I have been asked to digitalise some old Polaroids. These are original Polaroids from the 1970s.
I have a decent flat-bed scanner and appropriate software, as well as numerous digital cameras. I think in terms of quality and preserving these old family photos for future generations, the flat-bed is probably the better bet.
Polaroids do present problems with their shiny reflective surface. The fear of unwanted reflections puts me off using a digital camera. But I have been warned that using a flat-bed runs the danger of Newton's Rings, which would be difficult to remove in post.
Should I try cleaning the surface prior to digitalisation? Or would this run the risk of unwanted scratches?
Any suggestions or, better still, proven methods?
PS I should add that the idea is not to keep the originals if decent digitalised copies can be made. So unpicking the Polaroid pack would not be totally out of the picture.
I have a decent flat-bed scanner and appropriate software, as well as numerous digital cameras. I think in terms of quality and preserving these old family photos for future generations, the flat-bed is probably the better bet.
Polaroids do present problems with their shiny reflective surface. The fear of unwanted reflections puts me off using a digital camera. But I have been warned that using a flat-bed runs the danger of Newton's Rings, which would be difficult to remove in post.
Should I try cleaning the surface prior to digitalisation? Or would this run the risk of unwanted scratches?
Any suggestions or, better still, proven methods?
PS I should add that the idea is not to keep the originals if decent digitalised copies can be made. So unpicking the Polaroid pack would not be totally out of the picture.
