Minolta Dimage problem

[Spyro]

Hey guys
A few months ago I bought a Minolta Dimage 5400 (v1) which I absolutely love and was working great with Vuescan on my pc.
Then I had to pack everything away for a couple of months but since I re-connected everything the scanner only gives me blank scans...

It seems that the actual scanner works ie sounds, lights, movement of the scanning tray etc all seem normal. Same for the pc and software, but the scan preview and the actual scanned file are either all black or all white depending on what scanning mode I selected. I tried playing with settings on vuescan, brightness, black point etc, no difference.

Do you think the scanner has kicked the bucket or it might be a connection/transfer issue? I'm using USB as always but the scanner also has a firewire port, is it worth installing firewire on my pc?

 

[Bob Michaels]

One pass with the Minolta scan software will tell you if you problem is software or hardware related. I would suspect hardware related but it always pays to know for sure.

Does the light come on inside the scanner? Like could the bulb be burnt out? (not good)

Can you calibrate the scanner? (drop down selection under the "scanner" tab)

 

[Spyro]

Good thinking Bob, thanks 🙂
I'll install it tomorrow and give an update.

 

[wblynch]

Okay, if the 5400 is constructed like the Scan Multis here's what probably happened...

If you were to open the scanner from the bottom you will find a mirror deep inside that directs the light coming down 90* to the lens which lies horizontally.

That mirror can become dislodged from shock or a mild bump and then you get those black scans.

You have to get in there and reset the mirror into its proper position. It would be a good time to clean the mirror too.

On my Dimage Scan Multi, I also had to slightly bend the mirror retainer to hold it more snugly.

 

[Spyro]

Just an update (and apologies for the delay)
I installed the Dimage software and the scanner works fine, so the problem is software related. I dont know what is vuescan's problem but the minolta software seems to do what I need (decent large tiffs) so it's all good 🙂
Hoewver if anyone has any idea how to fix vuescan I'd still like to know though.

Thanks to Bob and wblynch for responding!

 

[Bob Michaels]

....................... so the problem is software related. I dont know what is vuescan's problem but ..........................

How you tried the latest version of Vuescan? That is always Ed Hamrick's first question.

Anyway, glad you are happily scanning one again.

 

[Spyro]

Nope I think my copy is a couple of years old, time for an update!

 

[amateriat]

Definitely download a new copy of VueScan. Can only help.

Glad to hear your 5400 is okay. Bought mine new in 2004 and absolutely love it.


- Barrett