Scanning slabbed cards
 

I can't get anything but blurry scans on my PSA and SGC-slabbed cards.

Any suggestions? I have an HP4480 and would have no problem buying a new scanner if that's what it takes.

dunno
 

Hey Scott
I assume you have tried messing with the settings? Don't know why they would come out fuzzy but there are probably a slew of possibilities. I use a Microtek Scanmaker S400.....I think most USB flat bed scanners will do a good job. Every time I use a camera I have to do too much re-sizing to get the picture right...

http://luckeycards.com/pd32ruth.jpg

Not to get off the subject too much but does anyone know how to get a front and back image in just one scanned picture?

try leaving the top (or lid) open...just dont stare at the light wand :cool:

You take scans of both sides then do a right click on them, open them in paint and do a cut, paste and save.....viola.....one scan

edited to add... the s400 is ccd

I've been using a Lexmark X5650 multifunction printer for years and have never had any type of blurring issues scanning slabbed cards. I always leave the top open. For balls, bats, etc., I always use my Fuji digital camera.

I upgraded to this model, the key is the CCD scanner element vs the CIS element. The scans are superb.

Canon 9000F

Here is a medium scann - Link

Thanks everyone.

I never had problems with previous scanners, but I've tried every setting tweak available and it's scanning at frontal plastic level - because the PSA cards are closer to the bed, they come out clearer than the SGC's, but still ugg-ly.

Leon - your scans look superb.

Chris hit the nail on the head...you must have a CCD and not a CIS scanning element to get good slabbed card scans...its a must!...Canoscans and the "V" series of the Epsons are CCD...not sure about the HP's

Thank you for that information, Leon. I never knew how to do that. I tried it and in works. Much thanks.

Update. Thanks for the responses I got to this question. I bought a Canonpro and it ended up having the CIS element, which gave the same exact results as the HP. I traded for an Epson with CCD, and here's the difference in the two. You guys were definitely right about this - you HAVE to get CCD:

http://www.belltownvintage.com/Cards-T206/2Mattys.jpg

My Old Three in One cheap HP:

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/q...ntleholder.jpg

And My new Canon MP990 (w/CCD technology, a 3-1 from Amazon around $200 or so):

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/q...56Mantle-1.jpg

Clear evidence why you don't want to buy a card from blurry scans. What a difference!

I suppose if you wanted to go back to the blurry image, you could spread a little vaseline on the glass. Worked for the old stars in the 20's.

I'm a little late coming to this thread, but I concur with the CCD vs. CIS/LED element as being the deciding factor. For whatever reason, the CCD allows a much greater "depth" to the material being scanned (to the point that, if I have the lid up on the scan and lean over, my face will show up in the background). I've got a Mustek (LED) scanner with a larger bed for scanning tabloid-size documents and 11x17 photos which is great as long as whatever you're scanning is perfectly flat and against the glass. If it has any "depth" to it at all though, the images come out blurry. I still stick with my Epson 3490 (CCD) as my workhorse though (even have a back-up in case this one konks out), and sometimes use a Epson 4990 (only when scanning negatives or transparencies), both of which give good "depth" to the scans. I've even seen some eBay sellers use them for "scanning" signed baseballs and bats (though I wouldn't recommend them for that purpose). Just my 2 cents.

Wow! Nice looking SGC 70 Mantle! It's difficult to find them that well centered.

Gotta suggest this one:

I just purchased it, and it's awesome. It also has photo-editing software that trumps Paint by LIGHT years. The software gives you the opportunity to straighten out scans (not just rotate), and crop/save quickly without ever leaving the image screen. No copy/pasting involved, which can take forever.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...00_i00_details

Ccd
 

My apologies I misspoke earlier, my pixma has CCD techmology...

Mine's the V3 (doesn't have the photo attachment). I will warn you about that cool software - if you have Mac Lion (the newest), NONE of it is compatible. You will have to go online even to download the driver, as the install disk is useless.

Any Mac users out there have recommendations for photo-editing scans? I'm assuming we're out of luck for getting actual scanner editing software.