Scanner

[Biggles50]

The solution is straightforward.

Scan both sides separately, then correct each scan as necessary in a Photo Editing App, then using a Publishing App create a two page document of the two scans and export as a PDF.

Way, way cheaper than an expensive scanner or contracting it out to a specialist.

A reasonable scanner like a Canon is c£80, or c£150 for an All in One Printer with scanning features, or you can use Zaphods’ camera or mobile phone technique which is similar to what I do for taking images for my Wife to use in her educational presentations except I mount my camera on a Tripod.

Taking images using “The Zaphod Technique” and a mobile phone will allow editing of the image and correcting its orientation by using the Photo Apps on the device.  BTW there are mobile phone tripod or steady cam brackets available for not a lot of cash.

What operating system are you using?

Some manufacturers specifically Epson only offer limited support and I had to scrap my old scanner as it would not work on Windows 11 and our old iMac could not be forced into seeing the scanner.  Third party work around apps also would not work.

[rosijayne]

Thanks, I'm using windows 11.

After reading everybody's comments, it's looking more likely that I'll just photograph them on my phone.

Is there a specific photo editing app that I should be using?

[Biggles50]

I cannot help if you are using Android.

If you have an iPhone or iPad then the inbuilt Photos App will do all you will initially need.

An App like Photoshop Express can also be used to fine tune the image and to export it as a jpg file.

[rosijayne]

Thank you, that's helpful

[KN]

have you tried a scanning app on your phone? 

[rosijayne]

I haven't, I hadn't thought of that to be honest.

[Ian999]

Take a look at the Epson FF-680W scanner.
It is designed specifically to take large volumes of amateur prints, scan both sides (if you want) and send the image to your PC. It does not print.

It might be too expensive new, but I purchased a used one, handled a large volume scanning job, and resold the scanner for the same price as I bought it for.

It is unique.
If you want occasional high quality scans then use a flat bed scanner.

[rosijayne]

Thank you, I'll check that out.

[David Nicoll]

Hi,

   I have found that the best thing for me for older photographs is a compact camera that supports remote shutter from a phone or similar.
   You can mount this on a tripod for stability and have no risk of damaging the photographs, and it is much faster than scanning.
   Personally I find using a phone is great for instant results, but if you want to get nice square in focus images, a tripod is essential.