P3D Re: 3D Slide Duplication

["randlov" <randlov@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

There has been some posts concerning 3D slide duplication whith negative
remarks concerning the quality. I have for many years tried different
approaches like using diffusers, pre-fogging etc., but finally I found out
that it is quite simple, and that I already had the equipment needed.
The secret is to use Kodak Ektachrome Slide Duplicating Film / 5071. This
film has very fine grain (EI 25) and the contrast is adjusted in order to
avoid build-up of contrast, which is one of the major problems when copying
slides.
I have for years wanted to be able to make slide copies, so finally about
two years ago I contacted two professional photography shops.
I was expecting and prepared to spend lot of money expecting them to sell me
some kind of sophisticated copying stand with build-in pilot light, TTL
flash, filters and electronics.
After telling them that I have a Nikon FA with Micro Nikkor lens, a Nikon
bellow with slide-copying adapter and a TTL flash they both gave the same
message:
 "You only need Ektachrome Slide Copying Film and a filter set".
I bought an inexpensive Ilfochrome 3‡x3‡ inch filter set with M, C and Y
filters in the values 0.5 - 0.1 - 0.2- 0.3 - 0.4 and 0.5 and are now making
very good copies, which are much better and cost less than any slide I have
had made by professional shops earlier. I have run tests with friends, and
they have not been able to tell which slide is the master and which one the
copy.
I use following setup:
TTL flash -> Filter package -> Slide in adapter -> Micro Nikkor -> TTL
camera.
The TTL flash is connected to the camera by a TTL extension cord, and the
filter is placed in a simple holder made from cardbord taped to the flash.
For focusing I use a normal lamp with a 100 watt bulb and max. f stop. For
exposure I stop down to f16 and push the TTL flash right in front of the
slide adapter.
Each batch of film is individually marked with the recommended filter
package and exposure index
e.g. 10C 10Y EI 25.
The enclosed instructions gives an adjustment to the filter pack. For
electronic flash it is +25C +15Y plus a Kodak No. 85B filter.
However, you personal set-up will influence on the color balance, so the
best thing is to use one or two films to find your personal filter
correction. The test film will also give you the optimum aperture of the
lens. For the Micro Nikkor it is f.16.
When you buy a new batch of film you just have to change your personal
filter correction according to the marking on the film, but it is advisable
to buy film of same batch and keep them in the freezer. However, untill now
I have found the recommended filter package to be reliable.
The TTL flash give the correct exposure each time, so I don't have to
bracket the exposures. With the set-up I can even enlarge details of a
slide, the quality is acceptable with enlargements up to 3x from a
Kodachrome 64 slide.
I know that reasonable inexpensive slide copying adapters are available for
SLR cameras, so if you have a TTL flash only the filter set is needed.
Best regards
Peter



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