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Using the Batch Slide Feeder for the Nikon Super COOLSCAN 5000

Instructions

slide scanner

Welcome to the Fine Arts Library. This handout will guide you through scanning slides using a Nikon Super COOLSCAN 5000 and the batch slide feeder.

Items Necessary to Use This Station

batch slide feeder
  • Nikon SF-210 batch slide feeder (available at equipment checkout desk)
  • A workstation with a Nikon Super COOLSCAN 5000 single slide feeder
  • Storage for your images (CD-R, flash drive, Webspace, etc.)
  • The slides you are going to scan

Loading the Slides

loading a slide

First, you need to load your slides into the batch slide feeder. Open the magazine cover and pull back the left push plate. Insert slides into the magazine with the front facing away from the push plate and the bottom long edge touching the bottom of the magazine chute.

adjusting the slide feeder

You are less likely to experience jamming if your slides are about the same thickness. To prevent jams, adjust the width of the slide feed slot. Turn the feeder adjustment dial, located on the bottom of the feeder, so that the feed slot is one and a half times the slide's width (this will move the silver center part of the feeder).

inserting the batch feeder into the slide scanner

After you have loaded your slides, note how many slides you have loaded and close the magazine cover. Remove the single slide feeder by gripping the edges of the slide mount adapter and pulling it out.

Now insert the batch scanner. Push it in firmly - you should hear it starting up and see a green light on the front. (Make sure the scanner is on and plugged in.)

Scanning the Slides

Nikon Scan Software

Open the Nikon Scan software. If the Nikon icon is not on the bottom dock, click on "APPLICATIONS." Open the "NIKON SOFTWARE" folder and locate the "NIKON SCAN 4" folder. Choose the Nikon Scan 4 icon.

Selecting Scanner and Slide Feeder

A gray window will appear. A tool pallet will load on right side of the screen. Leave the default settings. On the top tool bar, select "SCANNER" and scroll down to "SLIDE FEEDER."

Enter the number of slides you have loaded into the cassette. Click "SCAN."

When a window pops up with the batch scan options, leave the defaults and click "OK".

Use the next window to save the images to the Desktop. Click "DESKTOP" and hit "CHOOSE."

Batch Scan Options Window

The final window gives you naming options for the images. You can choose the default or decide on your own prefix and suffix. The software will number the images sequentially, but the prefix and suffix will stay the same. Leave the file type as a TIFF. Click "OK." Your scanning will begin.

These are high resolution but tiny images, and you'll need to make some changes.

Open Photoshop by clicking on the blue "PS" icon on the dock. Or go to the "FINDER" and select "APPLICATIONS". Choose the "ADOBE PHOTOSHOP CS4" folder. Click on the blue Photoshop icon.

Once you've opened Photoshop, go to "FILE" and select "OPEN." To open your image, click on "DESKTOP" and choose the image from the list of items.

Selecting Image Size From the Image Menu

Because you scanned a small slide, the computer reads it as a tiny image with a high resolution. So you need to change the dimensions.

Under "IMAGE," go to "IMAGE SIZE." A new window will appear.

Adjusting Document Size

The average photo size is 5x7. We'll adjust the measurements under "DOCUMENT SIZE" so that the long side is 7 inches or the shorter side is 5 inches. The other side will automatically adjust to retain the original proportions.

You may need to change the image resolution. If you are printing or need higher quality, a good resolution is 300 pixels per inch. If you are uploading the image online, 72 pixels per inch is sufficient.

To save your image, go to "FILE," "SAVE AS" and choose JPEG under "FORMAT." If you want to edit it further, save it as a TIFF or Photoshop file. Be sure to rename the file if you want to save your original scan. Click "SAVE" (leave the default JPEG options).

At this point, the file is still on the computer's Desktop. You need to save it elsewhere. You can use your email account, personal Webspace, a flash drive or an online photo storage service such as Flickr or Photobucket.