I need some advice with scanning TPG slabs

Barberian

I used to be able to scan slabs just fine with my old scanner and computer. Unfortunately, my old computer died and my old scanner is not compatible with my new computer. I bought a new scanner/copier (Canon MF4370dn) that works with my new computer, but the scanner doesn't scan slabbed coins well at all. It seems to scan the slab surface, leaving the image of the coin out of focus. Is there any way to adjust the scanner to focus on the coin and not the plastic. (LOL-sounds like a cliche I read on this board.)

19Lyds

I wish I could help because I dread that day when it finally arrives!

Came close last November though. My Xindows XP System died so I replaced it with a (only one available) Windows Vista!

My scanner was an HP3970 which had supporting software which enabled me to set up scan profiles and do zoom's and whatever else I needed. The scanner works with Vista ( ) but the software is totally uncompatible with no replacements.

Stupid Vista! ( )

I know its against the rules to diss PCGS or the other TPG's or even dealers but can I diss WINDOWS VISTA??? ( )

koynekwest

You need a machine that's dedicated to scanning only. The combo scanner/copier/fax things produce a fuzzy picture that's not usable. I've had excellent results with a Microtek 5600-an older model that's currently available from a seller on ebay. Priced OK but his shipping charges are outrageous. Keep an eye out for one-they show up from time to time.

Marauderrt10

the reason its not coming out clearly is because you are using a digital scanner. more than likely your old scanner was an optical which is why the quality was better. personally if you could return the scanner I would invest in a basic point and shoot camera, which will get far better images than any scanner will nowadays

Barberian

I used to have a Epson scanner but it is not compatible with my Toshiba laptop. The coin below was scanned with the Canon "all in one" scanner by placing the coin directly on the glass plate. The scan looks pretty decent to me. I'll have to look up the difference between optical and digital scanners. I thought they were all digital.

After some Googling, I found the reason why I'm having this problem! The Canon scanner uses a color contact image sensor (CIS) system rather than a charged coupled device (CCD) scanner. CCD scanners are optical systems and analog devices that require an analog to digital convertor. CIS systems are digital. CIS systems have less depth capability than CCD scanners. See the linked article for a brief discussion of the differences and a link comparing their respective depth of field. Huge difference. Sheesh...now I have to buy ANOTHER scanner to scan slabs or try to figure out how to take close ups with my Nikon Coolpix. Thanks for helping me out on this.

CIS versus CCD scanners



Edited to add smaller pictures of the 1857-O SLH

Marauderrt10

<< <i>I used to have a Epson scanner but it is not compatible with my Toshiba laptop. The coin below was scanned with the Canon "all in one" scanner by placing the coin directly on the glass plate. The scan looks pretty decent to me. I'll have to look up the difference between optical and digital scanners. I thought they were all digital.

After some Googling, I found the reason why I'm having this problem! The Canon scanner uses a color contact image sensor (CIS) system rather than a charged coupled device (CCD) scanner. CCD scanners are optical systems and analog devices that require an analog to digital convertor. CIS systems are digital. CIS systems have less depth capability than CCD scanners. See the linked article for a brief discussion of the differences and a link comparing their respective depth of field. Huge difference. Sheesh...now I have to buy ANOTHER scanner to scan slabs or try to figure out how to take close ups with my Nikon Coolpix. Thanks for helping me out on this.

CIS versus CCD scanners



Edited to add smaller pictures of the 1857-O SLH >>

Anytime. Just to let you know, a new optical scanner costs a LOT of money, so I would just get a camera personally.

Barberian

My Epson was an optical scanner and cost only about $150. The Canon Canoscan 8800F (CCD), which can scan slide film as well as documents (and coins) has a suggested retail price of $200.

Am I missing something here?

doh

I had that same problem and then I bought a digital camera. Problem solved.

LindeDad

The new all in one scanner, copier, printers are worthless on slabs.
Get a camera and set up a fixed set up for the slabs.