Author Topic: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner (Read 233210 times)

tkmedia · « **Reply #50 on:** September 12, 2014, 09:46:12 PM »

Quote from: gsgary on September 12, 2014, 06:05:14 PM

I was lost on page 2 all this computer talk go right over my head

Sorry about that. It's rather incomprehensible if you dont have the software in front of you... but even if you do. Also I need to restore the photos of the interface. They were broken on flickr and I need to recreate them.

tkmedia · « **Reply #51 on:** September 12, 2014, 09:49:03 PM »

Quote from: thatguychad on September 12, 2014, 05:19:18 PM

I was able to find it before my scanner arrived and all is well. I plugged the scanner in and was scanning 2 minutes later, love it so far.

I'm glad you had a painless experience, and hopefully the guide was of some assistance.

thatguychad · « **Reply #52 on:** September 12, 2014, 09:56:53 PM »

Quote from: tkmedia on September 12, 2014, 09:49:03 PM

I'm glad you had a painless experience, and hopefully the guide was of some assistance.

It absolutely was, thanks again!

tkmedia · « **Reply #53 on:** September 17, 2014, 06:23:29 PM »

improved description of power supply and better framing photos and captions. Shifted products section, added create index sheets with notes, shifted packages and added gui photos. additional tips

tkmedia · « **Reply #54 on:** September 17, 2014, 06:50:45 PM »

added animated gif! have not made one in 20 years!

bence8810 · « **Reply #55 on:** October 02, 2014, 12:37:50 AM »

Guys,

I have the Pakon F-135 Plus scanner which was delivered to me about 2 weeks ago from AAA... The scanner works well with my iMac 2009 using Parallels and XP. It was a bit tricky to set up, ended up needing to install a different flavourless XP which wasn't what I had installed at first. Pakon is picky for sure, but once it works, my word!

I have a few questions if you guys don't mind.

1. Once the wheels start turning, I hear a squealing noise but the film is carried without trouble.
2. I scanned only strips so far but what I noticed is that the film isn't being spat out at the end, I need to pull on it slightly to get it out of the enclosure. Is this ok or a problem?
3. My negatives are slightly scratched. I fear it is being done in the enclosure or at the entrance / exit. Do you guys have any similar experience?

I am debating whether I should take the thing apart and look inside or not. Was thinking about taking the top off, blowing it out and seeing if it makes a difference.

Thanks,
Ben

jojonas~ · « **Reply #56 on:** October 02, 2014, 08:59:25 AM »

Quote from: tkmedia on September 17, 2014, 06:50:45 PM

added animated gif! have not made one in 20 years!

haha yeah those are classic!
the guide is looking very comprehensive now. good work!

tkmedia · « **Reply #57 on:** October 02, 2014, 11:04:13 AM »

Thanks for the questions Ben.
1: I have no problems with "squealing" noise, all I hear is the motorized rotation of the rollers.
2: It does not really get spat out all the way and is normal to pull the film out. More effort is required for shorter strips compared to longer ones as shorter ones are harder to grab as film does not exit as much.
3: I had no issues with scratching. Does not hurt, first just try with covers on. If disassembling just be careful. There is a disassembly guide. I heard of situations where a tiny piece of a broken film sprocket fragment got stuck and causes scratches.

http://www.sashapazeski.com/blog/2014/5/25/how-to-clean-a-kodakpakon-scanner

Because of the questions, I'll try to improve a few more of the descriptions.

analoguey · « **Reply #58 on:** October 02, 2014, 01:18:19 PM »

Hello!

This is my first post to the group. I have usually avoided scanning so far, but now I have got a ton of bulk film with me and scanning seems right option!

I'm wondering if it's worth it to have these scanners shipped over to India from the US? (I dont seem to be finding these locally - and those who might have it, are probably not net-friendly!)

Sent from Tap-a-talk

bence8810 · « **Reply #59 on:** October 02, 2014, 02:11:56 PM »

Quote from: tkmedia on October 02, 2014, 11:04:13 AM

Thanks for the questions Ben.
1: I have no problems with "squealing" noise, all I hear is the motorized rotation of the rollers.
2: It does not really get spat out all the way and is normal to pull the film out. More effort is required for shorter strips compared to longer ones as shorter ones are harder to grab as film does not exit as much.
3: I had no issues with scratching. Does not hurt, first just try with covers on. If disassembling just be careful. There is a disassembly guide. I heard of situations where a tiny piece of a broken film sprocket fragment got stuck and causes scratches.

http://www.sashapazeski.com/blog/2014/5/25/how-to-clean-a-kodakpakon-scanner

Because of the questions, I'll try to improve a few more of the descriptions.

Thanks TK, very helpful. I guess I'll take it apart and try to locate the squealing roller and drop some machine oil on it. Once done, I'll clean the film path out as in the link described above and will post back. I need to travel for the next 10 days and hope to return with enough exposed films to give the cleaned scanner a good test.

Cheers,
Ben

tkmedia · « **Reply #60 on:** October 04, 2014, 06:04:55 AM »

Quote from: analoguey on October 02, 2014, 01:18:19 PM

I'm wondering if it's worth it to have these scanners shipped over to India from the US?

This scanner was made for the US market, it was also in France and many places in South America for the older version. I doubt it was available over there.

I know of many users who bought this outside of the states.

tkmedia · « **Reply #61 on:** October 04, 2014, 06:06:29 AM »

added a few teamviewer tips on setting up to run without a monitor or keyboard.

tkmedia · « **Reply #62 on:** November 11, 2014, 05:44:58 PM »

added to tip section on automatically rotating photos which is useful for cameras that exposes the photos upside down onto the film. example: cameras that have the film take up spool section on the left hand side of the camera.

added to the con section. a minor one is no ability to change backwards shooting cameras order. example prewind cameras that upon loading will spool the entire roll onto the take-up and advance the exposed film into the film cartridge. In these cameras first frame is the last frame shot.

jojonas~ · « **Reply #63 on:** November 11, 2014, 07:17:30 PM »

hoi, tk! do you have any idea of how to make the pakon scan panoramic shots?
I'm sure I've seen some xpan shots in the flickr pool..

tkmedia · « **Reply #64 on:** November 11, 2014, 08:06:52 PM »

Nope, I have not seen any.

I have not researched it, I'm thinking it could be possible by snooping in the registry finding (if any) and editing the frame information. but I only add to this guide items I have first hand experience with. That's why no Mac info, even though many user can get it to work. I have no info on Adobe Lightroom or other post processes either as I have never used them before. If someone want to send me a modern-ish mac I'd have a go at improving the guide!

bence8810 · « **Reply #65 on:** November 11, 2014, 09:59:23 PM »

Quote from: jojonas~ on November 11, 2014, 07:17:30 PM

hoi, tk! do you have any idea of how to make the pakon scan panoramic shots?
I'm sure I've seen some xpan shots in the flickr pool..

Hi there,

Are you a part of the FB group? It's detailed there...

A bit difficult but doable. You need to use something other than the PSI, T(whatever)Demo and add in the coordinates by hand.

Check it on FB. If you have no account let me know and I'll dig it up for you.

Ben

tkmedia · « **Reply #66 on:** November 12, 2014, 06:11:00 AM »

TLXClient Demo?

bence8810 · « **Reply #67 on:** November 12, 2014, 06:53:22 AM »

Quote from: tkmedia on November 12, 2014, 06:11:00 AM

TLXClient Demo?

Yes. Did you find the guys on FB?

I'll try to paste the guide here if I manage from my phone.

Ben

bence8810 · « **Reply #68 on:** November 12, 2014, 06:54:57 AM »

Guide attached.

tkmedia · « **Reply #69 on:** November 12, 2014, 10:55:05 AM »

Quote from: bence8810 on November 12, 2014, 06:54:57 AM

Guide attached.

Thanks for the posting.

did you fix the roller issue?

--
My primary use of the pakon is for archiving shots I did not make myself. I'm not a heavy 135 film user. I barely use the format at all even in the pre-digital age. This is evident as I finished a roll off last week that I started circa November, 2012!

A bit of history, as a grade schooler I was shooting 110 film, then didnt shoot any at all until I started shooting "camera ready art" with a graphic art technical prepress camera. This is followed by early television still cameras in the late 1980's early-1990's and then digital cameras in the mid 1990 for web site work. Then branched off with 8x10 as I got board with digital. Why 8x10? it's the most similar to graphics cameras. Because of cost, quality have settled with 120 film.

jojonas~ · « **Reply #70 on:** November 12, 2014, 02:55:40 PM »

thanks bence! I thought including that would benefit the guide

tkmedia · « **Reply #71 on:** November 12, 2014, 04:12:11 PM »

jojonas have you acquired a pakon yet?

looks like a minor step is missing from above. will have to retry later.

if someone could send me some XPAN/TX, 126 negs, or non standard camera neg that shoots on 135, it would be much appreciated.

tkmedia · « **Reply #72 on:** November 13, 2014, 12:38:05 AM »

added quick description and a link to ben TLXClientDemo posting.

bence8810 · « **Reply #73 on:** November 13, 2014, 12:43:47 AM »

Quote from: tkmedia on November 12, 2014, 10:55:05 AM

Thanks for the posting.

did you fix the roller issue?

Pleasure is all mine. It wasn't my work but since it was asked here and since I remembered seeing it, I thought it would help. The FB group is really full of great info!

What roller issue are you talking about BTW?
Thanks,
Ben

bence8810 · « **Reply #74 on:** November 13, 2014, 12:54:38 AM »

Sorry just remembered why you ask about the rollers.

I still have the noise but learned to live with it. I took it apart and left the screws undone so I can take the lid off easy anytime. I now scan with the cover off and get no scratches. I checked the cover meticulously and found nothing wrong with it. Really don't know why I am getting scratched.

I opened the scan-path too and cleaned it. Saw no broken fragments etc. weird...

Ben

tkmedia · « **Reply #75 on:** November 13, 2014, 01:32:47 AM »

Quote from: bence8810 on November 13, 2014, 12:43:47 AM

The FB group is really full of great info!

I posted a lot of info on that group too, but I'm often discouraged using Facebook as to me it does not seem like a appropriate place for groups as archived and previous information is hard to locate. New less often important info is on top and topics hard to locate. Threads of info seem better to me.

just don't like spending time checking and triple checking correct information I researched and tested before I post and then being refuted. I have lot of nasty comments and bickering on many of the groups I was in.

bence8810 · « **Reply #76 on:** November 13, 2014, 01:37:32 AM »

Quote from: tkmedia on November 13, 2014, 01:32:47 AM

I posted a lot of info on that group too, but I'm often discouraged using Facebook as to me it does not seem like a appropriate place for groups as archived and previous information is hard to locate. New less often important info is on top and topics hard to locate. I just don't like spending time checking and triple checking correct information I researched and tested before I post and then being refuted. I have lot of nasty comments and bickering on many of the groups I was in.

You are right, FB isn't meant as a placeholder for information but the fact that everyone Is virtually on Facebook means it gets a lot of traffic and people are very active. it is indeed annoying that we can't easily locate information and people there often link out to your site for getting people started with the Pakon. But when a problem creeps up, I also tend to post there as I get very quick response and the community is very committed.

Have a nice day!
Ben

jojonas~ · « **Reply #77 on:** November 13, 2014, 10:12:23 AM »

Quote from: tkmedia on November 12, 2014, 04:12:11 PM

jojonas have you acquired a pakon yet?

looks like a minor step is missing from above. will have to retry later.

if someone could send me some XPAN/TX, 126 negs, or non standard camera neg that shoots on 135, it would be much appreciated.

no pakon here yet. still debating if I need it enough to merit a purchase. (also, no income at the moment..)

for your other question: I've got some negs from my sprocket rocket. I could post you that if no one else steps up.

tkmedia · « **Reply #78 on:** November 13, 2014, 04:48:52 PM »

updated with note on Windows XP in regards to auto run installer cd.

Thanks for the offer, it will be considered, but I currently prefer other options at the moment as the Rocket from what I've seen has more variable spacing between frames making it harder for a step by step TLX guide.

tkmedia · « **Reply #79 on:** November 13, 2014, 08:35:11 PM »

added more details on TLXClient Demo with a composite of the interface (faked currently) photo, recreated steps from the facebook posting with some more generic framing details but also added File Name and Directory info usage.

jojonas~ · « **Reply #80 on:** November 15, 2014, 09:56:58 AM »

Quote from: tkmedia on November 13, 2014, 04:48:52 PM

updated with note on Windows XP in regards to auto run installer cd.

Thanks for the offer, it will be considered, but I currently prefer other options at the moment as the Rocket from what I've seen has more variable spacing between frames making it harder for a step by step TLX guide.

yeah, I understand what you mean. a xpan, widelux or horizon neg would be better

tkmedia · « **Reply #81 on:** November 16, 2014, 02:03:42 AM »

more step gui photos on TLX.

tkmedia · « **Reply #82 on:** November 19, 2014, 03:16:10 PM »

added a static TOC beginning of software section.

tkmedia · « **Reply #83 on:** December 15, 2014, 02:38:38 AM »

troubleshooting: micro minor note on computer bios settings for USB. Added photos.

jojonas~ · « **Reply #84 on:** January 17, 2015, 10:40:02 AM »

people are getting creative in avoiding dust on their scans

tkmedia · « **Reply #85 on:** January 17, 2015, 12:14:08 PM »

The box is in deed interesting. But many setups in the field originally had the film length sticker, and some even had a static brush on the front of the film insert path.

I did do something similar with using vinyl music needle head cleaners as it was the smallest static brushes on hand I can find.

Byteside · « **Reply #86 on:** February 01, 2015, 06:23:36 PM »

I'm getting an error code 149 in PSI and in TLXClientDemo I get "ProcessedRingTailOverflow" error.

I don't know how to fix it. I read somewhere it might be something with not enough memory, but the scanning worked all day and suddenly gave this error. I already opened the scanner and cleaned the DX readers, but that did not help.

What to do?

I'm using Windows Virtual PC (Windows XP Mode) for scanning with Pakon F-135. I would like to use my Win7, but the drivers seem not to be 64-bit, so it's not working. Any solutions available to this?

//Edit: In other news, this worked great for me (for around 1100 scans until I got the 149 error):

Quote from: http://manualens.com/foro/index.php/topic,18476.msg165995.html?PHPSESSID=0044eb06bd1ef5bfb6cc33f9aef12098#msg165995

1.) Make sure PSI is not running
2.) Using Regedit, navigate to the following directory HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Pakon\PSI\Scanner Settings\Framing\35mm
3.) Right click the "Crop35mm" DWORD and select Modify
4.) Under "Base" select Decimal
5.) In the Value Data change the value of 200 to 0
6.) Presto! Your images will now be the FULL 3000 x 2000!!!!

Byteside · « **Reply #87 on:** February 14, 2015, 04:34:17 PM »

Quote from: Byteside on February 01, 2015, 06:23:36 PM

I'm getting an error code 149 in PSI and in TLXClientDemo I get "ProcessedRingTailOverflow" error.

I did a fresh reinstall of Windows XP Mode and also the Pakon software (with drivers) and now it works again. I'm not sure what gave the error, but reinstall did the trick!

tkmedia · « **Reply #88 on:** February 14, 2015, 05:33:14 PM »

Thanks for the update. I guess my suggestions did not work.

bence8810 · « **Reply #89 on:** March 09, 2015, 04:33:34 AM »

Hi there,

Haven't posted here for a while - hope everyone is doing great!
I just acquired a 2nd unit so I can keep one as a backup. With the stock going scarce etc, I started fearing the death of my Pakon and the damage it would do to my photography.
The new unit works great - no weird noises and no scratches - couldn't be happier. I am going to be using the new one and keep my previous unit as a spare.

This new one has a terrible yellowed exterior - totally different than the other one which is pristine white. Is there any way to clean a yellowed Pakon?
I read somewhere (not Pakon specific) that yellowed plastic can be soaked in a mix of bleach and water solution and it will whiten out.
Before I attempt though - I wanted to ask what is your opinion - and if you had any experience with this.

Thanks,
Ben

thatguychad · « **Reply #90 on:** March 09, 2015, 05:49:02 AM »

I've never used it myself, but Retr0Bright seems to have a pretty loyal following. There are several "recipes" on their site.

Byteside · « **Reply #91 on:** March 09, 2015, 01:31:45 PM »

Quote from: bence8810 on March 09, 2015, 04:33:34 AM

Hi there,

Haven't posted here for a while - hope everyone is doing great!
I just acquired a 2nd unit so I can keep one as a backup. With the stock going scarce etc, I started fearing the death of my Pakon and the damage it would do to my photography.
The new unit works great - no weird noises and no scratches - couldn't be happier. I am going to be using the new one and keep my previous unit as a spare.

This new one has a terrible yellowed exterior - totally different than the other one which is pristine white. Is there any way to clean a yellowed Pakon?
I read somewhere (not Pakon specific) that yellowed plastic can be soaked in a mix of bleach and water solution and it will whiten out.
Before I attempt though - I wanted to ask what is your opinion - and if you had any experience with this.

Thanks,
Ben

I think you could easily just swap the top plastic cover. Just remove bottom aluminium plate (4 screws at bottom), remove top cover (also 4 screws at bottom), do the same for the other scanner, switch around, re-screw and you are done.

bence8810 · « **Reply #92 on:** March 10, 2015, 12:46:06 AM »

Quote from: Byteside on March 09, 2015, 01:31:45 PM

I think you could easily just swap the top plastic cover. Just remove bottom aluminium plate (4 screws at bottom), remove top cover (also 4 screws at bottom), do the same for the other scanner, switch around, re-screw and you are done.

Hi there,

Yes, I thought of that but the other scanner was scratching my negatives sometimes so I always used it without it's lid. Don't want to mount that lid on this one - but if there was a way I'd like to have it clean.

I'll have checked the site above mentioned and it is interesting. I live in Japan so I am not sure how I'll go about buying those ingredients but nevertheless will give it a try!

Good day,
Ben

tkmedia · « **Reply #93 on:** March 10, 2015, 02:10:46 AM »

i have not done it for a while, but find that Hydrogen Peroxide from hair care salon products serves as a good base.

Ed Wenn · « **Reply #94 on:** April 02, 2015, 09:43:25 AM »

Any discussion of 'hair' (whatever that is), or hair-related products, is banned on Filmwasters.

Francois · « **Reply #95 on:** April 02, 2015, 02:14:05 PM »

tkmedia · « **Reply #96 on:** April 02, 2015, 02:24:24 PM »

what's my punishment!? oh.

Peiman · « **Reply #97 on:** April 07, 2015, 01:35:19 PM »

Hi . I have problem

what error 218 ?
help me . thanks

tkmedia · « **Reply #98 on:** April 07, 2015, 10:23:02 PM »

I've never used that model Pakon before, so dont have any answers.

tkmedia · « **Reply #99 on:** May 05, 2015, 02:23:04 AM »

TLXClient Demo
more details in step 9 and 10, yes you gotta do simple math!
added info in step 12 for cautioning of file naming.
Step 14 for better description and usage of the picture selection pane.