Scanners?

[maxwell_smart007]

I have to scan literally thousands of family and historical photos, as I'm executor of an estate. The issue is that I don't have a scanner. The other issue is that I work full time, so I need to find something that can scan 'fairly' quickly.

I tried my mom's old old old flatbed, but it was cumbersome, and took forever for one photo - so that's no good.

I tried my Xerox at work, and it couldn't auto-adjust to the size, and it wasn't great quality.

Just wondering if anyone knows of a decent scanner that might work? I have to do it out of pocket, so scanning services aren't really in the cards.

Is auto-feed the way to go? Are new flatbeds quicker than the old one of my mom's?

 

[d_bondi]

I have heard of apps for the iPhone (likely for android phones too) that are designed to do this and may even have some image improvement and cropping features built in. If you do this and you can set something up to hold the phone stationary, you can move the photographs one by one into the frame, shoot the picture and off you go.

 

[maxwell_smart007]

I'm not a big phone guy - my phone is rotary dial! (but thanks!)

 

[wolf creek knives]

I'm not a big phone guy - my phone is rotary dial! (but thanks!)

GOOD FOR YOU!!! I hate my cell phone!!! I spent years attached to a lap top, cell phone and Black Berry and my wife has pictures of the many vacations I spent ""connected" to work, hours of time, and shortened time together because of these "helpers" Glad to hear someone uses normal technology. I applaud you!!!!!!!

 

[Mortalis]

Sorry for your loss!
I tried to do the scanning picture thing when my parents past (They past a few years apart). I was executor of both their affairs. It was something I couldn't handle and I am a computer guy and had a flatbed and built in scanner printer.
I would sincerely suggest finding a company that does that kind of thing and let them do it for you. Last thing you need on your mind at this time is scanning a boatload of pictures and/or documents.

 

[jschoolcraft]

Sorry for your loss.

For documents I highly recommend the Fujitsu ScanSnap (link to an amazon search, not a specific model). I have an old one, S510M. It has an automatic document feeder, scans both sides at once, can do OCR (Optical Character Recognition, makes the text searchable) if you want.

I didn't have much need for scanning images at the time but they claim to do them well.

Or take @Mortalis' advice and find a service. A quick google turned up this reddit thread but you'll probably want to do more research on your own.

 

[Woodchipper]

I have an Epson multi-function unit, XP-7100. I scan documents, photos, etc., plus you can insert a memory card (if you have one) and scan/print from there. Need to finish ID-ing all my family photos. Several hundred!

 

[WriteON]

I bought 2 printers from BH photo. Before I bought them they (customer service) helped me with models.They are very patient and accommodating. No pressure to buy. Give them call.. say what you are looking for...size, price, features. Myself...if I buy a scanner it'll be from BH photo in NY. New,factory fresh, properly packaged...great support. Please follow up. Thanks, Frank