minolta scanelite 5400 lamp life expectancy?

[false_dmitrii]

Hi,

Having read of the long-term degradation and expensive replacement
options of fluorescent scanner lamps vs. LEDs, I'd like to hear how
long it's taken SE5400 users to start seeing a difference. I'm still
leaning a bit toward purchasing the Minolta rather than the pricey
Nikon 5000ED/LS-50. I'd probably approach 2000 scans or so within a
year, not counting the extra preview passes, etc., that are part of
normal workflow, and not counting the trial and error period when I
start using the scanner (it'll be my first). I'm also expecting heavy
up-front use as I go through my old negatives, so the scanner will be
hit with a lot of those in a short time--many hours a day for a few
weeks, probably. Sorry to be vague, but until I get one I won't know
my true usage pattern.

Do you think the SE5400's lamp will show any signs of wear for the
amount of use I've described? Would 2000 pictures barely affect it,
or run it down?

Also, somewhat unrelated, does the scanner stand up to sustained use,
or is it critical to give it regular cool-down time? I've seen some
of the tales of permanent post-heat lines in shadows.

Thanks,
false_dmitrii

 

[Ken]

Also, somewhat unrelated, does the scanner stand up to sustained use,
or is it critical to give it regular cool-down time? I've seen some
of the tales of permanent post-heat lines in shadows.

Can you give more information (URL ?) on the post-heat lines ?

 

[false_dmitrii]

Can you give more information (URL ?) on the post-heat lines ?

Sorry for the delay. I think this is where I saw it (link assembly
required?):

http://groups.google.com/groups?q=g...-8&[email protected]

The whole thread addresses what appears to be the dominant technical
problem with the SE5400, akin to the Coolscan/LS4000's limited focus
depth. I've seen the line problem mentioned elsewhere, but perhaps
not in relation to overheating.

I don't mean to suggest that the line noise is a widespread issue,
just that I haven't seen ay other SE5400 shortcomings get as much
attention. *Are* there any other major problems with it? Most other
complaints seem to be about minor design compromises in overall
excellent performance.

Can anyone comment on my original lamp life question?

false_dmitrii

 

[Ken]

Sorry for the delay. I think this is where I saw it (link assembly
required?):

http://groups.google.com/groups?q=g:thl3701891107d&dq=&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=U
TF-8&selm=1067124533.10152.0%40lotis.uk.clara.net

The whole thread addresses what appears to be the dominant technical
problem with the SE5400, akin to the Coolscan/LS4000's limited focus
depth. I've seen the line problem mentioned elsewhere, but perhaps
not in relation to overheating.

I don't mean to suggest that the line noise is a widespread issue,
just that I haven't seen ay other SE5400 shortcomings get as much
attention. *Are* there any other major problems with it? Most other
complaints seem to be about minor design compromises in overall
excellent performance.

Can anyone comment on my original lamp life question?

Thanks, I would have replied earlier but I have been away. I have
another Minolta scanner (Dual Scan 3) but problems with scan lines seem
to involve all Minolta scanners.

Originally problem only occurred with Vuescan not Minolta software
(better calibration ?) but now seems to occur with both. Problem is very
temperature sensitive and it can be rather warm here (Australia) at the
moment. Will do some more testing.