HP OfficeJet Pro 9015: Disabling built-in scan 'optimization'

[Dave_D70]

I recently purchased an Office Jet Pro 9015 to replace another HP printer.

With the previous printer, I used the scan functions regularly (both the ADF and flatbed modes), and was always satisfied with the quality.

I cannot say the same about the quality of the scans I have done so far with the 9015.

I scanned an old picture recently with the 9015, and which you can see as the top half of the picture below. Note the combination of sharp edges and muddled areas; giving the picture a definite "paint by numbers" appearance.

Most fortunately, I had an older Epson scanner stashed away, and I dug it out, plugged it in, and made a scan of the same picture, which is the bottom half of the picture below. Note how much more detailed the scan is.

Is there some kind of hidden "optimization" setting I have to manipulate to get better quality scans? Both scans were run at the SAME resolution: 600dpi, and both times I used Apple's Image Capture application to do the scan.

HP (top), Epson (bottom)

[Kumar0307]

@Dave_D70, Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Let us try these steps to resolve this issue:

Try making a standalone copy and check the quality. By this, we can conclude if this is a hardware or a driver issue.

Update the printer firmware

Click here to know different methods of updating printer firmware.

Also, check for any software updates on MAC

Click the Apple icon > About This Mac > Software Update and install any available update.

Try using the HP Easy Scan or HP Smart app to scan from your MAC to check if that helps.

Click here to know how to use these apps. 

For more info on resolving scan quality issues, refer to - Improving Scan Quality

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Have a great day! 

[Dave_D70]

I tried making a copy of a different photo (color) and the copy came out okay.

Firmware is already up to date, and was one of the first things I did after setting up the printer and changing it from USB to wireless.

The Mac is also up to date: Catalina 10.15.6

Regarding the original picture, there was no difference in results between Apple's Image Capture (which worked just fine with the previous printer) and HP Easy Scan.

[Kumar0307]

@Dave_D70

If the copy is fine, it means the scanner hardware is working fine. However, since you have used 2 scanning applications and the issue persists, I think this issue needs some additional technical assistance that can be better provided through one-on-one interaction or a remote session with our HP Support team.

Please reach out to the HP Support in your region for further assistance. 

Keep me posted for any other assistance.