Message-Id: <199702111731.KAA23184@dns.ccit.arizona.edu> Date: Tue, 11 Feb 1997 12:28:04 -0500 From: Joel Wolfson <mailto:DigiWolf@AOL.COM> Subject: Washed out scans To: mailto:IMAGELIB@LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU
> Occasionally images
>scanned have a washed out look - the information is just not there.
>We scan into Photoshop and the only consistent piece of information
>that we can ascertain that indicates it is a problem with the
>scanned file and not the original is that in the bottom left corner
>of the Photoshop screen the right hand figure of the "layers" file
>size information is always lower than the left, whereas a good image
>gives both sizes the same...
>We can place the image at different locations on the
>scanner bed, physically rotate it, switch the computer and scanner
>off for half an hour and still the problem occurs
>Does anyone have an e-mail contact address for Umax - they're very
>shy of giving this on their Web site?
>
>Any suggestions?
>...
>Helen Page, Multimedia Co-ordinator
>State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street,
>Melbourne, Vic 3000 AUSTRALIA
It's difficult to ascertain the problem without seeing the scans. From what you've described, it's difficult to tell if it's a software, firmware, or hardware problem. If it were the scanner itself, you would likely see it washed out all the time or in a certain portion of the image. Keep in mind that "autoadjust" settings on scanners in general are not flawless. It's much like an auto exposure meter on a camera. They'll do a good job 90% of the time but might fail with difficult subjects. However, if it starts washing out images after it heats up, that would indicate a potential hardware problem.
My only suggestion is to show samples to a local scanner expert and/or Umax. I'll pass along some phone numbers, but they are for the U.S. (510) 651-8883, BBS: (510) 651-2550.
Regards,
Joel Wolfson Calumet Digital Systems Phone: (520) 526-3726 E-mail: mailto:digiwolf@infomagic.com