Epson V800 delivered with unlocked heads

  • H
  • Thread starter Deleted member 88956
  • Start date

Deleted member 88956

While things appear to be working, I have no time to go through extensive tests.

Has anyone received this scanner V800 (and I suppose all clones back to V700 assuming construction is same) with unlocked heads, which are always meant to be for transportation? If so, any trouble with scanner working fine, long term especially?

I had once received Epson 4990 with both heads unlocked and the scanning head was completely torn from its mount. With this V800, nothing rattled in side and with a couple of standard quick&dirty scans, at least it appears to be working, scanning and delivering a file.
 

jim10219

Member
Joined
Jun 15, 2017
Messages
1,632
Location
Oklahoma
Format
4x5 Format
If it works, it works. I supposed there could be some damage that wouldn't prevent it from working, but might shorten the lifespan of the scanner. The only way you're going to find that out is if you take it apart and inspect everything for damage, which cause you to damage parts that were just fine.

My advice, since it works now, try not to worry about it and realize that sometimes things just break. If you wanted a guarantee that it would work, now and in the future, you should of bought a new one with a warranty. You bought a used one. Used anything is always a gamble. It's the nature of buying used. Accept the risks involved.
 

shutterfinger

Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2013
Messages
5,020
Location
San Jose, Ca.
Format
4x5 Format
Download a copy of the ISO12233 test chart https://www.graphics.cornell.edu/~westin/misc/res-chart.html
Print out a copy on your best printer's highest resolution, scan the print on the highest scan resolution then compare the two. Print on transparency film or use a negative with fine detail and inspect for flaws/errors.
If the scan come out good its good to go.
The V700 has the lens, mirrors, sensor in a sealed block that the transport moves. Only the lamp is replaceable, the V800 used a LED light source and is likely built similar.
 
OP
OP

Deleted member 88956

Thanks for the link.
 

Sirius Glass

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 18, 2007
Messages
50,369
Location
Southern California
Format
Multi Format
I thought that the heads were unlocked on my V850, so I called and a replacement was sent. It turned out that the heads had been locked, but the icons on the equipment was very confusing. I had switched them to the locked position and I heard banging. I hope this helps you.
 

Theo Sulphate

Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2014
Messages
6,489
Location
Gig Harbor
Format
Multi Format
Epson V800 in unlocked position:



 
OP
OP

Deleted member 88956

Thanks for extra comments. It was not a matter whether they were unlocked or not, they were. It was a used "new" unit which won't get much use for a while here for unrelated reasons, but for $450 I thought it was worth it as they seem to hold the price rather well. It was just disheartening to see heads unlocked knowing first hand what happened to that 4990 when it shipped like that. For now it is working, so fingers crossed until I get a chance to do some precision tests.
 

AgX

Member
Joined
Apr 5, 2007
Messages
29,973
Location
Germany
Format
Multi Format
I wondered myself what would be happening to such head if the device would be moved and turned around, transported in car in longitudinal direction etc. with the head not being locked.
The engineers must have had something in mind when adding this locking feature.
 

MattKing

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
52,982
Location
Delta, BC Canada
Format
Medium Format
Many years ago I paid a significant sum on eBay for a used medium format scanner (Konica-Minolta Scan Multi) on eBay. The seller packaged it well, except they didn't know that the heads needed to be locked (through a software command) before moving the scanner. As a result of the heads being free to move during the shipping process, it suffered serious damage that cost me several hundred dollars to repair.
The issue was resolved to my satisfaction with the seller, and after a long delay due to the repair time, I used that scanner for several years, until it again stopped working.
I expect that different scanners would be vulnerable in different ways to shipping damage.
If it were me, and I had the option to return the V800 and get my money back, I would do so.
 

Vaidotas

Member
Joined
Feb 9, 2019
Messages
89
Location
Vilnius
Format
Multi Format
My v800 arrived this month locked and with warning sticker on the lock.
Other my owned epsons - 3200 and two 750 were locked on arrival.
Someone bought and returned purchase. You got it. Nothing bad if it works but unpleasant though. Maybe this scenario?
Simplest test is checking separate r g b channels for sharpness. It differs, but difference must be acceptable
 

Attachments

  • 21563BEE-0D21-45D4-87D2-95C06D2447A3.jpeg
    643.9 KB · Views: 109
Last edited:
OP
OP

Deleted member 88956

Thanks Matt, and in general I would likely tried that. Problem is that my ocean ob is calling me and will not be able to complete such a "ceremony" so I will take a chance. Scanner was in all original packaging and when I opened the lid at least I did not see the head moving when scanner was tilted back and forth. The lock for the scanning head was kind of in the middle position so perhaps just enough to help it remain at bay. Also the trip was rather short and couriers around here are not too bad handling boxes. When a quick rough scans showed scanner moving as expected and scans were well... definitely scans of I what placed on glass or in the negative carriers (35 mm and MF), I was not so worried any more, Whether taking a chance is prudent time will tell. Hope so as scanner is basically unused and neg holders were mostly still in factory sealed packaging.

On the other hand, when I got a used unlocked 4990 way back when, both heads were trying to win an Indy 500. So I asked here to see if anyone was in a position of getting same, working first, then failing and that failure linked eventually to some crack in the head carrier system
 
OP
OP

Deleted member 88956

Vaidotas said:
My v800 arrived this month locked and with warning sticker on the lock.
Other my owned epsons - 3200 and two 750 were locked on arrival.
Click to expand...
My seller admitted to a whoopsy on mine and as he was responsive throughout deal making, I'll give him a benefit of a doubt it was simply accidental ignorance. After my 4990 disaster I made point when 4870 was being purchased later on, this time I did not do that.
 

Theo Sulphate

Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2014
Messages
6,489
Location
Gig Harbor
Format
Multi Format
The V800 has a new type of film holder with good and bad aspects: bad is that they add an additional glass surface; good is that they're adjustable. Until I read this review,

https://www.filmscanner.info/en/EpsonPerfectionV800Photo.html

I didn't notice that the "default" adjustment is marked by a hard-to-see triangle.
 
OP
OP

Deleted member 88956

Yeah, 've been reading about this for a while and got holders for V700 coming as I'm already hating the new ones. I think with trial focus adjustment can be set on old holders with shims to as good as it can get. Will be looking at the betterscanning mounting station most likely or just order cut to size AN glass to fit old holders.

While I always thought Yashica was a company with some balls calling one of its earlier a ... "Lausar", Epson engineers have outdone themselves and the whole static engineering world with plastic AN covers on new holders.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…