[dcpropilot]

I have a very limited opportunity to take photos of old family prints and don't know what lens to bring with my K-30. Here are my options....I'm not sure what would give me the best results.

PENTAX: F 70-210MM F4-5.6,
smc F 35-70MM F3.5-4.5, (pseudo macro)
HD DA 55-300MM F4-5.8 ED WR,
smc DA 40mm F2.8 Limited,
smc F 50mm 1.7,
smc DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL[IF] DC WR

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Last edited by dcpropilot; 09-21-2014 at 06:53 AM.

[ismaelg]

What size are the prints?
I would use the 50mm or the 40mm because of their corner to corner sharpness. But most important, you need to make sure the print is perfectly flat, perfectly perpendicular to your camera (not slanted) and properly illuminated to avoid glare. If possible, use a tripod, avoid flash and use a "sweet spot aperture" like f5.6 or f8 for best results.
Hope this helps.

Thanks,

[micromacro]

Pentax smc F 35-70MM F3.5-4.5 is sharp,and gives you a range to work with. I'm not familiar with any other lens from your list.
But I would prefer to scan old images instead.

[wildman]

I would prefer to scan old images instead.

Ditto

[dcpropilot]

I wish I had a scanner!! On the Christmas list..
Prints are all 4 x 6 or less. The 18-135 has a pretty close focus as well. I like the 40 mm and the 50 mm for sharpness, but the 35-70 macro is really good too (although I think the contrast of the 35-70 isn't as good as the 40 or the 18-135). Looks like I'll have to play around a little to see what's going to work best.

[boriscleto]

I wish I had a scanner!! On the Christmas list..
Prints are all 4 x 6 or less. The 18-135 has a pretty close focus as well. I like the 40 mm and the 50 mm for sharpness, but the 35-70 macro is really good too (although I think the contrast of the 35-70 isn't as good as the 40 or the 18-135). Looks like I'll have to play around a little to see what's going to work best.

Just hit a thrift shop and see if they have one. If not hit a office supply store. A $60 scanner like the Canon LiDE110 is all you would need and would be infinitely preferable to trying to get a decent photo of a photo.

[savoche]

I have used a DFA 100 for this - mostly because it's so much faster than my crappy old scanner. I would think the F 50 at 5.6-8 would work ok, even if it isn't very close focusing. It's not the end of the world if these small prints don't fill the entire frame. The 18-135 should be able to do that, though, and will probably be sharp enough in the corners at f8.

Definitely use a tripod if you have one. Live view for focusing. Remote trigger or 2 second delay to avoid camera shake. This way you don't need a lot of light - just make sure the light is evenly spread over the prints.

And do take some practice shots. That will give you better answers than you can find here

[bassek]

The F35-70 might be the best one since you do not shoot wide open. Gives some flexibility. And you definitely need a tripod!

Seb

[monochrome]

If you can find one use a copipod on a copy table (has a frame to hold the edges down) and a simple M50/1.7 or K55/1.8. Proper lighting is the most important factor.

[jatrax]

Just hit a thrift shop and see if they have one. If not hit a office supply store. A $60 scanner like the Canon LiDE110 is all you would need and would be infinitely preferable to trying to get a decent photo of a photo.

^^^ This. I know this is a camera forum and the first tool you reach for is the one you like to use. But copying prints is a scanner job. My wife is very involved with family history and uses a scanner all the time. Either check out a thrift store, seriously stacks of scanners there. Or just go and buy one. Be prepared for some setup time to get things right so you can pop up the image and add title and keywords as you go. She finds it important to add the info on the spot as the folks who know who is in the picture are there at the time, and sadly may not be around all that much longer.

She uses a 'carry on' suitcase with padding to hold the scanner and other gear, that and a laptop and she can set up anywhere and be scanning in 5 minutes.

[micromacro]

I wish I had a scanner!!

Perhaps, your relatives or friends have one, or printer/scaner combo.

[interested_observer]

Chances are that there is a Staples, Office Max or whatever, Inc., near where you are going. Just walk in and buy a under $100 Canon scanner and you are set. I just went to Staples webpage, and searched for scanner. Scrolled down the page looking for a Canon (or insert your favorite brand). Found a Canon CanoScan LiDE 210 Flatbed Scanner, 48 bit 4800 dpi resolution for $99.99. You can probably find something better or more cost effect, but that was under a minute of effort. This way, you don't even have to carry anything other than your laptop. If something goes wrong, take it back and get another one. It says it scans a page in 10 seconds.

[boriscleto]

Or get one at a Target and just return it when you are done

[dcpropilot]

I just went out and picked up an Epson v550 at Staples. Looks to be a good unit. Wish me luck!! Thanks everyone!

[savoche]

I just went out and picked up an Epson v550 at Staples. Looks to be a good unit. Wish me luck!! Thanks everyone!

That should be one of the better ones Good luck!