[filmscanners] Re: Warning and huge disappointment: Minolta Scan Elite II shadow b

[TonySleep@halftone.co.uk]

On Mon, 31 Dec 2001 15:02:36 +0100  Ralf Schmode (rschmode@gmx.net) wrote:

> Please have a look at http://schmode.net/banding.jpg (the slide isn't
> sharp but it shows the effect). I have used excessive gamma to bring out
> the problem. This is definitely not on the film, it is caused by the
> scanner.

Yes, well it looks as if it has a dead pixel group, in the CCD, and Minolta
must change it. Unfortunately it's not an uncommon fault, though Minolta
seems to use CCD's which are more prone than most. Minolta QC doesn't seem
good enough to stop them reaching retailers :(

There's a fair chance it could be a bit of dirt or packaging rubbish on the
CCD face. You might want to try an air duster, but be very careful not to
squirt a jet of liquid propellant into the scanner.

BTW - about the noise : if you do this sort of thing to *any* CCD scanner
you will find a certain amount (and often quite a lot) of utter
horribleness is exposed. Things that are happening down in the noise floor
really don't matter so long as they aren't seen in normal use. All CCD's
produce noise, and scanner electronics can modulate that, and it is always
different in each channel. But if it's way below any black point you'll
set, it will all just comes out as ~R0 G0 B0, which is fine.


Regards

Tony Sleep
http://www.halftone.co.uk - Online portfolio & exhibit; + film scanner info
& comparisons
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