Epson 4990 Issue

[Harley Goldman]

I am using Silverfast Ai with my 4990. Recently I have been noticing that all of my prescans have been coming out rather dark after resetting both the histogram and gradient adjustment windows. I have had to slide the midtones way, way to the left in the histogram to lighten the images enough for the scans to be even close to matching the chrome. The scanner does not have very many miles on it, but I am wondering if the bulb might be going? Some kind of pilot error? I recently recalibrated it using the target that I got with Ai. Not sure what else I can do.

[Kirk Gittings]

I haven't done this in awhile, but try deleting the settings folder in SF in the applications folder. That is the only way to get a true global reset in SF. Even a reinstall of SF will keep the folder. You have to do it manually. That is delete the settings folder in your Application Data/user name/documents and settings. If I remember right.

[Harley Goldman]

I deleted the file and there is no change. I also tried Epson scan and the same thing is happening with Epson. Leads me to believe it is the scanner?

[Kirk Gittings]

If it happening in both softwares, I suspect it is some hardware issue. Too bad.

[Kirk Gittings]

A real long shot.....turn off the machine, unplug machine, unplug the lid, wait ten seconds-reverse proceedure.

[Harley Goldman]

Thanks for the tip, but unfortunately, unplugging everything did not make a difference. I had a 4870 die on me about 1-1/2 years ago. This is the replacement. Looks like I just have bad luck with scanners! I have scanned several images recently that I could not get to look right, no matter how many times I tried. Seems it is a hardware error rather than a pilot error. A small consolation.

I will be looking forward to Ted's review of the Microtek in the upcoming VC mag. I guess I am in the market for a new scanner.

[Wayne]

Make sure to send it back to Epson so Steve can get his refurbished 4990. :)

[Dave Moeller]

Have you tried the scanner with the Epson Scan utility? If Epson Scan is giving bad results, then you likely have a hardware issue. If not, then Silverfast is the culprit.

[John Hannon]

I would also try it on another computer to make sure it is not a driver conflict or a problem with USB etc.

[Doug Fisher]

Are you sure you have the film holder oriented correctly on the bed so the calibration gap is toward the top, that no film or anything else is covering the calibration gap and that the glass underneath the calibraition area is absolutely spotless?

Doug
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www.BetterScanning.com

[steve barry]

HA...thanks Wayne

[Harley Goldman]

I will double check the calibration area tonight, but I wipe the glass before each scan with an anti-static cloth and blow it with a bulb blower. I cleaned the underside of the glass not too long ago (within the last couple of months) and it still looks clear, but I will check it again. Thanks for the tips, Doug.

[rippo]

also, try doing a reflective scan, just to see if that's off or not. if it isn't, then it might be the transparency lamp or some such. if reflective scans are whack as well, then it could still be software/user error, or it could be a different hardware problem.

you could also ask epson...

[Harley Goldman]

Thanks for the continued advice.

I double checked the calibration area and it is very clean. No issues there.

I contacted Epson and they had me do a hardware and Epson software uninstall and reinstall. No improvement. Based on Matt's suggestion, I just did a reflective scan and the unit worked perfectly. Matt, I think you are right about a problem in the transparency unit.