The photos from the 1930s I assume are BW. Are you using true bw film? I have had excellent results using Ilford BW film. Don't use color film to make copies of BW photos. Also do you have a macro lens on your SLR? That would be needed to make the best copies of photographs. If not, I would purchase one --look at second hand camera sources--much cheaper--why buy new when the old will work! Diane