Graded Card Scanning Guide - Take a Look!

[familytoad]

I really enjoyed the write up and the technical details.
Nice job indeed.

I couldn’t imagine reading 23 pages on scanning , but I am really glad I did!

[Ngs428]

Originally Posted by familytoad

I really enjoyed the write up and the technical details.
Nice job indeed.

I couldn’t imagine reading 23 pages on scanning , but I am really glad I did!

There were a lot of pictures!

[Ngs428]

I made some updates to the guide and re-linked it in the first post.

Happy new year everyone!

[Ngs428]

New REV posted.

Edit 9/14/20:
Added a section on scanning Apps and added to the holder preparation section.

Thanks!

[Ronnie73]

Lots of great info. Especially the refractor section. I've made cardboard templates for doing larger batch scanning. I have one for PSA and another for SGC. No lining up anything. Just insert the graded card into the cut-out, scan, flip the card, and scan again for the back side. You only have to line up the scan area for the first scan and that's it. If I'm scanning a single card and don't mind adjusting the scan area, I just use 2 nickels against the edge of the scan bed and then rest the graded card against the top edges of the nickels. This is to get a straight scan of your single card. Right before you scan, just easily slide the nickels to the side and then scan. By doing this, you get a straight scan and a complete scan. If you just put the card itself against the flatbed edge, you usually lose some of the scan of the holder. Some people don't mind that but if the goal is to archive your collection, it's best to do it right and be consistent. I use the CanoScan 9000F Mark 2 and never had an issue. I also use it for coins and with it's options of settings, you can get a really nice image that shows the toning and mirror finish of the coins. I also have used it for stamps and comic books.

[hcv123]

First time I saw this - very helpful. Been using the Canon 9000 and not loving the image garden interface. Pretty sure I have the Epson sitting in a box somewhere - going to take it out and give it a shot. I knew some of what you shared, but learned a lot too! Thanks again.

Howard

[GasHouseGang]

Tell the truth. You're an Epson rep right? Great write up. Thanks for sharing.

[Ngs428]

Originally Posted by hcv123

First time I saw this - very helpful. Been using the Canon 9000 and not loving the image garden interface. Pretty sure I have the Epson sitting in a box somewhere - going to take it out and give it a shot. I knew some of what you shared, but learned a lot too! Thanks again.

Howard

Thanks for reading! Getting the Epson out will be worth your time! - Nic

[Ngs428]

Originally Posted by Ronnie73

Lots of great info. Especially the refractor section. I've made cardboard templates for doing larger batch scanning. I have one for PSA and another for SGC. No lining up anything. Just insert the graded card into the cut-out, scan, flip the card, and scan again for the back side. You only have to line up the scan area for the first scan and that's it. If I'm scanning a single card and don't mind adjusting the scan area, I just use 2 nickels against the edge of the scan bed and then rest the graded card against the top edges of the nickels. This is to get a straight scan of your single card. Right before you scan, just easily slide the nickels to the side and then scan. By doing this, you get a straight scan and a complete scan. If you just put the card itself against the flatbed edge, you usually lose some of the scan of the holder. Some people don't mind that but if the goal is to archive your collection, it's best to do it right and be consistent. I use the CanoScan 9000F Mark 2 and never had an issue. I also use it for coins and with it's options of settings, you can get a really nice image that shows the toning and mirror finish of the coins. I also have used it for stamps and comic books.

Ron, I agree I don’t line up the slab directly on the scanner bed edge either. Good call there! -Nic

[Ngs428]

Edit 12/10/20:
Expanded Section 1.1 on scanner examples to include some higher and lower end models. Also noted the model PSA SecureScan uses. Added section 3.3 on display gamma.

See the first post for the download link.