[filmscanners] Problem with Nikon SA20 film strip adaptor

["Mike Bloor" <admin@seratel.ie>]

I have asked about this problem before, but I have now managed to narrow
down what is happening.

I have an LS30 with the SA20 motorised film strip adaptor.  This should
take strips of up to six frames.

It works fine with strips of up to three frames.  When I insert any strip
with four frames or more, it is drawn into the scanner, and there is a
series of loud clicking noises.  Scanning software (both Nikon and Vuescan)
does not recognise that the film is there and so will not scan it.

It seems like the noises are gears jumping.  If I take the adaptor apart
after it has drawn in a strip of four or more frames, I can see that the
film was not drawn in enough.  The trailing end of the strip never quite
made it past the sensor which detects the start and end of the strip.  This
is why the scanner does not signal the PC that there is film present and
why the software won't scan.

The adaptor has been back to Nikon once.  They said that they could find no
fault but had cleaned it.  It worked perfectly on return, for about 9
strips, then failed again.  This repair took about two months.

My latest discussion with Nikon does not encourage me to try them again.  I
eventually convinced them that it was not a registry problem.  At this
point I was told "It sounds like it is a problem with the adaptor.  Send
the scanner back to us.  It's up to you whether to send the adaptor."

Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Mike Bloor

-------------------------------------------------
            Seratel Ltd.

       Computer Systems for
     Electronics Manufacturers

         Mulrany, Westport,
         Co. Mayo, Ireland.

           www.seratel.ie

    Telephone: + 353 (0) 98 36244
    Fax:       + 353 (0) 98 36024
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