Frequently Asked Questions
These are the most frequently asked questions sent to the Magic Lantern Society.
How do I scan magic lantern slides to create a digital image I can print?
There are several options:
1. Acquire a flatbed scanner with a transparency lid. These are not too expensive (say £200+ for a new one) and can produce superb results. I use an Epson Perfection 4870 and can easily scan 3.25" slides at 2400 dots per inch, giving excellent prints at 20 inches by 30 inches. Second hand models of scanners can often be acquired on ebay if the new price is too high. Make sure it has a transparency lid and a high scanning resolution.
2. Use a digital camera to photograph slides on a light box. Cheap light boxes can be purchased from Jessops or any good camera shop. If possible use a tripod for the camera. This method should give you images easily good enough for a Powerpoint presentation. It might take a bit of practice to get it right.
3. Photograph the slides against a window on a bright day. Again you should get images good enough for Powerpoint and some trial and error might be needed.
Its possible the images might need some retouching before you use them but most slides will give you a good image with a bit of effort.
How do I find out if my magic lantern or slides are rare or valuable?
People often assume that their magic lantern or slides must be valuable because they have never seen any others and the local antique shop doesn't have any for sale. Remarkably, most types of lanterns and slides are still quite common. They were produced in large quantities and sent all over the world. As most lanterns and slides were quite expensive when new, people tried to look after them and as they are made from glass more care was taken to protect them than many other items. So today there are still a lot of examples around, although they often don't turn up in antique shops. Checking on ebay (www.ebay.com) and search for "magic lantern" or "lantern slide" usually turns up several hundred items on offer.
So assume your lantern or slide is not too valuable until you learn otherwise. Then you shouldn't be too disappointed. Appreciate them for their inherent beauty.
The Magic Lantern Society is not in a position to offer valuations. Comparing what you have with the items on offer on ebay will give you a good idea of the rarity of a particular item. Most types of lanterns and slides appear there fairly regularly.
How do I go about selling my magic lantern or slides?
The major place to trade is on ebay (www.ebay.com). Many members buy and sell there and demand is constant for material. Take a look at other items on offer by searching for "magic lantern" or "lantern slide" and use the prices realised as a guide on what to ask.
I've inherited some magic lantern slides. How do I find out more about them?
People often assume that their magic lantern or slides must be valuable because they have never seen any others and the local antique shop doesn't have any for sale. Remarkably, most types of lanterns and slides are still quite common. They were produced in large quantities and sent all over the world. As most lanterns and slides were quite expensive when new, people tried to look after them and as they are made from glass more care was taken to protect them than many other items. So today there are still a lot of examples around, although they often don't turn up in antique shops.
Take a look at the various sections on this website (look under Lantern History, Magic Lanterns or Lantern Slides or the Glossary) to see if similar items to yours are illustrated or described. Check on ebay (www.ebay.com) to see if anything similar is on offer and what the sellers description tells you.
If you really think you have something special or unusual then please use the Contact Us form to get in touch and we will try and help.
How do I find out when and where the next Magic Lantern Society meeting is being held?
Details of Society meetings are given on our meetings page. Society meetings are for Members Only. If you would like to attend a meeting and are not yet a member, plese use the Contact Us page to inquire about an invitation.
