3D Stereo Slide Prep (Before You Send Them)
Many 3D stereo slides need simple prep so they lay flat for scanning. Fixing loose tape, removing glass, and flattening warped holders prevents soft or uneven scans—and helps you avoid extra prep fees.
Anything that keeps the slide from laying flat is a problem. If the tape is lifting anywhere, please remove the tape before shipping.
If the mount is warped and won’t lay flat, the film assembly must be removed. We do not reinstall film back into warped holders.
If the tape around a glass sandwich isn’t firmly attached all the way around, the film must be removed from the glass before scanning.
Carefully lift tape, separate the glass, and remove the film assembly. Keep left/right pairs together.
If a cardboard mount remains, you can re-use it as a flat carrier after removing the glass and tape.
Tape the film assembly to a flat cardboard carrier (center seam shown). If no holder exists, place assemblies in small envelopes to keep them in order.
Essential Rules
- Keep each stereo pair together. Do not separate the left and right images.
- Do not cut the slide in half. We need the full two-frame assembly to maintain orientation.
- Mounts must lay flat. Remove glass and failing tape; replace warped holders with a flat carrier.
- Keep all slides oriented the same direction and grouped in the order you want them scanned.
Prep Fees (If We Do the Work)
If you prefer, we can perform the prep (removing glass, tape, or film from warped mounts). The prep fee per slide equals the current per-slide scanning price and is charged in addition to scanning. Example: Double the cost of scanning if you want us to do your prep for you on 3d slides.
Why Prep Matters
- Ensures sharp, evenly focused scans (no tilt or soft edges).
- Prevents damage during handling and speeds completion.
- Helps you avoid additional prep charges.
