Does a Nikon Coolscan film scanner need routine servicing?
Asked 10/19/2019
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I use an older Nikon Coolscan 5000 film scanner a few times a year to digitize negatives and slides. It has worked fine for years and I have not had any maintenance done. Do these scanners need periodic routine servicing, and is there anything I should do to help keep one working reliably?
Originally by user86643. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user86643
6y ago
2 Answers
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The Nikon scanners do not require regular maintenance. They are however quite prone to dirt and dust. Your best bet keeping the scanner running problem free for a long time is to store it in a clean place (wrapped in a cover) when not in use. Some units are also starting to show signs of age and may e.g. have problems with the lubrication drying out. They also have moving mechanical parts made out of plastic and these parts can wear out and break. The last problem is not so closely related to age, but how much you use the device.
A great problem with the units which are actually failing, is that Nikon for a long time has not provided service anymore for these scanners and there are usually no spare parts obtainable if something should fail. Even if the units are now some 15-20 years old, they retailed for several thousand dollars and one should perhaps expect more from a manufacturer like Nikon.
Originally by user10009. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user10009
6y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
These Nikon film scanners generally do not need scheduled routine servicing if they are working properly. The main practical maintenance issue is dust and dirt, so store the scanner in a clean place and keep it covered when not in use.
As these scanners age, some units can develop problems from dried lubrication or wear in their moving plastic parts. That kind of failure is more related to age and use than to missed routine service.
A key point: Nikon has long stopped servicing many of these older scanners, and spare parts can be difficult or impossible to obtain. So in practice, preventive care mostly means keeping the unit clean, protected from dust, and using it gently rather than sending it in on a regular schedule.
If it continues to work normally, there is usually no reason to seek routine service.
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