diff --git a/scikits/image/data/tests/test_data.py b/scikits/image/data/tests/test_data.py
index b31c8851..9215d0fa 100644
--- a/scikits/image/data/tests/test_data.py
+++ b/scikits/image/data/tests/test_data.py
@@ -15,7 +15,6 @@ def test_camera():
 def test_checkerboard():
     """ Test that checkerboard image can be loaded. """
     checkerboard = data.checkerboard()
-    assert_equal(checkerboard.dtype, np.uint8)
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     from numpy.testing import run_module_suite
diff --git a/scikits/image/io/__init__.py b/scikits/image/io/__init__.py
index 68059000..f6197d63 100644
--- a/scikits/image/io/__init__.py
+++ b/scikits/image/io/__init__.py
@@ -7,14 +7,15 @@ The following plug-ins are available:
 from _plugins import use as use_plugin
 from _plugins import available as plugins
 from _plugins import info as plugin_info
-
 available_plugins = plugins()
 
-for preferred_plugin in \
-        ['pil', 'matplotlib', 'gtk', 'freeimage', 'qt', 'null']:
+for preferred_plugin in ['pil', 'matplotlib', 'qt', 'null']:
     if preferred_plugin in available_plugins:
-        use_plugin(preferred_plugin)
-        break
+        try:
+            use_plugin(preferred_plugin)
+            break
+        except ImportError:
+            pass
 
 from sift import *
 from collection import *
diff --git a/scikits/image/io/_plugins/fits_plugin.py b/scikits/image/io/_plugins/fits_plugin.py
index 84215d96..9fd2aadb 100644
--- a/scikits/image/io/_plugins/fits_plugin.py
+++ b/scikits/image/io/_plugins/fits_plugin.py
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 __all__ = ['imread', 'imread_collection']
 
-import numpy as np
 import scikits.image.io as io
 
 try:
diff --git a/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.ini b/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.ini
index 39d78fbb..1c29e215 100644
--- a/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.ini
+++ b/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.ini
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
 [matplotlib]
 description = Display or save images using Matplotlib
-provides = imshow, _app_show
+provides = imshow, imread, _app_show
 
diff --git a/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.py b/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.py
index 7fb70da2..f59540c4 100644
--- a/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.py
+++ b/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.py
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
-from matplotlib.pyplot import imshow, show
+from matplotlib.pyplot import imshow, show, imread
 
 def _app_show():
     show()
-