Help with Nikon Coolscan V ED

[Bike Tourist]

I just decided to return to film. As my reward, my faithful 5+ year old scanner has developed problems. It always worked before with slides and negs, although I thought the software was "tender". I am running the latest NikonScan ver. 4.02.

The problem developed gradually, now it is continuous: The filmstrip unit rejects the film — put it in and it spits it right back out. At first, it would accept film if I tried it repeatedly. Now it just rejects everything.

The film ends are properly trimmed. The film ends are not torn or curled. negs that were previously scanned are now rejected.

I took the film feeder apart per the instructions and cleaned the rollers, although they were not dirty.

I don't think it's a mechanical problem. I wonder if I were to reload NikonScan if that would help?

Any ideas appreciated!

 

[Bike Tourist]

I just uninstalled 4.02 and reinstalled 4.0. No difference. It did accept film once in about ten tries. It must be the scanner!

 

[kully]

I am getting this when I didn't get it before on my V ED too, not continuous, perhaps once per 20 strips. It will take it if I try again on the 2nd/3rd attempt.

I was reading the manual and it said the scanner should be serviced every 2 years, and I've had it 2.5 years now. It's going to Nikon UK next week, will let you know how it comes back.

 

[rogue_designer]

could be a feeler or other sensor that has a glitch and needs resetting/cleaning/replacing.

Sounds annoying. I hope you get it resolved.

 

[Bike Tourist]

Kully —

My scanner works fine with the slide unit in place. I will just send Nikon the SA-21 film strip adapter, as I'm pretty sure that is the only problem area.

 

[Hephaestus]

I had exactly the same problem with my Nikon V ED where the filmstrip adapter would not work but the slide one would. I spoke with Nikon extensively by phone and they advised sending the adapter to them for repair. However, I dropped the filmstrip unit on the floor as I was about to box it up and it came to pieces and when I put it back together it worked fine.

I'm not suggesting that you drop your unit on the floor, but maybe take it apart again and shake it out vigorously before assembling?

-Ryan

 

[Bike Tourist]

Well, so far I'm impressed with the post office and Nikon. I mailed the SA-21 film strip adapter from California on Friday and it was delivered to Nikon in New York on Monday. Nikon contacted me the SAME DAY! Their repair estimate was $45 and 7 - 10 days turn around.

So far, so good.

 

[kully]

Woohoo, I have good news too. Not content to wait until the end of this week to take my V ED to Nikon - I took apart and cleaned the SA-21 feeder myself - it was pretty minging. Cleaned the rollers and film path and it's working better before - no mis-feeds at all for the 6 rolls I scanned.

 

[Bike Tourist]

Kully, you saved yourself some trouble and expense. I tried the cleaning route but it didn't work for me. I'll have to shoot digital for a couple of weeks.

 

[Bike Tourist]

Update: Nikon web site says my SA-21 shipped back to California yesterday. UPS says arrival date is 12/9 (Tuesday). I have to say this is a prestty fast turn-around and completely unexpected. Nice work, Nikon!