If your slide scans look blurry, soft, or “blocky” (pixelated), it’s usually related to distance and focus.

The ideal distance for scanning slides

To avoid blurry or pixelated scans, try this setup:

• Hold the slide image about 2 inches (5 cm) away from your computer screen.
  • This helps prevent the screen’s pixels from appearing in your scan.
• Then hold your phone’s camera about 4 inches (10 cm) away from the slide.

Think of it like this:
Screen → (2 inches) → Slide → (4 inches) → Phone camera

That combination usually produces a clear, sharp scan.

Using iPhone 14 Pro and below or the Slide & Film Negative Viewer?

If you’re using one of these:

• iPhone 14 / 14 Pro and below
• Photomyne Slide & Film Negative Viewer

You can safely hold the device closer to the slide. These setups handle close-up focus better.

Just make sure:

• The image is still in focus on your screen.
• If it looks blurry, slowly move the phone slightly back and forth.
• Stop when the image looks sharp again.

Other common reasons scans look blurry or pixelated

Even with the right distance, you may still see softness if:

• The phone moved while scanning.
• The lighting is weak or uneven behind the slide.
• The slide itself is scratched, dirty, or low quality.