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Scan 35mm photo slides and negatives

Convert your photo slides and negatives into digital files
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» Scan your photo slides and negatives
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slide and photo enlargement


Introduction

With the right equipment, it's easy to scan your 35mm photo slides and negatives to create digital files and prints. Find step-by-step instructions and simple scanning tips to get the best results.

Get started


To start scanning slides and negatives, you need a photo scanner with built-in negative and slide scanning capabilities. So make sure your scanner or All-in-One is equipped with a transparent materials adapter (TMA), which enables it to import transparent materials like slides and negatives. If you don't have a scanner with a TMA, read on to Get the right HP scanner for the job.

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Scan your photo slides and negatives


Because each scanner model is different, it is important to refer to your photo scanner's manual for detailed instructions on scanning slides and negatives with your specific model. Here we will show you how to scan slides and negatives using the HP Scanjet G4050:

Step 1
Step 1: Open the scanner lid and remove the Transparent Materials Adapter (TMA).
Step 2
Step 2: Place your slides or negatives into the appropriate template. Follow the orientation indicated by the icons on the template.

Step 3
Step 3: Tip: If you are scanning fewer than the maximum number of negatives with the TMA, cover the empty spaces with the provided light shields to avoid letting any extra light in.
Step 4
Step 4: Place the template on the scanner glass, aligning the arrow on the template with the indicated mark on the scanner bed.

Step 5
Step 5: Close the scanner lid and press the Scan Film button (or select the Scan Film option if you're using the HP Solution Center application on your PC).
Step 6
Step 6: In the Scanning from dialog box, click Change Settings.

Step 7
Step 7: Under Scan Shortcut Settings, select your Scan Type (either Negatives (TMA) or Slides or Positives (TMA)).
Step 8
Step 8: Under Scan To select Save to file. Then click Scan.

Step 9
Step 9: Under the Save Location dialog box, click Browse and enter the destination folder of your choice. Click OK and follow any on-screen instructions to finish scanning. The scan will be sent to the destination folder you selected.

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More scanning tips


Selecting resolution

Before and after shot
Following a few simple steps can make all the difference in the quality of your slide or negative scan. Remember these tips as you begin scanning:

  • Scan at the right resolution

    When scanning your photo slides and negatives, it is crucial to scan at the right resolution (about 300 ppi) to get a high quality digital image or print later on. While scanning at a higher resolution takes a bit more time and creates larger image files, the quality and detail of your scan will be much greater. Learn more about the role of resolution in this article on Enlarging through high resolution scanning.

  • Edit your scanned images

    HP Scanjet scanners come with software that makes it easy to restore faded color, adjust color and brightness, remove dust and scratches, and more. Learn how to use this scanner software to Produce better photos through scanning, or enhance and edit your scanned image with Windows Live Photo Gallery.

  • Back up your files

    File sizes can add up quickly once you start scanning, editing, and archiving slides and negatives, especially when scanning at high resolution. Be sure to back up your image files to CD, DVD, or an external hard drive to avoid running out of space. Check out these Tips for storing digital photos for more.

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Get the right HP scanner for the job


HP Scanjet G4050
Check out these HP photo scanners with built-in slide and negative scanning capabilities:

  • The HP Scanjet G4050 delivers superior color accuracy, and up to 4800x9000 dpi resolution. It also has the ability to scan 16 slides or 30 negatives at once, making it perfect for building a digital image library from old photo slides and negatives, and other substantial scanning jobs.

To find an HP Photo scanner that's right for you, compare models and features at the HP Photo scanner buying guides.

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