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When You Cannot Make Clear Copies

This section describes likely causes of and possible solutions for unclear copies.

Problem

Causes

Solutions

Copies appear dirty.

Image density is too high.

Adjust the image density settings. See "Adjusting Copy Image Density", Copy and Document Server Reference.

Copies appear dirty.

Auto Image Density is not selected.

On the control panel, select [Auto Density].

Images are smudged.

Smudging can occur if a printed side rubs against things such as the corner of the machine.

When removing copies from the output tray, do so carefully to avoid scuffing the printed side. If you are making many copies, remove them in small batches.

The reverse side of an original image is copied.

Image density is too high.

Adjust the image density settings. See "Adjusting Copy Image Density", Copy and Document Server Reference.

The reverse side of an original image is copied.

Auto Image Density is not selected.

On the control panel, select [Auto Density].

The reverse side of an original image is copied.

The original is thin.

On the control panel, select [Auto Density], or adjust the image density settings.

See "Adjusting Copy Image Density", Copy and Document Server Reference.

A shadow appears on copies if you use pasted originals.

Image density is too high.

  • Adjust the image density settings. See "Adjusting Copy Image Density", Copy and Document Server Reference.

  • Change the orientation of the original.

  • Put mending tape on the pasted part.

The same copy area is dirty whenever making copies.

The exposure glass, scanning glass, or ADF is dirty.

Clean them. See "Cleaning the Machine", About This Machine.

The same copy area is dirty whenever making copies.

  • The original that has already been printed is scanned.

  • Original Type is set to [Text / Photo], and an original with text and photographs that can hardly be distinguished from each other is loaded.

On the control panel, press [Generation Copy], and then begin copying.

Copies are too light.

Image density is too light.

Adjust the image density settings. See "Adjusting Copy Image Density", Copy and Document Server Reference.

Copies are too light.

A light copy may result when you use damp or rough grain paper.

  • Use recommended paper. For details about recommended paper, see "Recommended Paper Sizes and Types", About This Machine.

  • Use paper that has been stored in the recommended temperature and humidity conditions. For details about the proper way to store paper, see "Paper Storage", About This Machine.

Parts of images are not copied.

The original is not set correctly.

Set originals correctly. See "Placing Originals", Copy and Document Server Reference.

Parts of images are not copied.

The correct paper size is not selected.

Select the proper paper size.

Parts of images are not copied.

Even if you place originals on the exposure glass, or ADF correctly, margin of a few millimeters on all four sides of the original might not be copied.

Use "Create Margin" function to reduce the image of its original size.

For details about missing image area, see "Create Margin", Copy and Document Server Reference.

Images appear only partially.

The paper is damp.

Use paper that has been stored in the recommended temperature and humidity conditions. For details about the proper way to store it, see "Paper Storage", About This Machine.

Black lines appear.

The exposure glass, scanning glass, or ADF is dirty.

Clean them. See "Cleaning the Machine", About This Machine.

White lines appear.

The exposure glass, scanning glass, or ADF is dirty.

Clean them. See "Cleaning the Machine", About This Machine.

Copies are blank.

The original is not set correctly.

When using the exposure glass, face the originals down. When using the ADF, face them up.

A moire pattern is produced on copies.

Illustration of moire pattern

The original has a dot pattern image or many lines.

Place the original on the exposure glass at a slight angle.

Black spots appear on the copy of a photographic print.

Because of high humidity, the photographic print has stuck to the exposure glass.

Place the print on the exposure glass in either of the following ways:

  • Place an OHP transparency on the exposure glass, and then place the print on the OHP transparency.

  • Place the print on the exposure glass, and then place two or three sheets of white paper on it. Leave the ADF open when copying.

White stripes appear on the OHP.

Fragments of paper are stuck to the OHP.

Use a dry cloth to wipe any paper fragments off the back of the OHP.

The image on the back side of duplex copies has mottled blank patches or is smudged.

Missing patches and smudges are caused by moisture leaking from the paper.

  • Do not install the machine in areas that are susceptible to low temperatures.

  • Use paper that has been stored where temperature and humidity conditions meet the limitations we recommend. For details about the paper storage conditions we recommend, see "Paper Storage", About This Machine.