Dust inside Minolta Scan Multi

  • Thread starter Thread starter dslrlover
  • Start date Start date
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dslrlover

I've owned film scanners for 7-8 years now (Nikon LS30, Minolta Scan
Elite & now Scan Multi). For the first time I now have observable dust
inside the unit. It is on a piece of glass that sits between the light
source and the lens below. It's at a 45 degree angle and can be
reached via a slot 4mm x 6cm (unless I disassmble this unit further
which frankly terrifies me). Has anyone ever opened this unit up
totally. If so, how? Secondly, I can send this unit in for cleaning at
a considerable cost. I ghave a concern that the problem may return
because of envronmental conditions in my ne whome. I live in the
Pacific Northweat which is usually wet. It's been dry and relativelu
cold lately. The humidity is low because of central heating. Other
than cover the unit when not in use, what can I do to keep the dust
down?

I cleaned the glass shelf many times over the past few days. The
amount of dust is less but I can never get it to zero. That piece of
glass acts like a magnet. It is 5-6" from the front of the unit but
opens down. There is a swinging door which closes when a tray is not
inserted. Dust should not be a problem. Furthermore I'm scanning
recently shot slides mostly. They are quite clean and I do blow dust
off before scanning.
 
You could run a HEPA filter in the room, good ones are made
by Honeywell - and great if you also have any allergies. Other
than that, use a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner.

You can buy compressed air cleaners with narrow nozzles,
the problem is where you are blowing the dust to :-)

There are anti-static glass cleaning sprays which can be useful,
but I've never actually tried them on scanning glass. ABS plastic
is great at attracting dust - toner, fine particles etc. Static will be
a major factor in attracting - and retaining - dust on surfaces. In
the normal convective airflow it will readily accumulate in devices.

Re self-cleaning, you might try searching to see if there is a
repair manual - or parts sheet "exploded diagram" online. That
way you a) know what you are facing and b) know how to do it.
 
You could run a HEPA filter in the room, good ones are made
by Honeywell - and great if you also have any allergies. Other
than that, use a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner.
Click to expand...

I bought a Honeywell HEPA air cleaner and it is running right here in
my den.
You can buy compressed air cleaners with narrow nozzles,
the problem is where you are blowing the dust to :-)
Click to expand...

Yes, it is a big concern. The lens is directly below the glass shelf.
There are anti-static glass cleaning sprays which can be useful,
but I've never actually tried them on scanning glass. ABS plastic
is great at attracting dust - toner, fine particles etc. Static will be
a major factor in attracting - and retaining - dust on surfaces. In
the normal convective airflow it will readily accumulate in devices.
Click to expand...
Living in a normally wet climate gave me a false sense of security.
I've lived in very cold winter climates at an altitude of 3500 ft in a
condo tower. However, I installed an expensive humidifier. Here on the
Pacific coast, it normally rains a fair bit during the winter. It's
been sunny and dry for 10 days now! The past two summers have been
extremely dry. My poor scanner was left to fend for itself in a new
home with fresh new carpets and low humidity. A recipe for problems.
Re self-cleaning, you might try searching to see if there is a
repair manual - or parts sheet "exploded diagram" online. That
way you a) know what you are facing and b) know how to do it.
Click to expand...

Several Google searches haven't uncovered anything to date.

Thanks for the comments.

Don
 
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