Flatbed Scanners

[Tlcothran]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good quality high resolution flatbed photo scanner? I need to scan photos up to 8X10, film and slides. I purchased an Epson Perfection V600 photo scanner almost 2 years ago. Because of medical reasons I just opened it two days ago and discovered a white piece of dust internally under the glass. I tried to clean it over and over, it will not come out, so it’s definitely internal. I contacted a supervisor at Epson who was unable to help me with a replacement because of 1 year warranty. I’ve read some bad reviews on it, so now unsure whether to repurchase this one or look into another one? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I have tons of photos to digitialize.

 

[Les Sarile]

The V600 cannot scan a full 8X10 so you would have to stitch smaller scans together.

I would recommend keeping an eye out for the discontinued Epson 4990 as it will handle up to a full 8X10.

 

[koraks]

The V600 cannot scan a full 8X10

It can scan 8x10" prints though, can't it? I read the requirement as follows:

I need to scan photos up to 8X10, film and slides

So that's:

• photos (prints) up to 8x10"
• Film (probably negatives)
• Slides

@Tlcothran can you indicate what size negatives and slides you want to scan?

a white piece of dust internally under the glass

I'd open up the scanner, carefully clean the underside of the glass and then put it back together again. Also inspect the glass in the lid/transparency adapter; it often has the same issue. I do this from time to time with my 4990; it's no biggie. It's a known issue; these scanners shed some white material that's probably part of a reflector and it tends to dance around inside the scanner especially if it's being moved/jostled etc.
Just be careful not to scratch the glass as you clean it. If you use materials used to clean spectacles etc. you should be good. I just use a soft tissue and some alcohol.
Then enjoy using your unused V600!
This is for my older 4990; the V600 looks differently but I'm sure there's a similar way of opening up the unit: https://tinker.koraks.nl/photography/ghosted-when-and-how-to-clean-an-epson-4990-transparency-unit/

 

[Tlcothran]

The V600 does scan an 8X10 photo because I tested it. It’s just a white spot is showing up from the debris/dust that is internally in the printer, under the glass.

I would be scanning 35 mm negatives and slides.

I’m trying to decide whether to keep it and work around the spot, if possible, or get another type/brand of scanner similar to this one. I spent a lot of time yesterday researching and can’t seem to find one with all the same features, good reviews and priced around the same, $350.

 

[Saganich]

I think it will be hard to work around a big dust spot. It looks like removing the top of these is straight foward...I say this as someone who generally breaks whatever I take apart so I know what I can manage, lol,

 

[Alan9940]

Are you using the latest version of PS for editing? Is the resulting spot so bad that the Remove Tool or AI fill techniques wouldn't take care of it?

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Call epson and tell them the problem and ask them how much it would cost to repair it?

 

[Tlcothran]

Call epson and tell them the problem and ask them how much it would cost to repair it?

I did call Epson and talked to the supervisor two times. They won’t let me return it because it’s past the warranty period. All they’ll offer me is 15-25% off another printer. They can’t offer me any type of repair because they have no authorized service center near me, even if I pay for it. It’s in another state. Maybe you can’t ship it to them? Thats the impression I got, but he never offered me that option. I’m just trying to avoid buying another scanner.

 

[Tlcothran]

Are you using the latest version of PS for editing? Is the resulting spot so bad that the Remove Tool or AI fill techniques wouldn't take care of it?

Honestly I’m not sure if I am. This is my first scanner I’ve gotten, so still not sure how everything works. I installed their software I received with the scanner. I thought about editing every photo, but I have over 4000 photos to scan. That would take forever.

 

[Tlcothran]

It can scan 8x10" prints though, can't it? I read the requirement as follows:


So that's:

• photos (prints) up to 8x10"
• Film (probably negatives)
• Slides

@Tlcothran can you indicate what size negatives and slides you want to scan?



I'd open up the scanner, carefully clean the underside of the glass and then put it back together again. Also inspect the glass in the lid/transparency adapter; it often has the same issue. I do this from time to time with my 4990; it's no biggie. It's a known issue; these scanners shed some white material that's probably part of a reflector and it tends to dance around inside the scanner especially if it's being moved/jostled etc.
Just be careful not to scratch the glass as you clean it. If you use materials used to clean spectacles etc. you should be good. I just use a soft tissue and some alcohol.
Then enjoy using your unused V600!
This is for my older 4990; the V600 looks differently but I'm sure there's a similar way of opening up the unit: https://tinker.koraks.nl/photography/ghosted-when-and-how-to-clean-an-epson-4990-transparency-unit/

Ok, thank you for this info! I just don’t know if I’m brave enough to do it! On another forum people act like you shouldn’t open it up for the risk of more dust getting inside of it. I don’t know if I want to risk it?

 

[bernard_L]

For what it's worth, cleaning the underside of the glass on a V700 is easy.

• Disconnect the electrical plug from the lid to the base unit
• Remove the lid: the base of the hinges can be just pulled from square holes in the base unit
• Remove four small plastic discs at the corners of the scanner bed; use the sharp point of a utility cutter; maybe you will leave a mark on the plastic, but that is just cosmetics
• This reveals four screws; unscrew them and pull them out with tweezers
• Carefully lift the top of the base; there might be on the front (above the buttons) harpoons (not sure that is the proper term, but you get the idea) that need a little help to dis-engage from the base
• Clean carefully with liquid for windows and soft, worn-out, cotton; or, lacking that, paper handkerchiefs. Not kitchen tissue. Only minimal amount of liquid. Make sure no liquid gets to the white calibration strip.
• Cleaning may also be necessary if outgassing of plastics deposits haze on the inner side of the glass.

 

[koraks]

On another forum people act like you shouldn’t open it up for the risk of more dust getting inside of it. I don’t know if I want to risk it?

I understand, but on the other hand - you've apparently got a pretty annoying piece of debris stuck there as it is and it evidently bothers you (it would bother me, too). So you don't have all that much to lose.

See also excellent points above by @bernard_L which match my experiences.

 

[MattKing]

If you keep the scanner for a while, you will most likely be doing that cleaning anyways.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

I did call Epson and talked to the supervisor two times. They won’t let me return it because it’s past the warranty period. All they’ll offer me is 15-25% off another printer. They can’t offer me any type of repair because they have no authorized service center near me, even if I pay for it. It’s in another state. Maybe you can’t ship it to them? Thats the impression I got, but he never offered me that option. I’m just trying to avoid buying another scanner.

Heres some reference for Epson V600 repairs. Cll and find out who can fix your problem and ship it to them.

Service Center Locator | Epson US

epson.com

 

[_T_]

All flatbed scanners get dust in them over time. Eventually they get so dusty it becomes more work to remove the dust in software than it is to open the scanner up and clean out the dust.

One speck of dust is very easy to remove in software. Even a couple hundred specks of dust are no big deal. That’s like a few specks per 35mm frame. You’re going to have to clean more dust than that from the outside of the scan bed anyway. There will always be some dust.

So if your problem is a single speck of dust I’d say you don’t actually have a problem.

 

[koraks]

ship it to them

To get rid of a speck of dust? Sounds a bit like taking your care to the dealership because a bird pooped on the windscreen.

Just clean it. It's no big deal.

 

[jeffreyg]

Perhaps there’s a big box store like Best Buy or such near you that handles repairs or can recommend a repair person not just for Epson that can do the work. I had a printer fixed that way for less than a new one much less than the spare set of inks I had that would not fit a new model.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

To get rid of a speck of dust? Sounds a bit like taking your care to the dealership because a bird pooped on the windscreen.

Just clean it. It's no big deal.

Shipping to the mfr for repairs is an option for the OP to decide. He said the Epson rep didn;t give him the repair locations, so I did.

 

[koraks]

OK, I understand. I don't think the unit needs repairs, though, so bringing it in for repairs sounds unnecessary to me. Just needs to be wiped down, that's all.

 

[Romanko]

Ok, thank you for this info! I just don’t know if I’m brave enough to do it! On another forum people act like you shouldn’t open it up for the risk of more dust getting inside of it. I don’t know if I want to risk it?

It might be cheaper and more convenient to find someone who can clean it for you. Try talking to mobile phone repairers. They have the tools and skills to do it for you or might know someone who can help.

 

[bernard_L]

I don’t know if I want to risk it?

So you are looking for a repair by Epson. IF you find a service center that is willing to "repair" your scanner, I bet the quoted cost (including shipping both ways) will be more that 50% of a new unit; plus, FedEex will throw your repaired unit on your porch and pretend you signed for the delivery. So you are left with three choices:

• Pay the extortionate fee to Epson;
• Put your scanner away on a shelf for ...?
• Take a screwdriver, perform a simple dis-assembly, and wipe that glass.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

So you are looking for a repair by Epson. IF you find a service center that is willing to "repair" your scanner, I bet the quoted cost (including shipping both ways) will be more that 50% of a new unit; plus, FedEex will throw your repaired unit on your porch and pretend you signed for the delivery. So you are left with three choices:

• Pay the extortionate fee to Epson;
• Put your scanner away on a shelf for ...?
• Take a screwdriver, perform a simple dis-assembly, and wipe that glass.

FedEx will throw new units on your porch as well. So what's your point?

 

[koraks]

what's your point?

Take a screwdriver, perform a simple dis-assembly, and wipe that glass.

Obviously.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Obviously.

His FedEX comment is a none starter. They'll throw new scanners, cameras and other equipment on your porch. Should you not buy new equipment? Let;s trust that Epson will return the repaired scanner in the same type of shipping carton they send their new ones. If it gets broken in shipment, put in a claim.,

The OP;s concern isn;t FedEx but his lack of desire to do what he considers professional repairs. He doesn't want to disassemble the unit. I;ve read myself about others screwing this up and creating more dust than they cleaned up. I don't change my oil in my auto either. I rather let the dealer do it and check other things at the same time. Epson will also verify that his two-year-old unit is working properly in all areas after they clean the whole unit. Maybe that's worth something to him.

 

[Mike Lopez]

Obviously.

It really was obvious, and you can lead a horse to water, but where's the fun in that, if you can get the horse to spend a few days pondering the pond and providing entertainment value?