Epson V750 Problem

[resummerfield]

I have a 4 month old Epson V750 connected to a MAC. It works perfect scanning opaque or printed material, but Im having problems scanning transparencies.

My first attempt scanning transparencies was fine. I used the included Silverfast software, and scanned about 10 films, both negative and transparencies. Everything worked perfect.

On my next attempt, a few days later, the first negative scan was OK, but every other additional scan resulted in a blank page, as if there was no light. But I know the lamp is working, as I can see the lamp carriage advancing during the scan. Also, the first scan, the one that worked properly, was completed in less than one minute, but the following ones, that were all black, took much longer.

I shutdown the computer, and the next day made another attempt, with the EXACT same results. That is, the first scan was OK, but successive scans were black.

Ive tried scanning under Silverfast, and also under Epson Scan, with identical results.

I know I have the system connected properly, as the first days 10 scans worked perfectly. Now I can only get one scan before the system fails.

Any suggestions?

 

[MikeSeb]

First thing I'd do is unplug every other USB or Firewire device (which way does it connect? more likely a problem if FW) and reboot and try it again. I've had a lot of problems with previous epson flatbeds--and nikon film scanners--when there are other devices attached. This includes backup drives, even if they are connected but powered down.

Also,make sure you have the latest versions of all drivers and software. It seems unlikely that it's a hardware problem, since you do get at least one normal scan.

 

[pellicle]

I know I have the system connected properly, as the first days 10 scans worked perfectly. Now I can only get one scan before the system fails.

Any suggestions?

is the light coming on during dud scans?

Have you checked that the lid is 'plugged in' firmly??

it could be a warranty claim issue.

 

[Maretzo]

If you are using betterscanning holders, rotate it 180deg.

 

[resummerfield]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I tried it again this morning, and I had 3 scans work properly before the scanner malfunctioned. Here is my detailed procedure:

I connect the V750 via USB port to the MAC and then turn on the V750. No other USB devices are connected, except the keyboard and mouse, and no Firewire devices are connected. I place a neg in the center of the glass carrier (dry), set the Silverfast for Transparency/neg, 16 to 8 bit greyscale at 1800 dpi, save file as a TIFF.

The first 3 scans went perfect. Prescan is accomplished in about 30 seconds, and then I indicate a scan area and do a normal scan, which takes longer. Everything is perfect.

Then, without changing anything, I did the 4th scan. I clicked Prescan, the top scan light came on as is normal, but the carriage traveled over the bed very, very slowly. The Prescan took 215 seconds, and the result was a blank (black) screen.

I then turned the scanner off, rebooted, disconnected and reconnected the scanner, and tried again. Just like the 4th scan; very slow travel and no image.

But if I turn everything off and let it set overnight, I'll bet the V750 will work properly tomorrow, at least for one scan.

Any suggestions or comments?

 

[pellicle]

resummerfield

sounds sus ... but just to make sure, you're not blocking the part of the scanner (right up at the top of the bed / glass) which samples the light are you?

Just asking the obvious to make sure as this is exactly the symptom for that.

alternatively there is a problem with it as the scans are not entirely black if the sensor area is covered.

That the scan takes a long time is consistent with the scanner "believing" that there is little or no light (mine takes about a minute to do a preview under such circumstances.

 

[resummerfield]

Epson Customer Service SUCKS!

I sent the V750 back to Epson, but what an experience!

First I called the Epson toll-free 800 number, where I hoped to be given an address to which I could send the scanner for warranty repair. But no, they could not give me that address. Instead, I was instructed to call their Tech Service in California, which is a toll call for my up here in Alaska.

This "California" phone number was actually ringing in the Philippines, and the first person I spoke with had an accent so thick I just couldnt understand him. So I had to ask to speak to his supervisor. That person was only slightly easier to understand, and kept asking prepared questions like is the shiny side of the film facing the glass?, even though I was begging for only an address!

Finally, after 35 minutes on this toll call (yes, 35 minutes on my "dime"), I demanded to speak to yet another "Supervisor", and after a 5 minute wait was connected to someone I could understand. And who finally gave me an address of a service center in the US.

I called that repair facility (in Washington state), and finally talked to someone who I could understand. In less than an minute he diagnosed the problem. Yes, it is a scanner problem.

I just dont understand why Epson couldnt give me a phone number and address of a repair facility on my first contact (on the toll-free number)? From all the reviews and reports I read prior to purchase, the Epson V750 is a wonderful scanner, but after my experience with their Customer Support, I doubt Ill ever buy another Epson product.

 

[pellicle]

Hi

I sent the V750 back to Epson, but what an experience!

First I called the Epson toll-free 800 number, where I hoped to be given an

well that truly sucks! I'm sorry to hear that you've had such a dinky experience with them.

The problem is that I fear that any other product these days will put you through the same hassle. As almost all consumer items are being driven by three rules

1. price
2. low price
3. lower price

service is no longer on the priority list and as long as they can fulfill the criteria set down by the government they will pare back the edges till the bone shows.

Worse, I think that precious little development goes into addressing known issues and is instead directed at introducing new features.

I don't know what sort of internet connection you're using but if its got at least 80K uplink then you should be able to get reasonable call quality using Skype. I'm a big fan of VoIP and I've been using it to make calls cheaper for some years now. When I call the USA I don't mind that I'm on hold as the call costs are cheap.

hope that I could provide some light in a shitty situation

 

[tpeare1123]

Hi,
I see this thread is a couple of years old, I was wondering if you happened to keep the Epson info (Address & Phone #) as I am having the exact same problems.

Thanks in advance,

Tim

 

[cooltouch]

Sounds very odd to me. I have called Epson's tech support with problem questions after these emails were generated. It was an 800 number. The people I spoke to were native English speakers and were very helpful. I dunno what went wrong with this guy, but this has not been my experience. And it hasn't been the experience of a friend of mine, either, who has had to call them a couple of times when she ran into problems with here all-in-one printer/scanner/copier.

Tim, I recommend you call Epson's 800 tech support line. I'm reasonably confident that you should receive satisfactory service from them.

 

[tpeare1123]

Thanks, I called technical support USA @ (562)276-4382 . They were helpful and patient and easy to understand.

 

[resummerfield]

My problem was finally resolved by Epson. Here are the details.

The repair facility in Washington state diagnosed the problem on the phone, and said to send it in. But once in the shop, the facility could not replicate the problem, and they wanted to charge me about $100 for return postage (which was strange, since it did not cost half that to send it).

So I sent an email to Epsons corporate office in California, detailing all my problems with their customer support. I no longer have that email address, but I found it on the web. I received a very nice response from a supervisor, who arranged to have my original scanner shipped from the Washington state repair facility to Epsons offices. And the supervisor also had a new scanner sent to me. All at no charge.

The new scanner worked perfectly, and has continued to work perfectly for the past few years. Now Ill retract my original statement that Ill never buy another Epson product.

 

[Augen]

Sorry to bump an old thread, but I had the exact same symptom. Turns out the problem was that I was using the wet-mount tray incorrectly. It has a small glass window in it, which must be placed on the bed at the end nearest the hinges. When it is placed correctly near the hinges the pre-scan is quick and works fine, when it is at the far end away from the hinges the prescan is very slow and comes out black every time.