Epson 3200 Advice

[bhatasub7]

I'm have a concern with my scanner (my first one) and would like some advice.

I uploaded some samples:
http://home.earthlink.net/~bhatasub107/epson3200test.htm

For these tests I scan without any color correction. These scans
were done using Vuescan but I get similar results with Epson's software.

The first test is scanning just the white of the scanner cover. I was
expecting a uniform color. However I'm getting a white band on top.
More so, I'm getting gray for the rest of the scan.

The 2nd test, I mark the corner of a 8.5" sheet of paper. I place it
face down flush to the top-right corner of the glass. The top-left
corner of the paper is getting clipped.

Are either of these issues:
* Common to scanners?
* Common to Epson 3200?

i.e. do I have a problem with my scanner or am I asking too much
from my scanner?

Thanks.

 

[-]

The band at the top showed up on my scanner. I figured it was due to the
use of soft material on the underside of the transparency cover/insert which
just curls at the edge under pressure of the lid.

The second issue you raise is normal, too. I believe there is a note
somewhere in the users guide commenting on the fact that the scanner does
not scan the whole width of the glass bed.

Doug

 

[Andy Hewitt]

The band at the top showed up on my scanner. I figured it was due to the
use of soft material on the underside of the transparency cover/insert which
just curls at the edge under pressure of the lid.

The second issue you raise is normal, too. I believe there is a note
somewhere in the users guide commenting on the fact that the scanner does
not scan the whole width of the glass bed.

Yes, I've found this with my 3200 as well, it seems to band along the
edges, and is greyish in the middle on mine too. However, I've not had
the same results with VueScan, I get comnpletely washed out images using
that.

The EpsonScan software seems to do the job though, and as I've just
scanned in about 600 photos, I found the multiple image handling a
complete godsend.

 

[bhatasub7]

Yes, I've found this with my 3200 as well, it seems to band along the
edges, and is greyish in the middle on mine too. However, I've not had
the same results with VueScan, I get comnpletely washed out images using
that.

The EpsonScan software seems to do the job though, and as I've just
scanned in about 600 photos, I found the multiple image handling a
complete godsend.

I'm curious, are you using the Epson software because Vuescan is
washed out or because the Epson software has multiple image handling?
Vuescan can be configured to handle multiple images, though the images
have to be the same size (I think).

So, is this common with other scanners (the gray-ness)?

Thanks.

 

[Andy Hewitt]

I'm curious, are you using the Epson software because Vuescan is
washed out or because the Epson software has multiple image handling?
Vuescan can be configured to handle multiple images, though the images
have to be the same size (I think).

Both. I have tried both softwares at their defaults, and also trying to
compensate for the errors, but ES does seem to make a better job.
Personally I prefer to create a raw file without any adjustments during
the scan, and use my editing software to complete the tweaks.

I do know that VS can handle multiple images, but it's nothing like as
simple to use. In ES I can very quickly mask a varying quantity of
images, all different sizes and orientations.

So, is this common with other scanners (the gray-ness)?

Yes. My Umax 3400 had the same effect. To test the scanner properly I
think you should be buying a reference sheet.

 

[bhatasub7]

Both. I have tried both softwares at their defaults, and also trying to

compensate for the errors, but ES does seem to make a better job.
Personally I prefer to create a raw file without any adjustments during
the scan, and use my editing software to complete the tweaks.

Do you use any color management system or do you manually tweak?

I do know that VS can handle multiple images, but it's nothing like as
simple to use. In ES I can very quickly mask a varying quantity of
images, all different sizes and orientations.

Oh. Never tried it for prints. Only with negatives.

Yes. My Umax 3400 had the same effect. To test the scanner properly I
think you should be buying a reference sheet.

What are reference sheets?

 

[Andy Hewitt]

Do you use any color management system or do you manually tweak?

No, as I may use my images for all sorts of things, I tend to use no CMM
at all, I just tweak it to like right on screen at the time.

I use CMMs at the time I am compiling images for a particular job, if I
am printing I will add the printer CMM at that time. Mostly though they
are viewed on screen here, which could be a Formac 17" Gallery, and iMac
15" CRT, or a PC with a LG 14" CRT. Quite a few are sent around the
family too, so again colour management isn't really worth doing.

Oh. Never tried it for prints. Only with negatives.

I see.

I didn't know the 3200 could do them?

What are reference sheets?

You can get them in good photo shops - Jessops in the UK do them. They
are a sheet that is used to scan a set of reference images (where the
colour/shade is know), you then compare the scanned image to a reference
chart and calibrate that way. It's not as accurate as a proper
calibrating gizmo, but it's a hell of a lot cheaper.

 

[-]

You can get them in good photo shops - Jessops in the UK do them. They

are a sheet that is used to scan a set of reference images (where the
colour/shade is know), you then compare the scanned image to a reference
chart and calibrate that way. It's not as accurate as a proper
calibrating gizmo, but it's a hell of a lot cheaper.

Here is a good place for reasonably priced reference targets:
http://www.targets.coloraid.de/

Doug

 

[bhatasub7]

Here is a good place for reasonably priced reference targets:

http://www.targets.coloraid.de/

Oh, you mean IT8's!

Thanks....