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Epson perfection v700 photo scanner settings and tips.

I have an epson perfection v700 photo scanner that I use to scan sports cards. Some of my scans of chrome cards appear slightly darker than the actual card. I have attached an example image of one of the scans below. What are the recommened scanner settings for scanning cards on the epson v700 as well as any scanning tips in general? Any help is appreciated, Thanks in advance!

Comments

  • NGS428NGS428 Posts: 2,324 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Thanks for posting my guide!

    @Romulus_ chrome cards are tough. You could try some of the tips in the refractor card section of the guide, but I am not too sure you will see any great improvements. Let me know if you have any questions. The guide is linked in my signature too. Good luck!

  • Thank you @beachbumcollecting and @NGS428 for the help! I really appreciate it,

  • dictoresnodictoresno Posts: 1,003 ✭✭✭✭✭

    yea chrome cards almost ALWAYS scan dark like that. completely normal. I was able to play with my settings well enough to get this card to show very close to what it should, although base chrome Topps cards still show mostly dark. the below Heritage Chrome used to show much darker on my V370, but on my V600 it shows a little lighter. I think I played with the gamma to help.


    myslabs.to/smzcards

  • stwainfanstwainfan Posts: 1,533 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I got a new Epson XP-4105 printer. I am trying to scan. This is the best so far. Can someone help?

    I collect hall of fame rookie cards, https://www.instagram.com/stwainfan/

  • NGS428NGS428 Posts: 2,324 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 8, 2022 6:20AM

    @stwainfan said:
    I got a new Epson XP-4105 printer. I am trying to scan. This is the best so far. Can someone help?

    Unfortunately the Epson XP-4105 is a CIS type scanner, so it will not produce a clear image when you try to scan PSA graded cards. If you purchased this all-in-one scanner solely for scanning graded cards, I would consider returning it. It will scan raw cards just fine.

    The recommended scanner for PSA cards is the Epson V600, it is a CCD type scanner. The Epson V370, V37 or V850 are also other CCD options. Take a look at my signature for my guide on scanning. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!

  • stwainfanstwainfan Posts: 1,533 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @NGS428 said:

    @stwainfan said:
    I got a new Epson XP-4105 printer. I am trying to scan. This is the best so far. Can someone help?

    Unfortunately the Epson XP-4105 is a CIS type scanner, so it will not produce a clear image when you try to scan PSA graded cards. If you purchased this all-in-one scanner solely for scanning graded cards, I would consider returning it. It will scan raw cards just fine.

    The recommended scanner for PSA cards is the Epson V600. The Epson V370, V37 or V850 are also other options. Take a look at my signature for my guide on scanning. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!

    Ok thanks

    I collect hall of fame rookie cards, https://www.instagram.com/stwainfan/

  • dictoresnodictoresno Posts: 1,003 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 9, 2022 8:31PM

    Side note for Epson users....

    I came across a YouTube video where the guy scanning PSA graded cards had a 4-holed template that sits on the platen to perfectly line up and scan 4 PSA graded cards at once. I was used to using a toploader to align the cards on the scanner bed but they weren't always perfectly square. I found out in the description where he sourced it online so I ordered one. the templates are made to order and work great. they are made in black and come with a black backing plate to put on top of the scanned cards. definitely a must have for people scanning lots of cards at once into their collection or registry.

    https://pokedreamer.com/products/4-slab-scanner-bed-template-for-epson-scanners

    myslabs.to/smzcards

  • stwainfanstwainfan Posts: 1,533 ✭✭✭✭✭

    How is this scan?

    I collect hall of fame rookie cards, https://www.instagram.com/stwainfan/

  • NGS428NGS428 Posts: 2,324 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @stwainfan said:
    How is this scan?

    Better. Scanning with the lid up in a dark room will help this card out (and really all cards). @1951WheatiesPremium mentioned this in the monthly thread. It is also in my guide.

    You are still losing some clarity on the card (pay attention to the edges). Did you pick a new scanner up? Thanks!

  • stwainfanstwainfan Posts: 1,533 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Yes I got the Epson V600 photo scanner.

    I collect hall of fame rookie cards, https://www.instagram.com/stwainfan/

  • NGS428NGS428 Posts: 2,324 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @stwainfan said:
    Yes I got the Epson V600 photo scanner.

    I would recommend reviewing my guide to get the full impact of the V600. It will get there!

  • stwainfanstwainfan Posts: 1,533 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @NGS428 said:

    @stwainfan said:
    Yes I got the Epson V600 photo scanner.

    I would recommend reviewing my guide to get the full impact of the V600. It will get there!

    Ok that was my first scan. I am still learning how to use it. I am going to rescan all my cards.

    I collect hall of fame rookie cards, https://www.instagram.com/stwainfan/

  • NGS428NGS428 Posts: 2,324 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 11, 2022 2:58PM

    @stwainfan said:

    @NGS428 said:

    @stwainfan said:
    Yes I got the Epson V600 photo scanner.

    I would recommend reviewing my guide to get the full impact of the V600. It will get there!

    Ok that was my first scan. I am still learning how to use it. I am going to rescan all my cards.

    Using the guide it they should look something like this:

    Notice the black background, edge/corner clarity, etc...

    I get pretty particular about cropping. Make sure the card is straight on the scanner bed. You will be going strong in no time! Good luck.

  • dictoresnodictoresno Posts: 1,003 ✭✭✭✭✭

    a good way to get it lined up straight is put a top loader on the scanner bed and then slide the slab up to it. then crop properly after the scan.

    I keep my V600 on continuous exposure, 1.8 gamma, with the auto exposure level right in the middle. I always scan with the lid up (doesnt need to be in a dark room, just the lid up should do it). the only time I scan lid down is for translucent/acetate cards so their colors show in the scan. otherwise they appear way too dark.


    myslabs.to/smzcards

  • rugbymarinerugbymarine Posts: 421 ✭✭✭✭

    I wanted to chime in here. @NGS428 and his guide have been an immense help. Ever since I first owned graded cards, I have enjoyed scanning my cards and being able to peruse them digitally. But until a year ago, I had used an All-in-One style scanners. In his guide, Nic explains the differences between scanner types well, and everyone should definitely read that. I knew about the differences, but never prioritized having one of the CCD-style scanners. When I finished my Brooks Robinson set last year, my 'reward' to myself for finishing the set was to buy an Epson V600. I was blown away by the improvement in scan quality of graded cards. I make it a point to look through my physical collection often, but I look at the scans ALL THE TIME. It has also reinforced the importance of focus and registration with the cards I buy for my collection.

    As for the questions on scanning chrome cards, Nic discusses that in his guide as well. The purpose of the shiny surface of chromes and refractors is to "catch" and reflect light differently as the angle between your eyes and the card surface changes. The issue it that the card is stationary when it is scanned., so a scan will never fully capture that effect. I agree with the notion mentioned above that scans of raw chrome cards look better in general than scans of graded chrome cards. Another minor point is that when held in hand (and tilted back and forth), modern refractors look VERY different than their 'standard' chrome counterparts. But when scanned, I only notice a minor color difference between chromes and refractors.

  • NGS428NGS428 Posts: 2,324 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @rugbymarine thanks for the kind words! Good to see the guide put to use! You surely have the process down and things are looking great!

  • stwainfanstwainfan Posts: 1,533 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I did a scan with the lid up and the lid down. I didn't move the card.
    Here is lid up.

    Here is lid down.

    Why is the size different?

    I collect hall of fame rookie cards, https://www.instagram.com/stwainfan/

  • daltexdaltex Posts: 3,486 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @stwainfan said:

    Why is the size different?

    Your photo software. You likely have it set to crop your images, and with the lid up it thinks the ceiling is art of what you wanted to capture.

    I haven't read @NGS428 's guide above. Is it only based on hardware or also software?

    In any event, open the darker image in MS Paint and fool around with it for a while. I think you'll like the results.

  • dictoresnodictoresno Posts: 1,003 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @stwainfan said:
    I did a scan with the lid up and the lid down. I didn't move the card.
    Here is lid up.

    Here is lid down.

    Why is the size different?

    scanner seems to have auto cropped when the lid is down, but when the lid is up it scans the entire image of the platen (clean yours by the way).

    if you scan a single picture or small piece of paper with the lid down, it will auto crop to the size of the image. theres a setting I think where you can change that.

    myslabs.to/smzcards

  • rugbymarinerugbymarine Posts: 421 ✭✭✭✭

    @daltex said:

    @stwainfan said:

    Why is the size different?

    Your photo software. You likely have it set to crop your images, and with the lid up it thinks the ceiling is art of what you wanted to capture.

    I haven't read @NGS428 's guide above. Is it only based on hardware or also software?

    In any event, open the darker image in MS Paint and fool around with it for a while. I think you'll like the results.

    BOTH! He covers both in great detail. Step by step pictures. Above and beyond.

    Everyone, download and read the guide!

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