CCD issue with Minolta Dimage Scan Multi Pro ?

<p>Hi -<br>

I have a 9 year old Minolta Dimage Scan Multi Pro (and I'll never get used to typing all that in). In the last few days it has started producing scans with a 1-pixel deep red horizontal line across most of the frame. Initially I thought it might be a scratch on the Scanhancer, but it seems not.<br>

I've been assuming it was living on borrowed time for quite a while. This seems to be an issue with the CCD. Has anybody had a similar experience, or have any advice. Could be the end of film scanning for me - I can't see any viable alternatives.</p>

<p>David</p>

<p>I have a Multi II about the same age, and I've been lucky so far (now knocking on wood), but it's just a matter of time. Basically, there is no support left for these scanners. Sony apparently picked up support responsibility in 2006, but it appears to be limited to providing manuals and Minolta software. Repairs? Fuggedaboudit. And, it looks like the only way to get parts is to buy another Multi on eBay, for instance, and cannibalize it. Since I switched to digital about two years ago, my scanning days are about done, anyway, so I'm not losing any sleep over it.</p>

<p>There is a work-around for the CCD problem: If you're using Photoshop, you can use the clone stamp, healing brush and/or crop tool to eliminate the line. It might be worth a shot if you're going to continue scanning. Either that, or shop around for one of the latest generation of scanners...</p>

<p>I don't own a Minolta scanner but be sure the calibration area is clean. I've also seen discussions of people seeing the need to clean the mirrors on their scanners. This is all general advice and not Minolta specific.</p>

<p>I have wondered about cleaning. I've never even opened it up, but I'm a bit wary of wrecking something like mirror alignment or whatever. As it is now, actually the line is easy to remove by isolating the red channel in Photoshop, selecting a 3px high rectangle and apply dust & scratches....</p>

<p>There is a Yahoo group on MF Minolta scanners (so I don't have to type in the name of your scanner) - mostly European folks...They are very wise, and I highly recommend becoming a member there:</p>

<p>http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/multipro/</p>

<p>Hi Robert,<br>

Thanks for the pointer. I was a subscriber to the Yahoo group way back, but in general I find Yahoo forums so hopeless to navigate that I gave up. I've had a look now, and there are some people with the same problem, so useful research.</p>