Copying slides with the M10R

[Ronazle]

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This is my early effort to copy old slides on a mass produced basis.  In the past I've used a Nikon 4000 which is slow and ties up on line equipment.  This process using my new M10 R, Reprovit IIa and the Focotar 4.5 (DOOCQ) with a fixed light source I can set the slides on (i.e., medallight) is working quite well. I can take quick photos of slides, usually w/o focusing and get more than acceptable results.  If I focus using live view, I open the Focotar to 4.5 and then turn it all the way to 16. Below is an old M3 Summicron Kodachrome which is a little faded and is typical of the early results. Light spotting and a brief pass through photoshop 7.0. Regards, Ron

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Edited November 11, 2023 by Ronazle
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[JRWhite]

An elegant solution to a problem with which I've been struggling for awhile.

My Nikon Coolscan 4000ED and I have a complicated relationship and as a result it doesn't see much action anymore. Much better relationship with my CanoScan 9000 F2. In both instances I use VueScan to manage the scanning process then Capture One for final edits. All in all I've been satisfied with the flatbed approach. However, I know there is something faster and, potentially, better. I've been thinking about the Nikon ES-2 film digitizer kit. It's been around a long time, enjoys good reviews and is portable. Adapting a Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D macro has been suggested as a solid setup for using the ES-2.  

Your post prompts me to stop dreaming a future where the thousands of slides I have begin a new, digitized existence, and actually take proactive steps to make it happen. Thank you sir!

BTW - Love the Kodachrome image! My favorite film of all time and it makes up a large percentage of the thousands of slides mentioned above.

[Ronazle]

J. R., I have had very good luck with my Coolscan 4000ED but and the really great VueScan program.  However, they take too long, and are awkward to use compared to this more direct approach.   Possibly, equal results can be achieved with the process outlined in my post,  Given my birthdate prior to WWII (U.S. entry that is) speed is really important and the Reprovit IIa /M10R approach seems to be the answer.  The star of the referenced set up is the battery operated LP-200 Medalight which allows easy slide positioning and a daylight rear light source relatively unaffected by external lighting. In any event it works for me.  Obviously, I am using only part of the Reprovit functions which include the bellows and very useful 50mm Focotar Wetzlar flat field  lens. Excepting for the rear light light source, an all Leica set up. Soon I will find out how it does with negatives of both the Leica and larger persuasions.  I should have pointed out that the Medalight name is a registered TM.  Regards Ron.

Edited November 14, 2023 by Ronazle
clarity, and accuracy of content

[JRWhite]

Not familiar with the lens you are using. Is it a native M mount or is it adapted?

[charlesphoto99]

1 hour ago, JRWhite said:

Not familiar with the lens you are using. Is it a native M mount or is it adapted?

It's an enlarger lens. There are lots of ways to skin this cat, so to speak. I personally found using an M10-R much more fiddly than my copy stand setup with a D850 and 100mm macro lens, but everybody is different in their needs. The Focotar probably makes for a pretty great flat field macro lens though. 

[Ronazle]

JR and Clarles: There is no quick and accurate description of my copy setup if you are not familiar with the elaborate and comprehensive copy and reproduction equipment of Leica.  The best answer is the M-10 R has been injected into a variant of the Reprovit IIa which was widely distributed for professional copying and microfilming in the pre-digital era.  Some American universities advertised that their xxxxdepartment had a number of Leica Reprovits and taught their use in the University's curriculum.  Generally the Reprovit came with a 50mm or 25mm Focotar lens for copying.  Rather than bore you with my convoluted explanation, I suggest this course of action:  Obtain copies of Mattheson's splendid and bargain priced book: "The Leica (and Leicaflex) Way".  It will give you invaluable charts,  tables and narrative information on almost everything Leica has made.  Best to obtain both a pre-60's and post 70's copy.  Almost all Leica questions wb answered.  Major booksellers will deliver both (used copies) to you for under $50. In the US, Abe Books always has copies Regards, Ron

BTW: my M10R is connected to a bellows mounted on the focusing stage.  The Focotar is meant to be mounted upon the bellows and focused by the bellows.

Edited November 15, 2023 by Ronazle
clarity

[charlesphoto99]

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Unfortunately Reprovits are about as rare as hen's teeth. I see only one stage for sale, with lens, for $750 out of Israel. I've got the "Leica Manual" book here from 1973 and it has similar info to "the Way." Here's my setup - caveat, I'm digitizing primarily b&w negatives. I use live view to frame the negative, and then the magnifier attachment to focus manually. If in the US, check out CineStill for other new gen camera scanning setups. 

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[Tom Johnston]

I know of one in Olympia, soon to be available