Where to service a Canon film scanner?

[removedacct3]

Hello,

I currently own a Canon film scanner. I got it from Ebay and although I'm satisfied with the scan results for snapshots, I do have a feeling that my scanner will benefit from a serious service. See the Flickr image and note the horizontal line straight across his forehead:

An example image scanned with my FS2710

The first question to be answered: where to go from a CLA service? Canon doesn't do this.

Thank for reading,
Marcel

 

[wblynch]

I have the same Canon FS2710 and I like it a lot.

Are you getting the same line on all scans? You can try scanning the same frame upside down and make sure the line is in the same relevant position. that way you will know for sure if it's the scanner or the film.

Now, assuming that you've done that and know it's the scanner then the problem is most likely some dirt or smudge in the scanner.

I can't say where to go for service but I'll bet that there is nowhere you can get this unit serviced anymore. You might try a local TV repairman. They might have the tools and gadgets to get inside and clean it out.

The FS2710 is not easily cleaned. I tried to take mine apart once before and everything is sealed up in there pretty good.

So, first open the little dust door and start with blowing it out with some compressed air. If that doesn't work then you'll have to use a q-tip dipped in alcohol and try to swap off the sensor glass. I was not able to do that on mine.

If you get it cleaned out you will love it. They really are pretty good little scanners.

 

[pschwart]

Hello,

I currently own a Canon film scanner. I got it from Ebay and although I'm satisfied with the scan results for snapshots, I do have a feeling that my scanner will benefit from a serious service. See the Flickr image and note the horizontal line straight across his forehead:

An example image scanned with my FS2710

The first question to be answered: where to go from a CLA service? Canon doesn't do this.

Thank for reading,
Marcel

first try:
- a different position on the scanner glass
- different scanning software

 

[removedacct3]

I have the same Canon FS2710 and I like it a lot.

Are you getting the same line on all scans? You can try scanning the same frame upside down and make sure the line is in the same relevant position. that way you will know for sure if it's the scanner or the film.

Yes, the line is always the same. I've used different films with different developers. I'm almost 100% sure that the line is not on the film. Sometimes the line is visible at first sight, sometimes you have to look for it.

A less visible example (look for the line top-down on the left side of the image):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrclschprs/4136497666/sizes/l/in/set-72157622626890384/

And a more visible example:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrclschprs/4001164066/sizes/o/in/set-72157622626890384/

Now, assuming that you've done that and know it's the scanner then the problem is most likely some dirt or smudge in the scanner.

I can't say where to go for service but I'll bet that there is nowhere you can get this unit serviced anymore. You might try a local TV repairman. They might have the tools and gadgets to get inside and clean it out.

The FS2710 is not easily cleaned. I tried to take mine apart once before and everything is sealed up in there pretty good.

So, first open the little dust door and start with blowing it out with some compressed air. If that doesn't work then you'll have to use a q-tip dipped in alcohol and try to swap off the sensor glass. I was not able to do that on mine.

If you get it cleaned out you will love it. They really are pretty good little scanners.

I am not using the scanner at the moment. Sounds like a good idea to use compressed air or an alcolhol tip on a long winter day.

 

[removedacct3]

first try:
- a different position on the scanner glass
- different scanning software

The CanoScan FS 2710 is dedicated film scanner. Unfortunately, there is no scanner glass. I've tried different software (VueScan, Silverfast and Canon's Photoshop plugin) with no luck. All results showed a line. Some more pronounced than others, but a line nevertheless.

 

[pschwart]

The CanoScan FS 2710 is dedicated film scanner. Unfortunately, there is no scanner glass. I've tried different software (VueScan, Silverfast and Canon's Photoshop plugin) with no luck. All results showed a line. Some more pronounced than others, but a line nevertheless.

Oops, wasn't familiar with this model. I just found a copy of the manual on the Canon web site, and it is dated 1998. Maybe time for some newer technology

 

[wblynch]

...it is dated 1998. Maybe time for some newer technology

Hey, we are FILM photographers here !! 1998 is even a little TOO advanced for many of us (LOL)

 

[removedacct3]

Maybe time for some newer technology

No no no! The fun is to get the most of old technology. It is a game. At the moment the scanner is in the lead, but the race is not over yet.

 

[removedacct3]

I've managed to get the Canon FS 2710 Service Manual. A guy on Ebay is selling these in PDF form. My problem is in the manual with a simple solution; clean the mirror. Hmm, looks like I'm in business to do my own servicing ....

 

[wblynch]

Keep us updated. I will probably have to clean mine soon as well.

 

[removedacct3]

Keep us updated. I will probably have to clean mine soon as well.

I will, but do not expect updates any time soon. Seems like a job for a long, dark and rainy day.

 

[removedacct3]

... and it is done! The smears are gone. I successfully cleaned the mirror with compressed air, acetone and cotton swabs. The only thing I had to do was to remove the case. The mirror was clearly visible and easily accessible. If it was not for the Canon service manual I would not have taken this action.

I did not do any extensive testing, but on first sight the smears are gone (that I know for sure) and the scans appear to be sharper that V700 scans of the same negative.

I'm very happy with my obsolete SCSI dedicated filmscanner.