Scanner Issues

[Zindy]

Earlier this year I bought a new scanner, which should be the same as I had the past 7 years. However, it just don't scan like my old one. Graphite drawings looks bad and shiny and simply lacking that usual softness it has in real life.

I have a Mustek A3 USB scanner: http://www.pcdistrict.com/mustek-sca...rod148608.html

Does anyone know how you possible edit this in photoshop to make it appear natural and non-shiny? Since I recently picked up graphite again I find it sad I can't scan with a decent result.

I have tried Curves/Brightness & Contrast but it just don't seem to help much.

I also can't plug in my old one scanner anymore as there is no driver to Windows 7, does anyone know if it's possible to use the scanner in some other way without the driver program?

[Zindy]

I originally bought the scanner as it was cheap and had great reviews as a scanner for artists (6 years ago).

I wonder if any of you have other scanners that work well and scan pretty close to the original and not loose the lighter areas when scanning. Most scanners I find scan too contrasted and loose a lot of middle tones which was the reason I was so happy with my Mustek A3 scanner to begin with as it almost scanned identical to my drawings (the first version of it I had).

[NZartist]

Couple of things you could try. 1. Using a dual boot computer using the previous OS so you can use your old scanner. 2. Use a sheet of anti-reflective glass when scanning or photographing your picture. That's what I do. I too, have found that graphite reflects alot of light when its been burnished or blended alot, and the anti-reflective glass provides a barrier so you don't get that shiney effect from the graphite.

[Jeff Colburn]

Hi Zindy,

What is your original scanner, the one that doesn't work with Windows 7?

Can you put a picture up here of the bad scan so I can see what it looks like? Thanks.

Have Fun,
Jeff

[TRANSiENT ART]

The scanner I use is a Canon PIXMA MP210 and it scans very well. It's a combo too, a scanner, and printer in one. A lot of the artwork I post is scanned by it, with the exception of the larger paintings that I have to photograph. I don't loose any of the of the values or details which is really nice. it's extremely crisp. It picks up the lightest and darkest of areas. The most I have to do is take the levels to my image and slide the black up to about 20 and it has a very exact likeness to the one in real life. I want to update to a larger flatbed in the future when I can save up for one. I've actually got a sample here of how mine looks of a graphite drawing, I emphasized some of the softer parts for you. I've been scanning a bunch of my old artworks lately so I can put them up sometime later on. The original scan is 400 dpi, and much larger I'm sure you guys can guess. Mind you, this drawing is from when I was 14 haha. ^^;



I've found once it reflects, there's not a lot you can do in Photoshop unless you're up for a lot of manual work, but then it can alter it. Though, I think I'd have to see a sample of a scan to see the exact results you're getting to see if maybe there is a solution to fix it. (I've tried scanning small paintings varnished and unvarnished and can't fix the varnished ones that reflect, have yet to have the problem with a drawing though) Have you tried spraying your drawing with a matte fixative? It could help to reduce reflective glare that you're getting possibly?

I'm also wondering what scanner you were using before too like the others have asked. 7 years might be pushing it for an updated driver. You checked on the manufacturer's site?

I'm sorry for all of the bad luck you've been having with your current scanner =( Wish I could buy and send a really, really nice/ the world's best scanner to you!