. To get a 18 mega pixel scan you, scan these guys using a resolution of 2400.
Large Format Negative Film
Also known at sheet film, these guys will need to be cut. Once cut they are about 4"x5". To get an 18 mega pixel scan, set your resolution to 900 DPI.
3. Need Help With Your Particular Slide Or Negative Format?
If you are wondering how to exactly scan your particular slide or negative format, please fill out this form:
Get Help With Your Slide / Negative Scanning Project
Let me know exactly what you are scanning and I will put together a custom report detailing how to exactly scan your certain slide / negative format.
Thanks!
Konrad
