Daniel Reetz designed the Archivist to allow fast and accurate scans of books using cheap off-the-shelf cameras. It uses a V-shaped cradle and platen system to hold the pages of a book flat while taking a photograph of the pages under optimal lighting conditions. The main structure is thick plywood to provide a solid base. The platen and cameras are kept fixed relative to each other to make scanning consistent. 

For those who want to spend more time bookscanning and less time building, this all-in-one kit replicates Daniel's original design. This package contains all of the plywood parts (painted to reduce glare), the hardware, the glass platens, the aluminum tubes, the lighting module pieces, and the high quality LEDs you need to make a book scanner. All you need to do is to assemble the scanner and add your own cameras and controller.

Archivist Features

• DIY kit that is as easy to assemble as advanced flat pack furniture
• 100-degree platen and cradle design allows accurate scanning of flat pages
• A novice can scan hundreds of pages per hour
• With experience, an operator can scan over a thousand pages per hour
• Allows scanning of large books, up to 15"x12"
• When assembled, the Archivist is approximately 30" wide, 18" deep, and 48" tall.
• High quality LED lights are diffused to provide exceptional color fidelity and even lighting
• Compatible with many cameras and controller systems
• SpreadPi (part of the electronics pack) is the recommended controller
• The recommended camera model (part of the electronics pack, two identical cameras required) is the Canon Powershot A2500. Other models that are likely to work well are the Canon Powershot A1400, or A810.

More Information

• Daniel's design guide -- Includes the assembly manual.
• Archivist user guide -- Information about how to use your Archivist after assembly. Includes camera guide.
• There is now an electronics pack option to provide the Archivist with a controller and cameras that are known to work well together and everything needed to get started scanning.
• The forum -- A community forum for anyone interested in book scanning.
• Shipping has been successful to the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and Hong Kong. For other destinations, please send email to info@tenrec.builders and ask.