When I scan the last frame, I always hear a fairly loud "clunk" sound as the slide holder goes in, is this normal ?

Most of these scanners are similar. If you want the best quality, pick the middle frames of the slide holder - it is better balanced in the carriage. If you hear a clunk I would not worry, the 9000ED is a bit like my Multi Pro and the carrier is a big item. At least I do not needed to leave space between the scannner and the wall - the carrier does not come out of the back like on some models!

David