Microfilm conversion

Microfilm use started over 150 years ago and is considered one of the oldest forms of storing information, still much available in the 21st century. John Dancer invented microfilm, which was later improved on by Rege Dragon. 

Due to its ability to last a very long time (up to 500 years), Microfilms were sustainable means of storing information during wars and by old libraries. Microfilm has recently begun to gain wide recognition as it can be converted into digital form. Many persons have different questions about microfilm use and how it works.

However, below, we've provided answers to some frequently asked questions answered about microfilm.

• What does microfilm mean? 

Microfilm is a film with a photographic recording on a reduced scale or size of printed material or graphic material. Also, it involves converting physical records into microfilms.

• Is microfilm still in use?

Even with all the digital information and devices available, microfilm seems to be going nowhere. 

Microfilms are still very much in use by some industries, organizations, and companies, as it is a very safe and reliable method of storing information.

• What size is microfilm?

Microfilms usually comes in rolls of 100ft or 215 feet in length. 16mm roll length is usually the standard length used in many organizations and for clerking uses. The thickness of microfilms ranges from 0.004 to 0.0025 inches.

• How can I digitize microfilm?

Digitization of microfilm is an essential precaution to keep information more secure and last longer. To digitize microfilm, the films are first installed on a scanning machine known as  Microfilm conversion scanners, and then it is precisely woven through the scanner. 

The digitizer or conversion scanner then ensures the compatibility of the microfilm to the scanner. The areas where compatibility is guaranteed include the film's width and length and its polarity, either negative or positive. After adjusting the settings and focusing, the conversion scanner then proceeds to convert the microfilm into digital form and saves the digitalized form. 

• How much does it cost to digitize microfilm?

The charges incurred from digitizing microfilm vary, resulting from the data management team involved. The cost, however, also vary due to size. Other factors that influence digitalization cost include quality of microfilm, number of rolls, images on rolls, scale, and production cost.

• What are the different microfilm formats?

There are five source types of microfilm document formats. They include;

1. Roll (open spool type): This got its name from its ability to roll on scripts. These microfilm format usages are mostly used for newspapers, history books, and records that must last for a long time.
2. Roll (cartridge type): A roll film is placed in a container called a cartridge. A cartridge is usually used for easy and fast access band retrieval of documents. They are commonly used for invoices, cheques, bank statements, and records in ordered sequence for speedy retrieval.
3. Jackets: Jackets are used to update images in a large quantity (up to 50 photos) in unit form. A coat is similar to a computer folder and can also be accessed easily.
4. Aperture cards (16mm type): This unitized format can accept an average of 25 documents. Hence, it requires a regular update, but it's perfect for records such as school records and medical records.
5. Aperture cards (35mm): They are generally known for engineering uses such as geological and geographic imaging, maps, etc. It allows the entry of only one image per card.

Digitalization of microfilms should only be handled by trusted companies and organizations that possess top quality microfilm conversion scanners and are ready to do their work with utmost efficiency.

For microfilm conversion, contact Scanoptics for the most intelligent data management.