Shake It Like a Polaroid Pictcha

December 26, 2007 9:13 AM

Recommendations for shops in Manhattan that can scan a large quantity of polaroids.

I've been doing a lot of shooting with Polaroid film lately. Many of my subjects have been asking for copies or jpgs of the shots. I only have a negative scanner. Does anyone know a quality, professional shop in Manhattan that I can take about 200 of these for scanning to a CD?

Alternatively, if anyone has had any success using a basic desktop scanner to do this, tips would be appreciated - I might be able to go buy a cheap one.

posted by spicynuts to Technology (10 answers total)

There are plenty of places that could do that for you, but Spectra Photo on Christopher St. would be my choice. I've used them for years for processing, scanning and printing all with good results. Not cheap, though.
posted by blaneyphoto at 9:22 AM on December 26, 2007

I have done a ton of scanning but this seems like about the easiest thing to scan in the world. I think any moderately ok scanner could do an as good as pro job.

You might ask her:
http://flickr.com/photos/estherwalker/
posted by sully75 at 9:33 AM on December 26, 2007

Yeah, you can totally DIY. I had a similar project last year where I scanned all my photos from old holiday albums - I did it with a CanoScan LIDE 60 I got for 40 bucks on ebay.
You could probably fit 8 Polaroids in one scan and then just cut them out yourself. You do get cool software with the scanner that can identify multiple pictures in one scan and separate them (I used this for my project) but I'm assuming it wouldn't work for you as it would probably only capture each image and dispose of the white borders.
Really though, it doesn't take as long as you'd imagine, one you get your technique down.
posted by forallmankind at 9:35 AM on December 26, 2007

Response by poster: Well, I don't want to have to do a ton of color correction and sharpening etc in photoshop to match the original. I'd like a place that can handle that to a degree.
posted by spicynuts at 9:36 AM on December 26, 2007

Most scanners are pretty consistent, so any correcting you want to do can probably be automated, as long as you're using the same settings on the scanner every time. I, personally, would definitely get a scanner and do it at home as being the cheaper option, especially if you'll continue taking pictures that you want to scan.
posted by anaelith at 10:25 AM on December 26, 2007

200 Polaroids is a DIY job imo. Any decent desktop scanner isn't going to loose enough information to make a difference. As far as color goes, my guess is your going to have to do some correction no matter who scans them. Just make a droplet or action in photoshop and be done with it.

Best of luck.
posted by -t at 10:33 AM on December 26, 2007

Two more things: rubber gloves, and compressed air are your friends.
posted by -t at 10:35 AM on December 26, 2007

Do it yourself. Scanners are now ridiculously inexpensive for very high quality. You can lay 6 prints on the glass at a time and scan them at once, then cut them apart in any image editing program. You will be done with it in a few hours.
posted by The Deej at 10:41 AM on December 26, 2007

if you don't want the hassle of DIY, you could use my friend's business: www.dijify.com (obviously semi-self link). His name is Jesse and he is super friendly, responsible and affordable. He also delivers! Tell him Jen from SF recommended.
posted by paddingtonb at 1:25 PM on December 26, 2007

That should be www.dijifi.com! Some friend I am. :)
posted by paddingtonb at 1:34 PM on December 26, 2007