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Scanning cards
jspyke52
Posts: 14 ✭
I have an Epson Flat Bed scanner, where I have been trying to scan my graded cards. I cannot seem to figure out how to scan them correctly. Every time I scan, due to the card being inset, the picture comes out a little blurry. I have it on Picture and reflective mode at 600 dpi. Everything else is turned off. What does everyone else do to get a nice flat picture on a flat bed scanner? Or any suggestions?
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@NGS428 wrote a guide to scanners and he links to it in his signature. There’s a special type of scanner that you need to buy to solve the exact problem you’re describing - without that tech, you won’t get a good scan from a “normal” scanner. I think the guide may offer some improvements, but not sure how crisp you’ll get.
Jim
Thanks for the plug @burghman
@jspyke52 you must have a CIS scanner (probably a V19 or V39 or an all in one). They are thin in profile vs the CCD scanners (Epson V600 (current model) or V370 (discontinued model) are recommended). The CIS scanner type will only be able to keep in focus what is directly touching the bed of the scanner glass, so as you stated, the card being set back is blurry. Unfortunately there isn't anything you can change in the settings to get the scans to look clear.
Please let me know what model you have to confirm.
Please review the guide in my signature and let me know if you have any questions. Unfortunately, the price for the V600 is now $300 at most vendors such as Best Buy, or used for $160 ish on ebay.
CIS Scan:
CCD Scan:
Nic
Guides Authored - Graded Card Scanning Guide PDF | History of the PSA Label PDF
Thanks for the help! I currently have an Epson XP-7100. I believe it is a CIS type, but cannot find any data to support that conclusion. Thanks for the help
Yes, the XP-7100 is an all in one and has a CIS sensor. I verified this with Epson.
There are some Canon options too in CCD (see guide) but you need to make sure they are compatible with your computer OS. Flatbed scanners are a dying breed, but CCD scanners work well for this application.
Nic
Guides Authored - Graded Card Scanning Guide PDF | History of the PSA Label PDF
Thank you for your help and great guide! Any tips for pics/scan of raw chrome cards such as Prizm? I tried playing with the levels but it still comes out dark. Player comes out fine, but the chrome portion comes out really dark.
Chrome/Refractor cards are tough to do on scanners. Scanners will blast a bunch of direct light at the card being scanned, while to get a refractor or chrome card to look “correct” you will more than likely need to play with lighting angles to get the look you want.
The only way to play with lighting angles is by using a camera. Page 33 covers the PhotoScan app, which you could try if you are using a phone.
Not sure what options you have on your model scanner, but page 30 in the guide covers the “show texture” option which can give a different (better?) appearance.
Nic
Guides Authored - Graded Card Scanning Guide PDF | History of the PSA Label PDF
Once again thanks for your help!
I have an old Epson scanner.
I didn't read @NGS428 tutorial; sorry if I'm repeating anything.
I simply scan the card with the lid up in a dark closet.
Really makes the colors pop and you'll get good clarity w/o the backlight
Yeap my front scans pretty well, but the back of the card comes out blurry. It is odd.
When I get home from work I will have to post to show what I am talking about
I know what you're talking about. chrome and prizm type cards always scan dark, even with the V600. its just how they scan.
myslabs.to/smzcards
Sorry got busy last night with the kids after work. But here is what I am talking about with scanning of graded cards.
Both are blurry. The front is a little less, but still blurry. If you want to improve your scans, you will, as I mentioned, get a CCD scanner.
Nic
Guides Authored - Graded Card Scanning Guide PDF | History of the PSA Label PDF
Yeap, I agree! I spent about an hour before giving up before reaching out to here. I thought I was going nuts! Thanks for your help!
CCD tech is the only way to go!
Epson GT-1500 is nice model. I picked up one gently used a year back for $100.
The Plustek Opticpro series is excellent and they have 12x18" models that will do Comics slabs as well. New their 32x series run about $500 on amazon. It's real workhorse for me.
It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
Not even a minute do I buy the whole buh buh buh I'm a man-child japery - Me (2025)
I will be picking up one soon. I am selling enough now that I will benefit from it! Thanks for the help everyone
It does amaze me how many people post high dollar cards and can't afford to get a decent scanner. Mine has paid for itself many times over with the repeat sales I get.
Where do manufactures specify on the scanner if it is a CCD or CIS? I cannot seem to find that anywhere on product boxes or website.
hard to find honestly, as boxes usually won't say. you can get a used Epson V600 for under $200 and a V370 (which I originally scanned with and now selling mine) for under $100.
myslabs.to/smzcards
My guide lists the most common CCD ones available.
Also, you can typically tell just by looking at them. If the scanner is an all in one it is probably a CIS. If the standalone scanner is only an inch thick, probably a CIS. CCD scanners are thicker, 3+ inches.. Dig deep in the specs, download the manual. Should be there somewhere.
Nic
Guides Authored - Graded Card Scanning Guide PDF | History of the PSA Label PDF