How to Scan 35mm Slides – Part 4: Photoshop
Back to Part 3: Epson Scan Software
Rather then make a list of step by step instructions on how to fix photos that are scanned in from 35mm slides, I will provide links to other resources. I suspect an entire book could be easily written about this subject.
To further complicate matters, the instructions can change slightly depending on what photo editing software you use. Photoshop is the “standard” photo editing software, but there are many other options depending on your computer’s operating system.
I am a fan of GIMP, especially for OSX. But here is a list of other free Photo Editors. There are also a ton of online ones, but I have not used any of them.
Correcting Ektachrome Fade (pink/red color)
Note that most Ektachrome slides were copyrighted by the photographer or the company that initiated them. Scanning them in maybe a violation of copyright. The Disney Corporation was a huge manufacturer of these types of slides. I’ve heard that Pana-Vue slides are especially bad about this, and looking through my collection that certainly seems to be true.
Gimp
Spot Fixing
For when cleaning the slide just didn’t work, you may be able to remove the blemishes in your photo editor. Usually you want to use the “Clone” tool, or “airbrush.”
Clone Tool in Photoshop
Clone Tool in Gimp
Airbrush in Photoshop
Airbrush in Gimp
Blue Tint
The blue tint is caused by how the scanner users an infrared light to detect the slides. Some scanning software fixes this automatically. But luckily it’s actually an easy fix. This is also a good general purpose way to make images look more “real” also.
Auto-Levels in Photoshop
Auto-Levels in Gimp
If your specific problem is not found here, check out Carl Kracht’s website, Recycled Images for a number of other solutions. Or at minimum an idea of what the problem maybe.
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