[filmscanners] Re: Nikon Coolscan V ED

["Arthur Entlich" <artistik@shaw.ca>]

Somewhat along the same lines, it may be worthwhile to slightly warm up
your scanner either by bringing it into a warmer part of your home, or
even using a space heater to bring it up to perhaps 80 degrees F or so.
  If it has been sitting a long time and is in a part of your home which
is cool or even cold this time of year, the lubricant might have not
only stiffened up from evaporation, but also from being chilled.

Warming it may just reduce the viscosity enough to get things moving.
Don't overheat it, as this may cause other problems, but I'd think
80-even 90 degrees F is safe since ambient room temperatures can easily
get that warm during the summer season.

Art

Peter Marquis-Kyle wrote:

> Berry Ives wrote:
>
>>I hadn't used my film scanner for several months.  Now when I try to start
>>up the Nikon Scan 4 software, it gives me a hardware error:
>>
>>"The scanner has reported a hardware error.  Please reset the scanner by
>>switching on and off.  If this does not work, please contact your local
>>Nikon Service or Support office."
>>
>>I tried turning it on and off several times and repeating the software
>>startup, and the same error repeats.
>>
>>I don't know what changed since I last used it.  Perhaps some other software
>>is not compatible?  Of course, that would not be a "hardware error."
>>
>>Any suggestions?
>
>
> I have seen similar errors with Nikon LS-30 and LS-2000 scanners, and I
> have a suggestion for you. Since you are using NikonScan 4 I assume you
> are using a more recent scanner than mine, so what I am about to say may
> not be relevant.
>
> The carriage inside the scanner that carries the light source and sensor
> array is driven back and forth by a lead screw. The lead screw is
> rotated by a stepper motor.
>
> The lead screw is lubricated with some sort of grease. The grease may
> get stiffer over time and/or the carriage can get stuck to the lead
> screw if the scanner sits unused. The best fix is probably to clean the
> lead screw and replace the lubricant -- a job for someone who knows what
> they are doing, and they might as well thoroughly clean the optics while
> the machine is dismantled on the bench.
>
> But there is something you can do that does not require special skill:
> Unplug the scanner, remove the film holder, undo some screws at the
> back, and slide off the metal case. Remove the plastic front cover.
> Below the squarish opening where the film holder slides in you'll see
> the end of the lead screw -- it looks like a slotted screw head. With a
> screwdriver rotate the lead screw back and forth to make sure it is not
> stuck. Put the covers back on, plug it in, and see if it works now.
>
> If you are lucky, the problem will be solved.
>
> Please let us know how you get on.
>
> Peter Marquis-Kyle
> www.marquis-kyle.com.au
>
>

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