Whats wrong with my scanner?

lawnmowerman · August 27, 2006 2:33PM

We purchased a Lexmark scanner a few months ago. My scans seem to be getting worse. Here is an example of two scans. The first one is not from my scanner

Look at how white the flip is on the first scan and its really clear. My scan the flip looks off-white and dull.

I am scanning at 300dpi

Any ideas?

Thanks

matt

zef204 · August 27, 2006 2:51PM

What model is it? I bought a scanner recently and it was somewhat pricey, I think in the $275 range. It's a multi function thingy but the scans are sweet.

As for the color, I don't know if there is an option on the scan for that. You may have a setting when you crop and save that might fcuk with it but from the scan side, if thats how it goes I think your up the creek.

lawnmowerman · August 27, 2006 2:54PM

zef

I think it was the best one at the store we bought it at. Its a Lexmark x7170. I dont get it. When I first got it, the scans were great. Now they look terrrible.

Matt

zef204 · August 27, 2006 2:59PM

<< zef

I think it was the best one at the store we bought it at. Its a Lexmark x7170. I dont get it. When I first got it, the scans were great. Now they look terrrible.

Matt >>

Have you cleaned the glass?

lawnmowerman · August 27, 2006 3:03PM

Yup, Still bad

At least on a positive note, I just ordered 14 wax boxes of early '90s football from bbcardexchange. It only cost 162.00

I feel better now

Matt

pandrews · August 27, 2006 3:15PM

<< Whats wrong with my scanner? >>

in my professional opinion, i diagnose it as "gradually keeps sucking worser than it did the day before"..

lawnmowerman · August 27, 2006 3:17PM

<< 

<< Whats wrong with my scanner? >>

in my professional opinion, i diagnose it as "gradually keeps sucking worser than it did the day before".. >>

I will concur or something.

storm888 · August 27, 2006 4:49PM

I am using the same model.

If you hate the scans, you might try using a different
picture manager. Also, go to their site and download
the latest versions of their software.

Try not using the "quick fix" button, and using the manual
adjustments first.

Also, the other card you showed for comparison could
have been brightened up or otherwise adjusted manually.

The X7170 is pretty cheap and I think it may be on the near
obsolete list. I have had it for more than a year. I am
satisfied with the scans, but I am not looking for super
high end pix.

The printer part of the X7170 has been a pain in the neck.
It never wants to grab the paper when it should. I have
to jiggle it and respond to repeated error messages. The
paper-grabber thingey spins and spins, but seldom grabs
the paper without my help.

I do not think I would buy another one of their scanners.

storm

exodia · August 28, 2006 4:25AM

My sure you have the latest driver for the scanner.

The lexmark site should have the latest driver.

Also try a computer help site.

I use Bleepingcomputer.com.

The advice is pretty good and they tolerate PC dummies like me

jfkheat · August 28, 2006 9:08AM

I have a Canon scanner. I can scan flat items with no problem but when trying to scan a slabbed cards, the scans come out too dark. Any ideas what I can do to make them better?
James

lawnmowerman · August 28, 2006 9:19AM

<< I have a Canon scanner. I can scan flat items with no problem but when trying to scan a slabbed cards, the scans come out too dark. Any ideas what I can do to make them better?
James >>

I have the perfect solution for both of our scanners. I will "send it over" to you when I am through with it.

ps I will give you a 3 day advanced notice

matt

5STAT · August 28, 2006 10:17AM

as for scans coming out too dark....leave the cover open instead of putting it down on the card. Get a piece of white paper and just cover your cards with that as a background.

Note:if you have dark cards...like 85 Donruss..86 Donruss..71 Topps...use a white back ground..
If the cards are light...use a black pice of paper...it will add more definition to your cards..

As for the flips being too dark lawnmowerman....try another dpi...I scan at 200 dpi....100% size....and then, if necessary...resize after the scan comes out.
Also...check your sharpness....you can add or take away depending on your scanner.....

Go with a bigger scan...it takes longer...but is worth it in the long run.

storm888 · August 28, 2006 10:20AM

"I have a Canon scanner. I can scan flat items with no problem but when trying to scan a slabbed cards, the scans come out too dark. Any ideas what I can do to make them better?"
James

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Try not closing the lid at all. Instead, place a big piece
of colored craft-paper over the card on the bed. Make
sure that as little light as possible is coming in under
the craft-paper. Should help some.

If you have just been closing the lid and leaving a
big crack at the non-hinge side, that will tend to
cause the darker images. Also, you might try the
fix-it software that came with your scanner to
rehab the images if they are still too dark.

storm

jfkheat · August 28, 2006 10:42AM

Thanks for the responses. I have tried covering the card with a towel to keep out some of the light but it didn't help. I'll try scanning with the lid open.
James

brianwintersfan · August 28, 2006 10:56AM

A lot of scan issues with graded cards can have to do with the type of scanner you are using. You need a CCD scanner to do a good job on graded cards because they handle the depth or thickness of a graded card better than a regular scanner.

5STAT · August 28, 2006 12:40PM

CCD....

flashback...thought I was going off to Catholic classes again with Sister Paula and her wooden ruler...

5STAT · August 28, 2006 1:27PM

Matt,
Mine seems to work fine...

brianwintersfan · August 28, 2006 1:37PM

<< CCD.... flashback...thought I was going off to Catholic classes again with Sister Paula and her wooden ruler... >>

Stone193 · August 28, 2006 1:44PM

<< CCD....

flashback...thought I was going off to Catholic classes again with Sister Paula and her wooden ruler... >>

Well now...

Isn't that special...

meuandthelot · August 28, 2006 2:05PM

The Lexmark center's scan settings have always worked fine on mine, but 150dpi & text/pic seems best.

http://www.scantips.com/

Seems like it has contained answers for most of my snafu's.

good Luck

Stone193 · August 28, 2006 2:12PM

Matt - this one was scanned at 250dpi and not run thru HP photo program - so it used a lot of memory at over 135k.

The two were run thru the HP photo program which gave me the capability to "compress" the file at two levels. The one on the left at 100kb and the right at 27kb - I can't tell a big difference.

The one above does seem to have more clarity - this is a very old scanner - the underside of the class is really dirty but I'm not about to take it apart right now.

But, the plastic isn't as crisp as the first one you showed - is this age? Or the best the scanner with do?
Don't know.

Just wanted to illustrate the way the scanner works at 3 different kb levels.
mike

5STAT · August 28, 2006 4:26PM

Cummon Stone...you just wanted to show that card off...admit it....lol

mittec · August 5, 2010 1:01PM

Whats wrong with my scanner?

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