Recommend a scanner

I have just spent 30 minutes cleaning the mirrors in my HP Scanjet 6300c. It works like new now, quick and crisp scans but I have to clean the mirrors every 6 months or so.

Three of the mirrors are easy they can be done by just removing the top from the scanner and unclipping them, but the most important, longest one which seems to get the most dust is under the light, which has to be removed for access.

Is there a scanner out there that does not require this kind of maintenance which means removing the scanner carriage and CFL tube to get access to the mirrors to clean. eg a scanner without mirrors?

Can anyone recommend a decent scanner like this mainly for documents.

Scanjet cleaning procedure I found on the web, Linky

I only use flat-bed scanners. No mirrors.

Actually, I'm not sure why a document scanner would need mirrors, unless it's for double-sided scanning.

Edited by micksharpe (Thu 12-Mar-15 13:36:17)

The 6300 is a flatbed and uses a CCD sensor the mirrors reduce the image down to CCD size.

For standard scanning, any modern flat-bed will do the job. It's the additional requirements, such as film scanning, that cause problems. I have an Epson V600. I bought it for film scanning but it's been a bit of a disappointment in that department. It's fine for regular scanning but it's also bulky (not to mention expensive). My favourite scanner is my Canon LiDE 80. Compact, light and USB-powered, it's the best scanner I've ever had. The only problem is that there's no 64-bit drivers for it. I'm hoping that I can get it working again with my Raspberry Pi.

If you want to scan films as well as documents (and photographic prints), check out Ken Rockwell's blog. Otherwise, buy a cheap flat-bed scanner. Rockwell recommends Epson but I have no preference, except that with USB-powered scanners, you don't have to grub around for the power brick whenever you want to use it.

Edited by micksharpe (Thu 12-Mar-15 21:27:40)

Post deleted by micksharpe

Edited by micksharpe (Thu 12-Mar-15 21:27:27)

I have been looking at the Canon 220. I also have a program called Vuescan by Hamrick software which works my 6300 on Windows 8 and also has drivers for the Canon Lide range, there is a 64 bit version of the software.

I have seen some people saying the build construction of the Canons was a bit flimsy. I do the odd photo but mostly A4 documents to pdf.

Do you know what kind of light and sensor are used on the Canon lide range, also heard the software is a bit clunky?

The LiDE 80 has a contact image sensor. I must admit that I've never heard of them, and surprise, surprise, they use mirrors. I've never had to clean mine. The LiDE 220 also has a CIS sensor, while the Epson V37 has a CCD sensor.

I can't remember how I got on with Canon's software. I think it was OK. I too have VueScan. I bought it to do colour-managed scanning, which Canon's software at the time didn't provide. Since I started using the Epson, I have just stuck with their software. I like it and it's easier to use than VueScan.

The build quality of the LiDE 80 is fine, although the lid now has a few dints in it. No complaints on that score.

If you fancy a CCD scanner and you don't mind having another power brick, go with the Epson V37. The scan quality will be fine and the software's a doddle to use.

If you want to do film scanning, read Ken Rockwell's blog first.

Edited by micksharpe (Thu 12-Mar-15 22:03:31)

If I am reading that wiki right the CIS is on the glass and the CCD uses mirrors. So no mirrors on the Canon.

I'm not sure. It just looks like a piece of plain glass. The sensor is almost in contact with the underside of the glass. I've never bothered to look at it since it is always parked out of view.

What is the scan quality like of the Canon vs the Epson?

I've not noticed any difference. No one needs to scan at more than 2400dpi and the LiDE does that quite nicely. I don't know why manufacturers bother with 9600dpi scanners. It's pointless for document scanning and doesn't work for films anyway. If you want high-quality film scanning, you need a contact scanner.

If you're not in any hurry, I'll try to do some comparisons. Really, with modern scanners running at 2400dpi, you'll be hard pressed to tell them apart. Document scanning technology is fully mature.

Edited by micksharpe (Thu 12-Mar-15 22:32:15)

No hurry Mick, after cleaning my 6300 its like new although only does 1200 dpi but that matches my inkjet, its just the hassle of cleaning the mirrors every 6 months taking the scanner apart, although I have become an expert at it now.

In reply to a post by Banger:

No hurry Mick, after cleaning my 6300 its like new although only does 1200 dpi...

Actually, I was thinking of editing my post to say that no one needs to scan at more than 1200dpi. I've not noticed any benefit in scanning at 2400dpi or higher. If you decide to upgrade your scanner, you'll probably wonder why you did it as far as scan quality is concerned.

Edited by micksharpe (Thu 12-Mar-15 23:41:52)

In reply to a post by Banger:

I also have a program called Vuescan by Hamrick software which works my 6300 on Windows 8 and also has drivers for the Canon Lide range...

I believe that VueScan uses the TWAIN API to communicate with scanners. If you do not have a TWAIN driver for a scanner, you are stuffed. VueScan talks quite happily to my V600 on Windows 7 64-bit, but it does not see the LiDE 80 (for which I have no 64-bit drivers).