Scanner no longer makes sharp images

[John Forest]

I have a Canoscan 8400F scanner which I use for scanning negatives and
slides as well as run of the mill flat bed scanning. Previously it made
beautiful scans from my slides and negatives, but it now gives very soft
results, so that a scan from a 35mm negative at 3200 PPI is only suitable
for a print of about 5 X 7 inches. Any one have any ideas about what has
happened and what I could do to correct it?

 

[CSM1]

I have a Canoscan 8400F scanner which I use for scanning negatives and
slides as well as run of the mill flat bed scanning. Previously it made
beautiful scans from my slides and negatives, but it now gives very soft
results, so that a scan from a 35mm negative at 3200 PPI is only suitable
for a print of about 5 X 7 inches. Any one have any ideas about what has
happened and what I could do to correct it?

Maybe a thorough cleaning of the lens, mirrors and filters might help.

Dust gets on everything.
Even if you do not have a color problem, you can still clean the scanner
well.
http://www.carlmcmillan.com/CanonScanner/Canon.htm