Minolta SE 5400....

Hi,
My second Minolta Scan Elite 5400 has just died. Refraining from focusing
it simply sits there growling and whirring at me. It's predecessor, bought
June 2004 came up with Error 50(?) last December and did nothing but was
(eventually) replaced FOC earlier this year. This morning I phoned my
supplier who have said that they'll replace it as soon as they get one in
stock, about 5 days. After the hassle of the last exchange I'm wondering
whether their willingness to sort this soon (apparent, not yet actual....!)
indicates a known reliability problem with this model scanner.
Any one else had any problems?
In fairness, my first one scanned in excess of 3000 slides over six months
before expiring but this one was just about to begin its marathon having
previously only scanned a few dozen slides since new.
Overall, I'm very pleased with the results, usually at 2700, occasionally at
full resolution with all the tricks that this machine can offer I have been
delighted with the results so I'd probably buy a Mk2 if push came to shove
but I'd rather the Mk1 would simply function properly for more than six
months, and yes it has been looked after, covered when not used etc, etc.
Originally I was goimg to buy a Nikon but being able to scan in batches of 4
slides won me over, and I know that if I spent three times the money I could
have a Nikon with a 50 tranparency holder but the difference has bought me a
20D so it's no longer an option anyway!
I've reinstalled the software, checked or changed all the cables to no
avail. Opposite it sits a Scanjet3c still functioning after all these years
so I assume that the problem isn't me!
Thanks,
DP
In the UK.......


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