Automated Slide Digitizer

Gutted the internals of a Kodak slide projector and 3D printed a mount for my high resolution digital camera with a macro lens and LED panel. Using the carousel mechanism of the slide projector, light shines through the slide and is captured with a 60mp mirrorless camera. I used an ESP32 to automate triggering taking a photo and advancing to the next slide. Load a full carousel of slides and in a few minutes all the images are digitized.

I used this setup to digitize over 1200 photos from my dad and grandparent's collection, with images from the 60's - 90's. This setup yields results better than I can find elsewhere.

The automated process worked quite reliably, and if there was an organization that wants to sponsor me developing this further I have a number of ways to improve the design and automation. With enough sample data I could image also building out "restoration profiles" unique to the age, stock, and storage conditions of the film.