Scanner Lines in images... 1

[zavsays]

I've gradually noticed (somewhat transparent) vertical lines appearing in images I've scanned in Photoshop with my Epson Expression 1600. The lines are always in the same place, running down the length of the scanner. My first impulse is to change the bulb but the bulb travels top to bottom -horizontal? (this may or may not be relevant). Also, the bulb is pretty expensive. There are no smudges or obstacles on the glass or anything obvious like that.

Here's a link to what an image looks like

http://home.comcast.net/~zavsays/index.html

Has anyone seen this sort of thing before?

Thanks

 

[kiddpete]

I haven't seen this, but it doesn't look like a bulb to me. It looks like the CCD has a problem.

See:

http://www.vad1.com/photo/dirty-scanner/

'There may also be defective pixels in your CCD, dust laying on the sensor or some other kind of irregularity in the CCD line. In this case, streaks run across the image along the scan direction, i.e. parallel to the long side of the frame.'

 

[pixl8r]

I'm not familiar enough with that scanner but the scan looks like film?

What it reminds me of is what a film scratch would look like. Just a thought that is of no use if the original isn't film


Wow JT that almost looked like you knew what you were doing!

 

[DelphiAaron]

it may just be a couple of specs of dirt on the ccd, lens or mirror.

Aaron Taylor
John Mutch Electronics

http://www.jme.com.au

 

[MarcusStringer]

Good luck with that. I have the same scanner, and am just developing that same damm scratch.

This may sound odd, (not the fact that I can't workout how to pull it apart), I picked it up and shook it (in frustration) and it went away for awhile. which made me think it could only be dust on the mirror or lense.

But as I said befor I can't work out how to open the box to get to these bits.

Marcus

http://www.midlandtypesetters.com.au

 

[zavsays]

Thanks All!

I forgot to mention that it's a flatbed scanner. That CCD thing sounds like a good possibility. Mirror or lens too. It does look pretty tough to get into this scanner but I'll certainly try giving it a good shake first!

 

[Mastakilla]

do you still have the ticket? I mean, is it still under warranty? 'cause if you do, it's better to bring it back to the shop instead of riskning to break it by shaking it to violently....

 

[zavsays]

Thanks Mast. I actually engaged the lock on the back of the scanner, then rotated it around gently. I don't think it worked but it was worth a shot.

One thing I might have investigated when purchasing the scanner (4 years ago) is where the closest authorized repair center was. In my case, the unit will have to be shipped to and fro. That will increase the costs and leave me scannerless longer.

 

[duncdude]

I had the same problem many years ago. It was with a UMAX PowerLook scanner and pi55ed me off enormously. I even had one of their reps around to see it. They fobbed me off with some bull. I am sure it was a design fault. I also think it must be a lens / CCD problem. I scan images now using a ICG 355i vertical drum scanner. No more problems. ;-)


Kind Regards
Duncan

 

[duncdude]

Forgot to mention - due to the line running down the length of the scanner you can be pretty sure it must be to do with the CCD or a lens. Try scanning nothing - either with the hood open or closed - you should see the problem easily. Nightmare! I used to get Photoshop to select a 1-pixel thick line, 10,000 pixels tall (forced in the constrain options) and copy a section right next to the problem area. Then copy, move & paste over the knackered bit.


Kind Regards
Duncan