Hello there. Can someone give me advice on the simplest way to convert old transparencies to digital images (preferably not a professional service, as there are too many transparencies!). I mean, is there a simple device that does this and can hook up to a computer. Some of the transprarencies I am talking about are the old type (metal frames). Any info appreciated.

Well, I'm not familiar with metal frame transparencies, but I've made digital images of transparencies with a regular scanner by simply placing a white sheet behind it. If scanning isn't an option (no scanner, metal frames interfere), you probably should try calling some photolabs or companies that deal with digital imaging. Someone might have equipment that will allow it to be done relatively cheap. If you think you might want to buy a scanner, you can probably expect to spend about $100 for a decent one. Look into Umax scanners, last time I shopped around (it's been a while) they made a good scanners at a decent price. You may also be able to produce your digital images with a digital camera. It's a bit awkward, but it's what I used to get images of my brother's paintings. However, it took a decent amount of post work to get them to look right. I had to take each image into photoshop, draw a marquee around each image and use distort to get rid of the skew. Anyway, good luck on that.

There are dedicated slide/film scanners, but they are pretty pricey. The HP PhotoSmart works reasonably well, and doesn't require a bank loan. Any method is going to take quite a bit of time. Some of the flatbeds are much cheaper, and do pretty well if you don't expect absolute perfection --OK for archiving onto CD for viewing on the screen, not great for making large prints. Some come with a lamp built into the cover for transparencies. If the slides are old and faded, do not forget some software for cleaning them up. [hmm... wonder if anyone has a slide duplicator attachment that would fit on a digital camera?]

Only some days ago i got me a filmscanner on ebay. Its a Microtek Filmscan35, costs me only about 70$. No perfection in this priceclass, but its enough to go for 20x30 cm prints, depends on the slide quality/condition. Im trying to scan slides from the 1940s-1970s with it ans get really different results. Like Misha833 said: Some Software will help, im pretty satisfied with SilverFast SE, its a scanning tool.