How to Make a Permanent Slide

Any type of clear image can be converted from a digital file to a permanent slide.

Making a 35 mm permanent slide from a digital file does not need to be done for archival reasons. For that task can best be accomplished by transferring the digital image to a CD or DVD disk. This will preserve the image safely and securely without worrying about the disintegration of the file format or image. However, if you wish to give a talk accompanied by pictures, you may want to convert some of your digital files to 35 mm color transparencies made from silver-based color slide film. An image made in this way is stable and will last for many years.

Things You'll Need

• High resolution digital file
• Black background
• Computer with inkjet printer
• High quality inkjet ink and glossy printing paper
• Stationary flood lamps with bulbs set for daylight color temperatures
• Two white reflecting umbrellas with umbrella stands
• Tripod
• SLR 35mm film camera with normal lens and cable release
• 35mm Ektachrome slide film
• Masking tape

Instructions

1. Make a color print of your digital image on a inkjet printer. Archival quality is not necessary, but an accurate color rendition is essential to a usable color slide.

2. Pin the image to a black cloth backdrop and hang the cloth on the wall with push pins.

3. Load some Ektachrome daylight film into your 35 mm camera and set it in front of the picture. Allow at least 3 feet between the camera and the image.

4. Place one floodlight in combination with a white umbrella on either side of the camera. Face the lamp into the umbrella and point the umbrella so a maximum amount of light is directed at the image. Make sure the lights shine on the print at 45-degree angles, and the two umbrellas should be at the same height as the camera and the center of the picture.

5. Focus the camera lens on the print image.

6. Adjust the shutter speed and lens opening to the lighting conditions.

7. Use the cable release to trigger the shutter.

8. Take the slide film to a Kodak lab for processing.

Tips & Warnings

• If you only have need for a small number (fewer than 10) of color transparencies, the best route might be to have the work shipped out to a private business. There are many businesses that specialize in such endeavors.

• Your inkjet printer can be used in conjunction with 8-by-10 inkjet transparency film to make overhead projections. This type of film does not have the longevity of transparency film, but still can be a great aid, when giving a public lecture.

• Any film designated by the "chrome" ending is a slide film that upon processing yields a small transparent image that can be projected onto a screen. Slides made in this manner will remain stable for many years.

• Using your own camera equipment and inkjet printer is only economical if you need to convert a lot of pictures to slides.

• Bracket your first roll of slide pictures until you have the system down pat.

References

• Illinois Central Color: Create Slides of Your Art Work
• Inliquid: Matching Film With Lighting