Nikon coolscan 8000 temperature issue

[www.whitemountainphoto.com]

FYI for those who own an 8000 and have had problems with the scanner

not recognizing the film holder, and eventually freezing the

software: I've owned and operated my 8000 for the last few years,

scanning mostly 645 and 35mm slides, and some negs.

 

I've been satisfied with the end reults overall, but have had

technical issues with three of them since my initial purchase. My

most recent problem was that the scanner would have fits recognizing

the film holder. It wouldn't matter which film holder, and there

seemed to be no rhyme or reason when or why. Sometimes it would work

fine at initial start up, sometimes not until three or four times

over hours trying to start it up. Sometimes it would decide after

running for an hour or more properly to not recognize the next

holder. I finally figured out the number one culprit was

temperature. The manual says it should operate fine at 50-95

degrees, but I found out that mine won't operate properly even if

it's 70, and closer to 80. Doesn't matter how long it's on or not.

I keep my gallery around 70, and if I start it up from being cool

over night, it won't work. If I put it near the heater for a while

to warm it some, it works perfectly. Yet if I use it for while and

the temperature drops, it goes right back to it's porblems, which

completely correct themselves again when I warm it up. I know I

should probably send it back for repair, but (a) I've had nothing but

problems with Nikon service, not to mention the ability to talk to

them to get the service (b) need it constantly, and hate to give it

up for time for repair © last Nikon repair on the scanner they sent

it back claiming to have it fixed, but had the same problem

immediately and ended up sending me a replacement.

 

So for now, I find putting an electric blanket on top when running it

works just fine...no issues anymore. Just thought I might save

someone else the frustration of pinning down a similar problem.

 

Dana/<a

href="http://www.whitemountainphoto.com">www.whitemountainphoto.com</a

>

[eric friedemann]

Wow, so far I've gotten off easy:

 

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=006n9R

[www.whitemountainphoto.com]

Eric, lucky you, having to deal with the wonderful level one and two of Nikon tech support, and "oh you'll have to go back to level one again, because we solved your problem (not!) and the problem you have now is different". The whole story dealing with this scanner(s)problems brand new out of the box is waaaay to long and painful to repeat. I must admit that WHEN it works, I've been able to produce some really nice results (should be after the money, time, aggravation and crap to go through to have it work normally. Unfortunately I've bought Nikon equipment all my life for the quality (camera gear), and I'm really leary about buying another Nikon product after the absolutely horrible service and treatment I received. Makes me think seriously about dumping my Nikon gear (ouch!)and going Canon when I add digital. Too bad. Anyway, all the best with your 8000. I hope it keeps running smoothly so you don't have to rely on their tech support or customer service again.

 

Dana

[eric friedemann]

Dana, I have Nikon DSLRs, too. With Nikon's scanners and DSLRs:

 

A. I haven't received value for what I've paid. Also, Nikon has consistently oversold the quality, features and reliability of the digital products I've purchased.

 

B. Though I understand that digital is new for traditional 35mm camera companies, it seems that Nikon has put Beta versions of digital equipment on the market that haven't been adequately tested. If there's a software glitch, yeah, you can bring out firmware version 2.Whatever and hopefully correct the problem. But what you and I have experienced are hardware deficiencies.

 

Similarly, with my D100s, I just sent my second body in because the imaging chip was producing hot pixels that glowed blue-white. Again, not a software problem.

 

C. Call me old-fashioned, but if a company sells a product, I believe they need to provide support for the product. While Nikon's analog Tech Support has never been populated by geniuses, Nikon's digital Tech Support for scanners and digital cameras is almost useless.

[www.whitemountainphoto.com]

Eric, couldn't agree with you more! Reputation and service are paramount in my world! Sheesh, certainly ads to my lack of desire to go Nikon digital...guess I'll stick with my 645 scanning for now (gulp). Good luck with your continued scanning adventures with the 8000!

 

Dana