Are the lamps in my flatbed scanner dying

[CosteaM]

I just noticed the other day while scanning some negs that I'm getting a vertical dark band on all my scans. I'm

running an Epson Perfection 4180. First I though my light seals are gone on my Hassy back but next day I scanned

120 film from my Rolleicord and got the exact same problem. Has anyone experienced such thing? My scanner is

about two years old and definitely don't expect it to die so soon. If I get to change the pair of lamps in the lid I should

be fine but don't know if replacements are available. Damn, I'm pissed. Thanks for any help.

[rnt]

Post an example? Does it do it without the negs?

[CosteaM]

Robert, I'm at work now; I will post two negs this evening, one from the Hassy the other from the Rollei.

Funny thing is that looking at the negs with a magnifier glas you cannot see the same dark pattern, it must be from the scanner (the pair of fluorecent lamps in the lid).

Any input from people having this experience is much appreciated. thanks

[jtk]

Try uninstalling and reinstalling your scanning application. That was sometimes necessary with a non-photo scanner. Also try locating your scanner a few feet further from your monitor or from anything that consumes electricity.

[colin_mattson1]

Are you using the film holders properly?

 

Most of the Epsons need to calibrate themselves using open areas on the film holders. If you're not using one or being

sloppy with the positioning, you'll get bands.

[CosteaM]

thanks for the suggestions so far. I'm familiar with the scanning procedure, I've scanned hundreds of negs with the same film holders. What has changed recently now that you mentione it is the position of the scanner. I move it closer to my monitor due to wire limitations. I will move the scanner farther away from the monitor and try scanning again.

here are two pictures just to have an idea

<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/2881075112_012e838780.jpg?v=0"><p>

<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2880240243_23955c8770.jpg?v=0"><p>

[custom film holders for fl]

The static lamps in the lid of this scanner are the weak link in its design. There are a couple of tubes in the lid and you are now seeing that they are not providing enough and/or "even" coverage. My guess is that maybe the tubes are starting to dim with age. You can try to introduce more diffusion via frosted plastic but I think things might continue to get worse. Your images are worth upgrading to a V500 or refurbished 4490 (Epson Store). These have the moving light bar instead of the static tubes like the 3170 and 4180.

[jtk]

The samples do not seem to indicate the software or monitor-proximity problems I suggested...those would have been sharper-edged lines or squiggles, I think.

 

HOWEVER, the upper image (if not the lower) shows a film development problem...if not the dark area at least the spots within the dark area...they look like embedded (chemical?) solids, not mere surface dust.

[CosteaM]

John, in one of my above posts I said that dark areas cannot be seen with a loupe when looking closely at the negatives. I think Doug nailed, I'm really upset that I have to change the scanner after two years only. I will shoot an email to Epson to see if they have other suggestions but I don't hold my breath.

Thank you all for your input. be good