Best way to scan A3 size prints, and how to remove scanning lines

[darkosaric]

I print usually on paper size 30x40 cm, my favorite print size is 24x36 cm on that paper size. To scan them - I got myself A3 Mustek scanner, and all was good first month, but now I see in the shadows scanning line, not on every print, but where is dark shadow - there is a line there.

Two questions: is there easier way to scan them, like with SLR or something (some copy stand, with 2 light on 45 degree angle)? Or there is some easy way to remove those lines (except manual pixel by pixel work), some magic plug in in photoshop or something? I must say that I am not very familiar with digital editing.

Thanks,

 

[adelorenzo]

That may be a piece of dust, I would give it a good cleaning and see if it helps. You will probably have to remove the glass.

I have tried photographing prints but scanning still gives much better results for me. My prints are too large for my scanner so I do multiple scans and stitch them in Lightroom, which is a very simple operation.

 

[darkosaric]

That may be a piece of dust

You think it is a piece of dust on the scanning head (scanning track)?
On the glass I don't see any dirt with naked eye.

 

[adelorenzo]

It could be on the lens or scan head but it also could be somewhere on the top or bottom glass. I'd start there before I opened it up. I believe if there is something on the glass in the calibration area it can do this. Keep in mind I use am Epson I'm assuming it will be similar to yours.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I like using a DSLR on a copy stand with lights. It's just standard copy work as has been done for decades before digital, but with a digital camera. It's faster, works with any size, and can do transparent media with a light pad, and if you are willing to stitch, you can as much resolution as you have patience for. I've never liked scanning prints on a scanner, because I always got surface artifacts. This probably has to do with the kinds of paper I've used, because many others don't seem to have that problem, but that was the main reason I gave up on flatbed scanners long ago.

 

[darkosaric]

I like using a DSLR on a copy stand with lights.

How to you manage to have fiber based prints flat? Do you use glass, or some home made frame? If glass, is there a problem with reflection?
Tnx.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

How to you manage to have fiber based prints flat? Do you use glass, or some home made frame? If glass, is there a problem with reflection?
Tnx.

I’ll usually re-flatten them in a drymount press (without mounting them) before photographing. Then it’s a matter of adjusting the lights to avoid reflections.

 

[Patrick Robert James]

The dust is probably on one of the mirrors. If the scanner is older, then taking it apart and cleaning it will make a big difference. All the glass surfaces on scanners get a little cloudy over time from the plastics in the scanner. Be careful cleaning the mirrors though since they are all front surface mirrors. You don't want to scratch them. If it is a newer scanner then you can probably get away with just blowing the dust off with compressed air.

 

[darkosaric]

The dust is probably on one of the mirrors. If the scanner is older, then taking it apart and cleaning it will make a big difference. All the glass surfaces on scanners get a little cloudy over time from the plastics in the scanner. Be careful cleaning the mirrors though since they are all front surface mirrors. You don't want to scratch them. If it is a newer scanner then you can probably get away with just blowing the dust off with compressed air.

It is a used, but almost as new Mustek A3 Scanner USB F2400N. I will try with compressed air first.
Thanks.