[Любознательный]

sur,
Elementary scanner EPSON (V-200). Cheap and strong. Very easy to use and good resolution.
Above all, it has a feature "color restoration" that just come in handy when digitizing old photos.
Of course, you can take pictures and kontrazhure. Glare (without flash) can be avoided, but the old pictures (icons), this will not work - paint not break any lens.
Of course, in each case the necessary skills. Photography - not the exception.
I agree that in the post tell all and for all occasions - it is impossible.
Very timely topic, which allows to enter the existing problems.