If you need a method of transferring your old negatives into a digital format, Claus Thiim has a great solution using a DSLR camera and a few paper toilet tubes.
Thiim has used a 90mm manual focus lens, an extension tube that moves the lens forward and allows closer macro focusing. Together with a couple of paper toilet tubes taped to a filter with the glass removed and a 35mm slide mount to hold the negatives.
Advantages of Thiim’s Method
The method provides a huge speed advantage over even the faster negative scanners currently available. Allowing you to slide the negatives through the holder and click away transforming them into digital images. All for a fantastic low price as well, what more could you ask.
One of the primary benefits of this DIY setup is its cost-effectiveness. Traditional negative scanners can be quite expensive, often running into hundreds of dollars. Thiim’s method, on the other hand, utilizes materials that are either already available at home or can be purchased at a minimal cost. This makes it an ideal solution for hobbyists and those looking to digitize their negatives without a significant financial investment.
Step-by-Step Guide
To replicate Thiim’s setup, follow these steps:
- Attach a 90mm manual focus lens to your DSLR camera.
- Use an extension tube to move the lens forward, allowing for closer macro focusing.
- Take a couple of paper toilet tubes and tape them to a filter with the glass removed.
- Insert a 35mm slide mount into the setup to hold the negatives.
Once your setup is complete, you can start digitizing your negatives. Simply slide the negatives through the holder and click away. This method not only speeds up the process but also ensures that you get high-quality digital images of your old negatives.
Additionally, this method offers a level of flexibility that traditional scanners do not. You can easily adjust the setup to accommodate different sizes of negatives or slides. This makes it a versatile solution for anyone looking to digitize a variety of film formats.
Moreover, the use of a DSLR camera means that you can take advantage of the camera’s advanced features, such as high resolution and manual control over exposure and focus. This allows you to achieve better results compared to some of the lower-end negative scanners available on the market.
In conclusion, Claus Thiim’s innovative use of a DSLR camera and a few household items provides an efficient, cost-effective, and flexible solution for digitizing old negatives. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or someone looking to preserve old memories, this method is worth considering.
Via Gadget Lab Via DIY 35mm negative duplicator
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