Apparatus and slide cassette for removably retaining or securing a slide. The cassette includes trays for holding a slide. Each tray has a retaining lip at an end thereof. A first edge of a slide contacts a support member within the cassette when the slide that is placed in a slot. The support member can be an elastomeric member, a spring, a foam member, or an insert with slide retention surfaces. The support member pushes or urges the slide in the opposite direction so that an opposite edge of the slide contacts the retaining lips of the trays. As a result, the slide is removably retained or secured on the trays and between the retaining lips and the support member(s).