Photo slides are a valuable part of a family photo estate and some people don’t know what to do with them. They were popular for sharing memories for decades. Maybe it could be hard to determine the type of slides you have in your collection, so here is a guide to all the types we accept for our slide scanning services.
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Types of Slides
There are many different slide formats, so let’s check out the different types of photo slides and learn what makes each one different!
- 35mm – The 35mm slide was one of the most common in family collections and commonly used since the 1930s.
- Half Frame 35 mm Slide – The 35mm half frame format reduced the standard 35mm slide size by half.
- 126 Slide – Kodak introduced the 126 slide in the 1960s and was easy to load and use.
- 127 Slide – Kodak produced another type of slide, and this one was also a perfect square, but it filled the frame more than the 126 format. They started making this format way back in 1912, and they kept making it until 1995.
- 127 Superslide – The 127 superslide was larger than the 126 format, which offers better image quality.
- 110 Slide – Developed by Kodak in 1972, designed for pocket-sized cameras. While they may not have offered the highest image quality, they were convenient for capturing quick snapshots.
- Mini 110 Slide – The miniature 110 is the same size as the 110, just in a smaller holder. These small slides were popular in the 1970s and 1980s.
- 120 Medium Format – The 120 slide format was introduced by Kodak in 1901 for the release of their Brownie No. 2 camera. These slides were larger and could be in a cardboard holder or a metal frame.
- Stereo Slide – Stereo slides, also known as 3D slides, contained two slightly different images, one for each end, to create a 3D effect when viewed with a stereoscope.
- Large Format – Large format slides were rare and used by professionals for maximum image quality.
For more in-depth information on rare slide formats, click this link to check out this comprehensive guide from Photo Managers.
Viewing Options
Now that you’ve learned about the different slide formats, it’s time to consider how you want to view these slides. Here are a few options:
- Use Smartphone: Place the slide on top of your phone screen and easily view them using a magnifying glass.
- Light Board: Using a light board is a simple and effective way that allows you to view your slides with clarity.
- Slide Projector: Some choose to create a mini slide show by using a projector. It’s a delightful way to relive the past and select the slides you want to save.
Preparing for Digitization
As you go through your slides, get them ready for digitization. Here’s how you can make the process:
- Organize Chronologically: Slides often contain information, such as dates, indexes inside the carousel box, and more. Organize them chronologically.
- Create Batches: While going through your collection, create batches of slides that are similar or from the same period.
- Remove Repetitive: As you organize, remove any repetitive slides or those that are landscapes with nothing recognizable.
Once you have your slides digitized, remember to save the digital files in your Master Family Photos folder on your computer and have them backed up in two places to preserve your memories and ensure they are ready to be enjoyed today and passed on to future generations.
The most important part is to start today because tomorrow may be too late to relive and share the memories with your family.