Re: Microtek ScanMaker 9800XL. . . ?

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From: Don Bryant (dsbryant@mindspring.com)
Date: 09/04/03-11:32:40 AM Z


Gordon,

>I wonder if its possible to make a scanner use a larger transparency
adapter than the manufacturer intended.

The adapter merely provides a different (transmitted) light source rather
than the scanners internal source for reflected light.

We have a small epson transparency adapter. Out of curiosity I took it
apart. All that is inside is a very small lighting filament and a set of
reflectors and diffusers to provide a diffuse even lighting.

If one could determine the approximate lighting level, and get the scanner
mechanism to travel a greater length in transparency mode it might be
possible to get a scanner to do big transparancies.

Who wants to do experiments with their expensive scanner :)
>

The short answer is NO. It either doesn't work or work very well. You will spend more time and possibly money than it is worth to make the device work. If you make major modifications to the hardware and or firmware then you will be faced with the diliema of getting a software scanning package to work too.

This may be a great idea if you want to hack and tinker but otherwise get the right tool for the box.

Of course some will say that this another example of why digital based photography is built on an endless series of hardware and software upgrades and replacements. Remember when a top quality enlarger remained a top quality enlarger for decades?

My 2 cents,

Don Bryant
 


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