Digitize Source Documents From Microfiche Jackets

Scanning Depot is still the best in the microfiche scanning industry when it comes to service, quality, and microfiche scanning price. We uses the best scanners, and performs in-house quality control and indexing. It's no surprise why so many other service bureaus use Scanning Depot for their digital image conversions.

If you are looking for the best microfilm scanning price for your microfilm, and you need a microfilm conversion company you can trust, contact Scanning Depot. We have many years of experience in the microfilm and microfiche conversion industry, and we will make sure you get the best possible service.

Microfiche Conversion

There are many types of microfiche cards used to store information. Regardless of what type you have, Scanning Depot can make digital images of all of your records and put them if a format that you can load on your computer system for easy viewing.

Microfiche cards can be made of COM image. They may be Jacket microfiche cards or they may be step and repeat. Contact Scanning Depot for all the information you need on microfiche cards or microfilm. We can help you analyze and give you the best solution for your microfiche or microfilm conversion project.

With many years of experience converting microfiche cards to digital images, you will find the best service and price in the industry.

Best microfilm Scanning Format: PDF, TIFF, JPEG

Which microfilm scanning format is the best? Well, like many things...it depends. Microfilm to TIFF is the industry standard, and these types of files are very flexible to manipulate and enhance. Microfilm to JPEG is a great option for grayscale scanning. Microfilm to PDF is being requested more and more as organizations use the Internet to upload archives.

Ultimately the choice is yours. Scanning Depot are the experts in microfilm conversion to digital images, and can create any format you require. Contact us for a microfilm scanning quote today. We can provide samples for you for free.

Convert Roll Film To Digital Images

At Scanning Depot, we have been busy scanning 16mm roll film cartridges, 35mm microfiche jackets, and 16mm school records. We are also working on a government bid that requires us to invest time and effort to put together for them.

In our case, it looks like the first microfilm trend to hit (Obama bailout money) was school records. We can only comment from our own experience and others may feel differently, but from our stand point, we have seen a trend of microfilm school records converted to digital format.

Microfilm Scanning And Microfilm Scanners

If you have microfilm that needs to be digitally converted, send it to Scanning Depot; you don't have to worry about buying microfilm scanners from ebay or direct-We will convert the 16mm or 35mm roll film for you at a cheap price. You don't have to worry about anything because we have service many customers that are completely satisfied with our service and price.

Scanning Depot has experience using the best microfilm scanning equipment in the industry and will make sure that your microfilm is processed correctly the first time. You can expect that your scanned images in TIFF or PDF format will be optimum. If you prefer gray scale images, we can convert your microfilm directly to the file type you need.

Convert Fiche To Image Cost

Pricing for microfiche scanning digitizing varies. If you are working on a government bid or if one of your clients has COM fiche, jacketed microfiche (16mm or 35mm), or step-and-repeat fiche, and would like to partner with us, please contact us for a quote today.

Scanning Depot offers many years of experience with a team of experts that have converted many millions of images from microfiche. You can count on Scanning Depot to service your microfiche conversion needs from beginning to end. We will help you put together any documentation you may need for the conversion process. We have worked with many government agencies before and we have the experience needed to assist you every step of the way.

Digitizing Microfiche: Managing Expectations

The process of digitizing microfiche offers challenging situation for many operators. Depending on the quality of the source microfiche and the scanning equipment in use, the image output can differ from situations.

Even with the latest microfiche scanning technology from NextScan, some people have different expectations about image output. Transferring microfiche to digital images is a mass production process, and generally at 200-300DPI and using the different scanning software algorithms like edge enhancement, deskeckle, deskew, autocropping, smooth, and gamma correction should create a usable product. For poor quality images, greyscale images can be created (4-bit, 8-bit, LZW, JPEG etc.) However, if the jacket fiche or COM fiche is not ideal an exact duplication from fiche to image is not realistic.

In order to achieve the best possible quality in any situation, it is best if the microfiche conversion process  is performed by a professional operator. This would be someone with many years of experience using various equipment that has converted similar microfiche with similar quality standards.

Putting microfiche in an Eyecom fiche reader or making individual manual adjustments on a Cannon reader printer is 100% different than microfiche scanning using a NextScan microfiche scanner or other systems.

Microfilm Scanning: Lowest Microfilm Scanning Price

Scanning Depot is the best when it comes to scanning your microfilm. With updated microfilm scanners, Scanning Depot can scan all types of microfilm, such as 16mm roll film, 35mm roll film, 16mm 3m cartridges, 16mm COM film, duplex film, aperture cards, and more.


Scanning Depot strives to have the lowest microfilm scanning prices in the industry. When it comes to service and price, you will not find another company like Scanning Depot.  If you have already experienced the efficiency offered by the staff of Scanning Depot, then you know first hand, but if you have not given us an opportunity before, I guarantee you will be 100% satisfied.

Microfiche Scanning

Scanning Depot is the number one in the microfiche scanning industry. We use the latest in microfiche scanning technology, and can scan all types of microfiche, such as COM fiche, jacketed fiche, step and repeat fiche cards, 35mm jackets, duplicated fiche, rewritable microfiche (AB Dick and Microx), and more.

Scanning Depot strives to have the lowest microfiche scanning prices in the industry. When it comes to service and price, you will not find another company like Scanning Depot.  If you have already experienced the efficiency offered by the staff of Scanning Depot, then you know first hand, but if you have not given us an opportunity before, I guarantee you will be 100% satisfied.

Transfer Images To Microfilm (archive writing)

Another Service provided by Scanning Depot is archive writing.

In addition to digitally converting microfilm to PDF, TIFF, or JPEG, Scanning Depot also can reverse engineer and transfer images to 16mm microfilm (silver original or diazo duplicate).

For example, if you convert documents to image and need a microfilm backup, we can transfer the images you created into 16mm film with a 32X reduction ratio. If the images are multi-tiff or multi-pdf, we can create dual level blips on the film. If the images are large e-size drawings, the better film to use is 35mm roll film. This is due to the reduction ratio that is needed to film the images at the correct size. We can also create 35mm roll film from images. We also can create microfilm labels on the 16mm or 35mm microfilm reels we archive write.

Aperture Card Scanning And Conversion to PDF

Converting aperture cards to digital format is a process that can be great benefits for you. Here are some details of a project we just finished.

We recently converted around 100,000 aperture cards to PDF. These were engineering drawings and architecture schematics. We read the hollerith punch code, but some cards did not have the aperture card holes, so we performing a data entry keying from the image.

We sorted the aperture cards by positive vs negative, orientation, and to an extent drawing size, before we started. Preparing an aperture card job is very important, and if you don't have the experience, you could find yourself in a world of trouble once you begin scanning.

A lot of aperture card scanners advertise that everything is automatic, but there is still inventory and prep labor involved in any project. Read more about aperture card scanning here.

16mm Roll Film, 3M Cartridge, 35mm Roll Film Jobs

To gain real knowledge in the microfilm scanning industry, you need to get your hands dirty with actual production process. Here is an example of some project we are working on. Each one is unique and presents the operator with different challenges. An experienced staff such the one at Scanning Depot can process all these projects for you.

We completed a 35mm roll film containing building permits, 16mm cartridges containing school records, and 16mm roll film containing college transcripts. The 3m cartridges were the more challenging ones, but thanks to our experience and updated microfilm scanning equipment, we were able to convert the cartridges to TIFF with no problems.

The 35mm film was unfortunately filmed poorly, but we still were able to detect all of the images using specialized detection programs. It's easier said than done, of course, but there is nothing like hands on to gain experience.

Microfilm Scanner Maintenance

Check the maintenance program for microfilm scanning equipment and you may be surprised at how expensive it can get to keep these systems serviced.

If you have a Sunrise, Wicks and Wilson, NextStar, or Mekel roll film scanner, one question you will soon be asking is "Where can I get microfilm scanner maintenance?" The problem is that microfilm scanning technology breaks down, and if you don't the original service agreements with the manufactures, service from other vendors is difficult to get. If you don't follow procedures, and let your microfilm scanner service agreement lapse, you will be paying thousands of dollars to replace parts, fix, and repair these machines.

It's one of the horrors of trying to be in the microfilm scanning business if you don't have the experience and technical know-how, like Scanning Depot has. If you have microfilm that needs to be digitized, contact Scanning Depot for a microfilm scanning quote and price estimate today. They can also do a test run for you for free, and the information they will share with you can also help you with your microfilm conversion project.

Transfer and convert microfilm to TIFF or PDF In Florida

Understanding a bit more about your microfilm can help you with your next microfilm conversion project. Here is more information that can be useful for you.

Frames contained on 16mm rolls can be converted to TIFF, JPEG, or PDF images. 16 mm roll film may have been filmed as simplex (one document per frame), or duplex (two images side-by-side on each frame). Many times the duplex images contain the front and back of the original source document. Depending on your needs, Scanning Depot can scan both document sides in one frame, or split out the two documents into separate images.

There are many variations of image orientation. For instance, images can be filmed positive or negative, with variable image lengths, and different sizes. There may also be inconsistencies in regards to image density due to film degradation or inconsistencies in the original development process. However, Scanning Depot's production team and technical experts will always bring out the best potential from any form of media during the microfilm scanning process.

Florida Microfilm Scanning Price and Cost

Scanning Depot has established itself with the best microfilm pricing in the microfilm scanning industry. Check our prices and compare with other vendors. You will be surprised as to how inexpensive it can be to convert your microfilm. And when it comes to service, you will be even happier once you get our turnaround commitment to you.

Our prices to convert 16mm roll film, 35mm roll film or 3M/Kodak cartridge are the best in the industry. We are located in Florida and we can do work for you no matter where you are located. Contact us today for a free sample for your project.

Florida Low Cost For Microfiche Scanning

Scanning Depot has the best microfiche pricing in the microfiche scanning and digital conversion industry.  You can check our prices and services online or contact us for more information.

The cost to convert microfiche to PDF? drops as the microfiche volume increases. The microfiche type (COM fiche, jacketed microfiche, or step-and-repeat fiche) can all be converted at this same Florida location. Feel free to contact us for a microfiche quote. We are equipped with the right equipment and knowledge to give you the best possible service.

Digitize Microfiche

If you have a COM fiche, jacketed fiche, or other type of microfiche scanning project to convert and you are looking for a do-it-yourself scanning solution, contact Scanning Depot for assistance. They can give you information that will be invaluable for your success. They will do free microfiche scanning to provide you with samples that you can present to your client. If you are buying scanning equipment, they can give you expert advice so you can make the best decision. Also, don’t forget to check the really low scanning prices and costs that they have to offer. You can see their scanning prices online here: cost of microfiche conversion. Do the math and see what is best for you.

If you are in a microfiche business and are looking to expand your capabilities, Scanning Depot can help you achieve your goals. They will give you wholesale scanning prices so that you can make the profit you need. You will get fast turnaround on all your digitizing needs. If you are interested in this type of business, contact them and they will get you up to speed on all you need to know.

Microfilm Scanning Complexity

Microfilm scanners for microfilm conversion projects are more complicated than some people think. Although there is simple scanning equipment that can solve small tasks, for real scanning production you need a microfilm scanner that can take care of any and all issues that you will encounter. For scanning 16mm microfilm or 35mm microfilm you can use the same system if you get the right brand. Other systems only allow you to do one size. For scanning microfiche, you will need to make major conversion or get a specialized system.

Good microfilm scanning equipment will offer an experienced operator many tools to work with. All of these tools have a good reason to be there but if you are new to the process, the amount of information that you need to know can be overwhelming. It takes a person many months of training and operating this expensive scanning equipment to be able to make the best use of an advanced microfilm scanner. You may get by with just knowing some things, but like with everything else, you are not going to get the best results or good results until you really know what you are doing.

Microfiche Scanning: Simple or Complex?

Microfiche scanners for microfiche conversion projects can become a big headache for many organizations. Although there are simple scanning equipment that can solve small tasks, for real scanning production you need a microfiche scanner that can take care of any and all issues that you will encounter with COM fiche, 16mm jacketed fiche, step-and-repeat fiche, rewritable fiche, 35mm strips, etc).

Good microfiche scanning equipment (NextStar, Sunrise, Mekel, Wicks & Wilson, etc.) will offer an experienced operator many tools to work with.  It takes a person a long time of training and operating this expensive scanning equipment to be able to make good use of an advanced microfiche scanner. You may get by with just knowing some things, but like with everything else, you are not going to get the best results or good results until you really know what you are doing.

Microfiche Scanning

If you want to digitize microfiche, you must be aware that scanning microfiche technology includes operating microfiche scanners such as NextStar, Sunrise, Mekel, Wicks and Wilson, Cannon, or other name brands. Also, there many types of media. Types of microfiche include: COM fiche (Computer Output Media), jacketed microfiche (16mm, 35mm, or combo fiche), step-and-repeat fiche, ultrafiche, and rewritable fiche (like A/B Dick or Microx).

You can't just scan microfiche records into your computer without these scanners, and without having the expertise and training to run them. Digitizing microfiche is a highly specialized field. When you factor the time and cost of training and labor (not to mention mistakes and rescans) it is best to leave microfiche scanning to experts. After all, it is a lot less expensive to just send your microfiche to Scanning Depot than to buy one $65,000 microfiche scanner and hire or train new employees. The cost of a microfiche digital conversion is much less than you would expect.

Película Para Digitación

Cuando se trata de convertir microfilm a un systema digital, Un punto muy importante es la edad de la película. Si su película de microfilm esta empezando a dar mal olor, esto puede ser una indicación de que ya se esta venciendo el tiempo de uso de su microfilm. El mal olor de su película probablemente se debe a un proceso natural donde la película se descompone al punto donde puede llegar a deteriorarse por completo. Si no actúa a tiempo, puede perder toda su información.

Si usted quiere mas información, puede contactar a una compañía como Scanning Depot, donde le puede ubicar sobre este tema. Ellos son expertos en el proceso de digitalizar todo tipo de película de documentos. Scanning Depot le puede ayudar en el procesamiento y digitalización de microficha.

Digitalización de Microfilm

Si usted esta considerando convertir su microfilma de 16mm o 35mm, o quizás usted tenga microfichas que necesite convertir a formato digital, compare precios con Scanning Depot y obtenga información que le pueda ayudar a decidir en este proceso.

Mientras tanto, a medida que usted siga utilizando su microfilm, haga todo lo posible para mantener la integridad de sus documentos. Esto es una precaución muy importante para el futuro de su información, especialmente si su microfilm no se puede recrear y no tienen duplicado de microfilm. Mantenga las microfichas en un ambiente seco y en temperatura controlada. Proteja el microfilm para que no se arañe ya que esto puede arrancar y destruir parte de la información.

Microfilm Scanning Conversion Pricing

Scanning Depot has the best microfilm pricing in the digital imaging industry. There have been many imitators claiming to offer cheap microfilm scanning services, but Scanning Depot still offers the most cost effective imaging solutions for your 16mm roll film or 35mm roll film.

How much does digitizing microfilm cost? It depends on microfilm volume and microfilm type (16mm or 35mm). It's a lot cheaper than you buying a new microfilm scanner or getting a used one with no warranty from ebay. In addition to owning a system, scanning microfilm requires training and time. For microfilm scanning of 16mm rolls or 35mm rolls to be effective, you have to invest lots of money to do it yourself. Check prices at Scanning Depot and compare.

Microfiche Scanning Conversion Pricing

Scanning Depot has the best microfiche pricing in the digital imaging industry. There have been many imitators claiming to offer cheap microfiche scanning services, but Scanning Depot offers the most cost effective imaging solutions.

How much does digitizing microfiche cost? It depends on microfiche volume and microfiche type (COM fiche, jacketed microfiche, or step-and-repeat fiche). It's a lot cheaper than you buying a new microfiche scanner or getting a used one with no warranty from ebay.


Unlike some other companies you may come across via Internet search engines or e-mail spam, Scanning Depot is a real corporation with an experienced microfiche scanning operation. Feel free to contact us for a microfiche quote.

Un Mejor Uso Para Su Información de Microfichas o Microfilm

Si su organización utiliza microfichas para guardar información o para obtener información contenida en microfichas, como parte de su operación normal, y esta buscando un método mejor, quizás aquí encuentre la respuesta.

El método comienza con una conversión de microfichas a imágenes digitales o digitalización de microfilm. Este proceso convierte cada documento de microfichas a un formato que puede ser guardado en un sistema de computadora. Este proceso debe ser realizado por una organización que tenga la experiencia y el equipo adecuado para obtener un buen resultado. Dicha compañía le podrá ofrecer un servicio eficiente, rápido, y a muy bajo costo. Scanning Depot es una compañía, tiene expertos con muchos años de experiencia realizando exactamente este tipo de proyectos. Ellos pueden ayudarle a identificar toda la información que usted necesite para comenzar su digitalización.

Preparación De Película Para Digitación

Muchas organizaciones o individuos hacen uso de película o microfilm, para acceder sus documentos e información. Aunque esta ha sido una practica común por mucho tiempo, la tecnología disponible para digitalizar película ha venido facilitando cada vez mas este proceso. Si sus documentos están en película de 16mm, película de 35mm, tarjetas de apertura, microfichas de jackets, microfichas de COM, o algún otro tipo de microficha, quizás usted ha pensado digitalizar el microfilm o convertir el microfilm a un formato totalmente digital.

El proceso de digitalización de microfilm ha existido ya por un tiempo, pero solo pocos tienen la experiencia y el equipo de digitalización adecuado para una conversión de imágenes exitosa, y para asegurar que su microfilm va ha ser bien protegida. Una compañía de digitación de microfichas o digitación de microfilm puede transferir todos sus documentos que están gravados en su tarjetas de o rollos de película, ha un formato digital donde usted podrá ver todos sus documentos en su computadora. Este proceso es ideal para guardar y recuperar sus documentos instantáneamente.

Microfiche Scanning And The Recession

Due in part to the media coverage saying that the Great Depression is right around the corner, may be partially the reason why many government agencies, counties, cities, and corporations kinda put a freeze on their willingness (and purse strings) to put money into their digital microfiche conversion.
After President Obama's inauguration, the bail out, and after some better signs from the stock market, more and more organizations are once again looking at their budgets and are finally realizing the importance of a COM fiche, jacketed microfiche, rewritable fiche cards, or step and repeat microfiche conversion. The bottom line is that converting microfiche to image will save your organization money in the long term. Needless to say, the increase in customer service, once a digital system is in place, is much better that sending customers to search through microfiche cards.

It's too costly to go out and buy microfiche scanners, get trained, and hire new workers to run the machines and come up with a microfiche scanning process flow, but it's not too costly to get your COM fiche or microfiche converted by Scanning Depot. At a few pennies per image sending fiche cards to a company that provides microfiche scanning services is still the most cost effective thing to do.

The Economy And Microfilm Scanning

The effect of the economic calapse has trickle down to most industries. Gas prices were high when this began, and it was only a matter of time before the recession cloud hit the microfilm scanning industry.

The peak of economic fear, in my view, was during the presidential election. So it was no wonder that many government agencies, counties, cities, and corporations kinda put a freeze on their willingness (and purse strings) to put money into their digital microfilm conversion. These organizations may have lots of information on 16mm roll film or 35mm roll film. Some may even have the data in microfiche cards, making the use of this information very slow.

Of course, after President Obama's inauguration, the bail out, and after some better signs from the stock market, more and more organizations are once again looking at their budgets and are finally realizing the importance of a 16mm or 35mm microfilm conversion. The bottom line is that converting microfilm to image will save your organization money in the long term.

It's too costly to go out and buy microfilm scanners, get trained, and hire new workers to run the machines and come up with a microfilm scanning process flow, but it's not too costly to get your 16mm and 35mm roll film converted by Scanning Depot. At less that a penny per image, sending roll film to a company that provides microfilm scanning services is still the most cost effective thing to do.

Digitize Microfiche and Microfilm

If you are an imaging service bureau, microfilm company, or document archiving company, Scanning Depot offers great opportunity to maximize your profits. Subcontracting microfiche scanning to Scanning Depot enables you to add a new profit center to your existing business at absolutely no cost to you.

Scanning Depot  has highly experienced staff  today, and are experts in fiche scanning, COM fiche scanning, digitizing different microfiche types (such as 16mm rolls 35mm rolls, and 35mm jackets), document imaging, digital imaging, and have various microfiche scanners.

How Much Does It Cost to Scan Microfiche? (really)

How much does it cost to scan microfiche? Why is there so much variance of microfiche pricing between microfilm scanning companies? The cost of fiche scanning depends on the microfiche type, so Step 1 would be to identify the type of microfiche to be digitized. Step 2 is to determine the volume of the microfiche digital conversion (how many cards and how many images are on an average card).

For example, COM fiche has around 208 to 270 frames and is computer generated. From an experienced microfiche scanning company like Scanning Depot, you can get one of the lowest prices on the market at the image level.

Jacketed microfiche generally contain under 70 images per card (usually they have a few rows of 16mm film strips). Step-and-repeat microfiche can fall under either fiche category depending on the image layout on the fiche card. The same can be said for rewritable microfiche.

For a related blog article, see Types of Microfiche to help in identifying the various types of microfiche cards.

Digitize medical records

Does your medical office, hospital, or private medical practice have a desire to digitize medical records for easy electronic retrieval? Is it on COM fiche or jacketed microfiche? With President Obama's stimulus package, $19 billion dollars is being allocated to motivate medical offices to digitize their records.

Scanning Depot can digitize and convert 16mm microfilm rolls, rolls of 35mm microfilm and microfiche cards, and are experts in microfilm scanning, microfiche scanning, aperture card scanning, and large volume document scanning.

Wal-Mart to market digital health records system

With Wal-Mart and Sam's Club are getting involved in digitizing health records from doctor's offices and small medical practices. eClinicalWorks is providing the software. I wonder if any of these guys know that Scanning Depot has the capacity to scan these same types of records from 16mm microfilm rolls, 35mm microfilm rolls and even from microfiche cards, at a super low price. It may be cheaper for them to outsource all of the microfilm conversion process to Scanning Depot.

With President Obama's stimulus package including $19 billion in incentives to digitize medical records, many companies are looking for microfilm scanning, microfiche scanning, or paper document scanning.

Microfiche document imaging

Microfiche to digital image conversion and indexing has come a long way over the years. You can make searchable pdf files (OCR and ICR) from your documents so you can search for specific information. This is more difficult if the images reside on 16mm microfilm or 35mm microfilm or some other format like microfiche cards. This is just one example of what information technology has done to improve document management and document imaging.

There are many ways that you can index your documents to make the images more useful. These include a process of data entry and indexing of vital information. Data entry is basically the process of entering information from your documents into a database. The type of information that is captured in this process is later used to find the documents that you need. The database used in this process stores the name and location of an image, and links the information to the images so that when you search for a name or address, for example, the document is displayed. Many times this information is located at the fiche header label.

Indexing is also a term used to describe the data entry process. Some people relate this term to the process of organizing information by some searchable format. In general it is the same as data entry. You should contact an experienced and well-established company.

Digitize microfiche

Are you looking for the best solution for your microfiche inventory or your roll film conversion? Are you looking to do away with the cost of maintaining the microfiche or microfiche library ? Are you concern with aging microfilm or your microfilm decomposing?

If you have thought of any of these situations, you should probably contact a qualified professional. Scanning Depot can help you if you are in this situation. We will provide you with the solution that best suits your microfilm needs.

Converting your jacketed microfiche, COM fiche, step and repeat fiche, and rewritable microfiche to a digital format has many advantages. It saves valuable space, eliminates the labor of maintaining a microfiche library, can provide an efficient storage and retrieval system, and allows for an efficient customer service process, and more.

In light of the economic issues we are all facing, a digital microfiche conversion process is less of an option and more of a necessity. It just makes sense. The initial investment is recovered in a short time, not to mention if microfiche degradation is already an issue.

Scanning Depot will help preserve the integrity of your documents, no matter what the business economic conditions are. We can provide you with the best price, regardless of the size of the project. And if turnaround is a concern for you, Scanning Depot can work 24/7 to make sure your business does not miss a minute.

Microfilm Scanning And Digital Conversion

Microfilm to digital image conversion and indexing has come a long way over the years. You can make searchable pdf files (OCR and ICR) from your documents so you can search for specific information. This is just one example of what information technology has done to improve document management and document imaging.

There are other ways that you can index your documents to make the images more useful. These include a process of data entry, indexing of vital information, and blip capturing from film. This may not sound familiar to some, but these processes are quite common and straightforward for an experienced company. Here is some explanation of what I mean:

Data entry is basically the process of entering information from your documents into a database. The type of information that is captured in this process is later used to find the documents that you need. The database used in this process stores the name and location of an image, and links the information to the images so that when you search for a name or address, for example, the document is displayed.

Indexing is also a term used to describe the data entry process. Some people relate this term to the process of organizing information by some searchable format. In general it is the same as data entry. Most images may have been stored on 16mm roll film, 35mm roll film, microfiche cards, or some other format that required a digital conversion.

Blip capturing is somewhat different. If your microfilm has little tick marks or tiny marks under the frames, these may be the blips, and it may contain important information about the documents. With the right equipment, and experienced operator can extract this information during the conversion process. The information capture here may serve to group the documents so that the data entry may me simplified or eliminated all together. This will reduce and in some cases, it may eliminate the cost of indexing to you.

In general, capturing and identifying your documents in a microfilm conversion project can be simple and cost effective. There are many advantages to converting your microfilm and it can be done quickly and is not expensive. You should contact an experienced and well-established company like Scanning Depot for additional information on your microfilm scanning project.

Digitizing 3M 16mm Microfilm Cartridges

Experts at Scanning Depot have been performing digital microfilm conversions for over 15 years, including 3M or Kodak 16 mm microfilm cartridges. 16mm Roll film cartridges ere difficult for some microfilm scanning companies to work with, but we have developed a method to digitally convert roll film cartridges successfully.

Many school systems microfilm their student records on 16mm roll cartridges, and we've handled numerous school record digital conversions. Many school systems want their images indexed by Student Name and Graduation Date, although due to poor filming and handwriting. We have resolved all issues relating to the microfilm conversion and indexing methods that were needed for the customer.

Some companies purchase microfilm scanning equipment to scan their rolls of microfilm and later find out they don't want to do it. If you have a used microfilm scanner that you like to sell, we can buy it from you and we can also convert you microfilm to digital images at an unbelievable low price.

Fiche scanning and document imaging

Digitizing microfiche has many benefits, including the electronic retrieval of your indexed digital images. Whichever type of microfiche that goes through the digitizing process (COM fiche, jacketed microfiche, rewritable fiche cards, etc.) can be indexed by the image or named by folder grouping, just like your current filing system. Since COM fiche and jacket microfiche were originally used in a filling system, naming of files and directories to match the system is ideal. The box, batch, envelope, or the data on the fiche header labels can be utilized to index the images, depending on your needs.

Sometimes people refer to microfiche cards as pages of microfiche. At times these leads to some confusion since a microfiche card can actually contain many pages or documents of information within each microfiche card. We are always digitizing microfiche cards that contain COM (computer output to microfiche) images, jacket microfiche cards, these are cards with images from 16mm rolls or 35mm rolls of microfiche. It is common for us to convert very high volumes of microfiche and we are always looking to buy used microfilm scanners to supplement our resources. 

I Need To Buy a Used Microfilm Scanner For 35mm Film

I have to buy a used microfilm scanner to scan 35mm rolls, and I need it soon. If you have one I can offer to buy your system. I have hundreds of 35mm rolls and my company will not send it out. I came across brands names of microfilm scanners on the net that will do the job. These are Nextscan, Wicks and Wilson, Mekel, and Sunrise. If you have one of these used microfilm scanning systems, please let me know.

New systems we found out are too costly so a used microfilm scanner will have to do. If you have one or can recommend me to someone, please let me know. Also, 35mm microfilm scanners come with instructions and I hope that if you have a used microfilm scanner that you still have some of these information. Either way, any information you can provide will help.

I Am Searching To Buy a Used Microfilm Scanner

I have to scan many 16mm rolls of microfilm internally for my firm. I need to purchase a used microfilm scanner that is in works. New systems are very expensive and this is why a used microfilm equipment may work for me. If you have a microfilm scanner that you are not interested in keeping anymore, and want to sell it, please contact me.

I looked up on the internet systems made by  Wicks and Wilson, Mekel, Sunrise, Nextscan and others, but new systems are too expensive for my project. The16mm rolls are silver black copies. I have many of them so the microfilm scanner needs to be a production microfilm scanner. If you are selling your used microfilm scanner or if you have an old microfilm scanner that you don't know the real conditions of it, I can tried to find out.

Buying a microfilm scanner?

With so many microfilm scanners on the market to perform document imaging, before you go out and invest hundreds of thousands of dollars on scanning equipment (or buy used document scanners on ebay with no warranty), you should consider the cost effectiveness of having a microfilm scanning company perform the digital conversion. Scanning rolls of microfilm requires expensive equipment and knowledge.

If your organization or company has 16 mm roll film or 35 mm roll film, it is generally cheaper and quicker to have Scanning Depot convert the microfilm than it is to invest in Sunrise, NextStar, Wicks & Wilson, or Mekel scanners. These microfilm scanning equipment are expensive to buy.

You may feel that spending money on microfilm scanners is a quick solution, but it's not. Consider labor, scheduling, training, and maintenance. Also consider what you want to do with the microfilm scanners after you complete the digital conversion. Do you want to get into the niche market of digital microfilm conversion? Or will your microfilm scanners sit and depreciate in value?

Trust me, learning how to digitize microfilm in a production environment is not as easy as you may think, especially when you have to supervise and manage the document imaging processes. When you include the hours of labor to the cost of scanning hardware and software, you are not looking at a profit.

That's why companies and individuals send their microfilm to Scanning Depot. Even microfilm scanning companies with their own scanners send film to Scanning Depot because of the time and cost benefits.

35 mm Jacket Microfiche Scanning

A 35 mm film microfiche conversion may not require different microfiche scanner hardware accessories than 16 mm jacketed fiche. And when it comes to the digital microfiche conversion, the final product is not different when comparing 16mm microfiche to 35mm microfiche images. An exception would be the actual image file size and dimensions.  

Generally, maps, blueprints, and engineering drawings are contained on 35 mm jacketed microfiche cards, however, there are many cases where 8.5 x 11 images or 8.5 x 14 images are present on 35 mm film. Of course, 16 mm film can also contains maps or blueprints. "35mm and 16mm Combo cards" also exist. These are cards that may contain various size images like images from index cards, 16mm roll film, 35mm roll film and so on.

From the technical standpoint, the reduction ratio or aspect ratio is very different. Most 35mm film was reduced 12-16x, while 16mm film usually ranges from 20 to 48x. The scanning price for 16mm microfiche and for 35mm microfiche can also be different.

How to Know What Film Size to Use for Different Size Originals

A 35 mm roll film conversion requires different microfilm scanner hardware and accessories than 16 mm roll film, such as larger rollers and guiders. However, when it comes to digital microfilm conversion, the final product is not different when comparing 16mm roll film images to 35mm roll film images, but the file size can be and that can affect cost.

Generally, maps, blueprints, and engineering drawings are contained on 35 mm roll film, however, there are many cases where 8.5 x 11 or 8.5 x 14 images are present on 35 mm film. Of course, a roll of 16 mm film can also contains maps or blueprints.

From the technical standpoint, the reduction ratio or aspect ratio is very different. Most 35mm film were reduced 12-16x, while 16mm usually ranges from 20 to 48x. e-size drawing are usually filmed on 35mm roll film due to the size of the original.

Microfiche Scanning Companies

In surfing the web and tracking microfiche scanning trends and news, I always come across store front websites from microfiche scanning companies. Based on their content, you can tell sometimes how they may be operating and how they will be handling your project You should be careful when looking for microfiche or microfilm scanning companies, investigate before committing. You can ask for references and even ask them to make a sample for you. This may give you a better understanding of the company you are working with.

When it comes to experienced and legitimate document imaging companies, Scanning Depot will handle your microfiche digital conversion project with professionalism and care.

Convert film to images and indexing

The value of microfilm scanning or converting microfiche to create digital images is greatly increased when it is properly indexed. Index information can be manually keyed via data entry, run through an OCR process to create text search able PDFs, barcode extracted, or blip extracted.

For film that contains "blips" or image markers (small counters created when the film was made), we can extract the information those blips represent. For example, a roll of 16mm film or a 35mm roll of microfilm may contain student records with a large blip indicating the start of a new student's folder, and a small or medium blip indicating the pages within that folder. The output file name format for blip-extracted images can be arranged in any way you like - in a multi-tiff, in sub-directories, or by data key indexing each master blip.

Kodak Oracle Bar-code extraction is another of our capabilities. Similar to blip-extraction, we can retrieve data from Oracle bar-coded frames. When the bar-codes are consistent and clear, we can use this data for indexing purposes and/or provide the information as the image file name. Scanning Depot has indexing software that can accommodate documents that have a book and page numbering system, or fields such as SSN indexing, Name and Date, or other data fields. Coupled with our quality control and validation, would assure that the digital images are named correctly for any microfilm conversion.

Microfilm Scanning Tips

Scanning is the process that transfers a document, microfilm, or microfiche, from the microfilm to a digital format. To perform this process yourself, and obtain good results, you need to get a good understanding on how this scanning equipment works. You need to invest top dollars in purchasing a good microfilm scanner (Sunrise, NextScan, Mekel, Wicks & Wilson, Ristech DRS), imaging software, and technical help. In addition to the expense of the equipment, you may need additional expenses for the training to operate the scanner. Not all microfiche scanners are suited the same for all types of microfilm (for example, NextStar can scan 16 mm or 35 mm roll film with severely poor contrast and horrible edge detection), so get well inform before investing. Other systems may need better microfilm to get good results.

Another option is to consult with an expert before you invest big money in buying microfilm scanners. Experts at Scanning Depot have helped many organizations understand all about film scanning, as well as providing them with alternative solutions. Others needed additional understanding of the concept, and others relied on Scanning Depot for the actual conversion process. We have unprecedented experience having converted over one billion images. It is important to be properly equipped with the best systems to provide the best possible quality and also the best prices.

Microfiche scanning techniques, part 3

The process of microfilm scanning is very important and requires the knowledge of an expert to assure that it is done correctly.

Scanning is the middle process that transfers a document from microfiche to digital format. To perform this process and obtain good results, you need to get a good understanding on how  scanning equipment works. You need to invest top dollars to purchase a good scanner (Sunrise, NextScan, Mekel, Wicks & Wilson) imaging software, and technical help. In addition to the expense of the equipment, you may incur additional expenses for the training to operate the scanner. Not all microfiche scanners are suited the same for all types of microfiche, (for example some can scan COM fiche better than others) so get well inform before investing.

Another option is to consult with an expert before you invest big money in buying microfiche scanners. Scanning Depot can help you understand all about scanning, as well as providing you with alternative solutions. Throughout the years, hundreds of individuals and organizations have been helped by experts from Scanning Depot. Some customers only needed supporting documentation to promote their microfiche conversion project. Others needed additional understanding of the concept, and many rely on us for the actual conversion process. A company equipped with the best scanning equipment will be best positioned to provide the fastest turnaround time at competitive prices.

Microfiche scanning techniques, part 2

In the initial stage of a microfiche conversion project, some important details should be outlined.

Let's first start with your fiche cards. There are variations of microfiche types. For example, your microfiche may be a silver original or a diazo duplicate, 16 mm or 35 mm frames may be included. There are other fiche types, like COM fiche, jacketed fiche, step-and-repeat fiche, and rewritable fiche. They all have their purpose. You also need to understand how the fiche was produced so that your newly created digital image can be brought back to the correct magnification and aspect ratio. The price to convert your microfiche may be affected by the type of microfiche cards you going to digitize.

Secondly, let's touch a bit on digital imaging. This is the term used for the document file in its digital format. Images are stored in computer drives and can be manipulated in many different ways with the proper imaging software. Images may be measured in height, width, and also pixels. The size of the images will affect its quality, and can also affect the transfer speed between you and your customer, and how long you need to wait to view the image. Let an experience team from a reputable microfilm scanning company help you through this process. Find the best possible price in the market.

Microfilm scanning techniques, part 2

When considering a microfilm scanning conversion, there are some key facts that should be analyzed.

Let's first start with your film. There are variations of film types. For example, your microfilm may be a silver original or a diazo duplicate 16mm roll film or 35mm roll film. There are other film types, like duplex film and continuous form COM reels. They all have their purpose. You also need to understand how the film was produced so that your newly created digital image can be brought back to the correct magnification and aspect ratio. Microfilm scanning price is somewhat affected by the type of film that will be scanned.

Secondly, let's touch a bit on digital imaging. This is the term used for the document file in its digital format. Images are stored in computer drives and can be manipulated in many different ways with the proper imaging software. Images may be measured in height, width, and also pixels. The size of the images will affect its quality, and can also affect the transfer speed between you and your customer, and how long you need to wait to view the image. Consider a good microfilm conversion firm to help you through this process.

Microfiche scanning techniques, part 1

Billions of paper documents have been converted to some type of microfiche or microfilm over the years . This process has served the industry well for various reasons. For one, it serves to protect the documents from loss due to paper damage. It also helps to store large quantities of information in an organized fashion.

Over the past few years however, organizations around the world have taken advantage of newer technology and have converted previously microfilmed documents to digital images by performing a process called microfilm conversion or microfilm scanning. The advantages of eliminating storage cost, instant retrieval of information, ability to transfer data anywhere, etc. have made it easy for such organizations to make this microfiche conversion decision.

If you are an individual with one 35mm roll, 16mm roll film,aperture cards, or microfiche, or an organization with thousand of rolls of microfilm or microfiche cards, or other film format, you also stand to benefit from this technology. To begin this process you first need to understand some concepts of microfilm scanning, imaging, and microfilm.

Microfilm scanning techniques, part 1

Billions of paper documents have been converted to some type of microfilm over the years. This process has served the industry well for various reasons. For one, it serves to protect the documents from loss due to paper damage. It also helps to store large quantities of information in an organized fashion.

Over the past few years however, organizations around the world have taken advantage of newer technology and have converted previously microfilmed documents to digital images. The advantages of eliminating storage cost, instant retrieval of information, ability to transfer data anywhere, etc. have made it easy for such organizations to make this microfilm conversion decision.

If you are an individual with one 16mm roll or microfiche, or an organization with thousands of reels of microfilm or fiche cards, or other film format, you also stand to benefit from this technology. To begin this process you first need to understand some concepts of microfilm scanning, imaging, and microfilm.

Microfiche scanning and indexing

Many times governments or organizations request CSV or XML files after we convert a microfiche scanning project or do a microfiche conversion project. They need those type of indexing files to import into their electronic document management system (EDMS). This is one of many processes that may be used in a microfilm conversion project

Depending on their existing software and database, the format has to be exact otherwise importing will not work. For us at Scanning Depot, it's not an issue at all. We have created an indexing program that uses an SQL database, so it is easy to export to comma delimited text files, with any column heading order needed.

XML files are just as simple. Our clients will e-mail us a copy of the format they currently use for their EDMS, and we can match that format. After we perform the microfilm conversion process, we can reformat the files to meet the requirements of the system.

Everything we do is customized to fit our clients' needs and to ensure a seamless system once you get our images and data files back. Our microfilm scanning prices are also the best out there so you know you will get the best service for the best price.

Microfilm digital conversion

Why should a company outsource their microfilm scanning instead of scanning in-house?

"The reasons for sending microfilm scanning work outside are the obvious –cost, time and expertise – plus not so obvious ones. Production scanners for roll film scanning, microfiche scanning, aperture card scanning, and so on,are getting better and more advanced and you pay for the improvements, but it's not just the cost of the equipment. You also have to factor in the overhead, training and expertise that operators gain after years of scanning microfilm. In a new installation, by the time you would have the equipment set up, an operator(s) trained, and the necessary QC work done, you'd have spent 3-4 months and have affected the the microfilm conversion price. If something goes wrong, what do you do? What about downtime? When you handle the volume we do, you have more flexibility and you develop expertise in-house users rarely achieve, even big title companies and insurance companies or government agencies."
And this is true. In terms of cost, a one million image 16 mm conversion job ca cost thousands, but is considerably less than what it would take a company to buy microfilm scanners and attempt to convert roll film to digital images in-house. The microfilm scanning price can be thousands less if you select the right company to do it for you.

Microfiche scanning jobs

My first day as a microfiche scanning operator, I was taught how to set up a COM fiche grid on a Mekel scanner. I was thankfully taught by someone who already had years of experience under his belt scanning COM microfiche and COM fiche scanning of many types. I say thankfully because the official manual had nothing- and I mean nothing- on how to run the software for actual scanning microfiche. The manuals themselves were more about optics, reduction ration, and hardware, with definitions of the detection parameters. Actual technique and steps for scanning microfiche were missing.

I picked up COM fiche scanning very quickly, and the next week I was taught how to scan a jacket fiche conversion on the Mekels.

In the months ahead, I went through the steps for Sunrise microfiche setups to scan 16mm roll film and 35 mm roll film, and got all of the internal steps, tips, and instructions.

I kinda pity a microfilm scanning company that doesn't have experienced trainers, scanner operators, or managers. Learning how to scan microfilm or scanning microfiche on your own can be a huge mess. Good scanning companies have plenty of microfilm scanning experience.

Microfilm scanner

The first microfilm scanner I ever used was an old DOS Sunrise microfilm scanner. There was no Windows GUI- it was all keyboard, and mouse commands were limited. As cumbersome as all of this sounds, it was a great way to learn the fundamentals of microfilm scanning 16 mm and 35 mm roll film.

As technology advanced, so did the scanner displays and microfilm scanning; instead of just typing numbers in DOS, the microfilm scanner operators were able to see visual graphs of the microfilm roll frames, edge detection parameters, re-arm distance, reduction ratio, and quality enhancements, in real time.

Perhaps the biggest leap was from Sunrise DOS to Sunrise NT microfilm scanners for 16 mm microfilm rolls and 35 mm microfilm rolls.

Older Wicks & Wilson roll film scanners had a very user friendly software interface, as well. But they also had their share of issues for microfilm scanning 16 rollfilm and 35mm rollfilm.

With so many leaps and bounds, it's natural for NextScan to kinda rewrite the book on roll film digitizing. With their NextStar software, the operator simply scans strip ribbons of the roll, an another worker confirms that the individual frames separated correctly, after the detection settings are created. Microfilm scanning is now faster and better for operators and customers.

In general, 16mm roll scanners and 35mm roll scanners are better, faster and the service is better also.

Microfilm preparation

Many organizations and companies handle 16 mm or 35 mm microfilm,and microfilm scanning on a daily basis to access their information. Although microfilm conversion has been a common practice for many years, microfilm scanning technologies has been changing these business rules. Whether you have 16mm roll film, 35mm roll film, COM fiche cards, or aperture cards that store your documents, you are probably thinking there has to be a way to digitize microfilm.

The process of microfilm conversion has been around for some time now, and only a few well established microfilm scanning organizations- like Scanning Depot, have the required equipment and knowledge to safeguard your roll film and to achieve the best possible digital conversion results. Microfilm digitizing companies will transfer the information you have on your 16mm roll film and 35mm reels to a digital format, such as TIFF, JPEG, PDF, etc. Digital imaging is ideal for storing and retrieving documents.

In the meantime, while you are still using your roll film as your document source, make sure you do all you can to conserve the integrity of the microfilm. This is the first step in roll film preparation. Keep the reels in a temperature and humidity control environment. The reels also have a very sensitive side which is called the emulsion side. This is what makes up the image on the film. It is very sensitive to scratches.

Lastly, there is the issue of time. If your microfilm reels are beginning to smell like vinegar, you need to consider document imaging as a way to preserve the information. The smell you sense may be the natural process of your fiche decomposing. If you do nothing, you may lose all, your data.

Digital imaging is ideal for storing and retrieving documents from computer systems.

Microfiche scanning

One obstacle that many companies encounter is that they do not feel comfortable or are unable to function without the microfiche cards during the conversion process. A company such as Scanning Depot has resolved this issue for many large and small companies throughout the years. They will first learn and understand the work-flow and the need of the clients so that they minimize distractions or interruptions to the client. They can also set up an uninterrupted flow to give the client access to the documents they need. This may include an Internet connection and an on-demand request process. Whatever the case may be, Scanning Depot assures the client an efficient solution.

There are multiple types of microfiche cards. Your cards may be COM fiche, jackets, step and repeat, and they may contain 16mm or 35mm images. There are even other variations of these types of formats. In addition, the documents were reduced in the process of filming. All this information is important for the conversion process, and a professional with the skills and the equipment is best suited to convert your microfiche.

16 mm film

16 mm film is used generally to record 8.5x11 and 11x14 documents. Documents, especially ones that have signatures such as employment records, contracts, hospital records, mortgages, liens, county records, criminal records, and more have been committed to film due to archival or government requirements. 16 mm roll film contain roughly 2000 to 5000 images, they can be simplex (one document per frame) or duplex (two documents per frame). 16mm roll film can be positive or negative, and thick or thin.

The County Recorder or Clerk of Courts offices have the responsibility to maintain all Official Records indefinitely. It makes sense to digitize microfilm via microfilm scanning. In a digital format, agencies, organizations, or companies can retrieve data much more efficiently. Find out more from Scanning Depot.

A better way to view microfiche

If your organization uses microfiche cards and a light viewer because that’s your most efficient way to operate, or because that’s just the way things were set up in the old days and it still works, you may want to consider a microfiche conversion process. Many organizations have never looked into a conversion process, or looked into it some time ago, and did not think it was cost effective then. It may be time you look again.

A conversion process involves scanning your microfiche cards so that each frame or document within each card is converted into an image that can be stored in your computer. This digital microfiche conversion process should be done by a qualified microfiche conversion service company equipped with professional experts and the latest technology and scanning equipment available. With state-of-the-art technology and efficient systems, the cost and quality of a microfiche conversion process is extremely inexpensive, fast, and with incomparable quality.

Types of Microfiche - COM Fiche, 16mm Jackets, 35mm Jackets, and More

Because microfiche is used in a wide variety of industries, many users or sales representatives don't realize that there are so many  types of microfiche. Many times when an organization wants to consider a microfiche scanning conversion, they do not know the exact type of fiche they are working with, and just refer to it as a generic "microfiche" or "fiche card".

Here's a listing of some of the major types of microfiche:

COM fiche (Computer Output Microfiche)- they usually contain accounting reports, payroll records, tax rolls, and most any computer generated report that requires an archival retention period. Standard microfiche are either 42 or 48X - 207 or 269 pages of data respectively, plus an index page located at the last frame, to make it 208 and 270 digital images. (Please note that some columns may not be full).  There are also super dense COM fiche (sometimes called ultra fiche) that can store 400+ images. COM fiche's main characteristic besides its number of frames is that the images are equidistant and line up. Columns and rows that are skewed are due to COM hardware  being improperly set or, more likely, the COM was incorrectly duplicated.

16mm or 35mm Jacketed fiche (jackets) are actually 4x6 inch plastic sleeves designed to hold strips of microfilm- so yes, at one point rolls of film were cut and inserted into the sleeves to make "jackets". This allowed the grouping of related data into one logical record, such as payroll, mortgages, school records, maps, and human resource departments. Many clients or sales representatives get confused when identifying jacketed fiche when there are no visible sleeves. This occurs where the microfiche had been duplicated. Duplicated jacketed fiche that have a purplish or bluish tint to them. Although these duplicates no longer have plastic sleeves, you can still see the horizontal lines where the sleeves were. Jacketed fiche have a wide range of images stored on a card, from 1 to 70, or more.

Step-and-repeat fiche are not manually inserted into plastic sleeves. The images contained on step-and-repeat cards are generally equidistant and straight, except when some frames are orientated differently. These fiche usually contain owner manuals or operational handbooks. The cards have a header at the top, which contains detailed information. These types of fiche can contain hundreds of images. Many motorcycle manuals or car manuals are on step and repeat fiche.

Rewritable microfiche (Microx or AB Dick) contain positive images that can be erased or have a new record added. These cards are utilized in a filing system, usually under a name or social security number. Daily use and exposure to light mean these fiche generally do not have a long lifespan, which means they should be converted to digital images as soon as possible.

All of these type of different types of microfiche (and more) can be converted to digital format by Scanning Depot's microfiche scanners.

Microfiche scanning: Digitize microfiche to PDF

Do you need a microfiche scanning partner regardless of your location? Consider Scanning Depot as a microfiche scanning service company. Scanning Depot's managers and scanner operators have worked with organizations in the U.S., U.K., Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and other countries. Using the best microfiche scanners from NextScan, Mekel, and Sunrise, digital imaging processes include digitizing COM fiche, 16mm and 35mm jacketed microfiche, step-and-repeat cards, and rewritable microfiche.

Fun question of the day: What is the difference between microfiche and microfilm?

Microfiche are created on small cards, around the size of index cards. Microfilm is generally 16mm or 35mm and looks like movie film to the untrained eye. The process of digitization of microfiche is much different than microfilm scanning, but the end result is exactly the same: microfilm conversions and digitizing microfiche have the same output- digital images.

Contact Scanning Depot today for microfiche scanning pricing or microfiche questions.

Outsource Microfilm scanning Partnership

Scanning Depot works closely with each of our partners on an ongoing basis -- we not only provide you with the service you need to fill your customer's microfilm scanning needs, but they also work with you to help you build your business, answer RFP government bids that include microfilm scanning services, win contracts, and make presentations to your clients.

Scanning Depot Partners enjoy the following benefits:

• Partners can add a no-cost profit center and back office for microfilm conversions
• Scanning Depot can be invisible to your customers
• Partnership makes you bigger, more powerful
• No investment is required
• Volume based microfilm scanning pricing is available 
• Scanning Depot is cost-effective, provides fast turnaround and high quality services

Microfiche

There is no doubt that many microfiche definitions online and everyday usage of "fiche" is just wrong. When it comes to microfiche scanning and actually converting the microfiche to digital images (TIFF, JPEG, PDF, etc.) the differences are paramount.

COM fiche

COM fiche uses a grid set up with coordinates, such as A1, A2, B1, B2, and so on. The majority of microfiche scanners, such as Mekel, Sunrise, Wicks & Wilson, and others use the fixed grid overlay, and it is up to the scanner operator to "center" the grid overlay over the microfiche card.

Some scanners boast that there are different methods to scan COM fiche but it should be noted that those methods are still in the testing stages, and require deep post-processing to create a final product, while scanning COM in the traditional grid set-up is still the industry norm, and quite effective.

Jacketed fiche

Jackets are scanned using edge detection, with the same detection algorithms as roll film scanning. That means that the scanner "sees" white and black pixels and analyzes the edge of a white document to see if that is where an image begins and ends. 16mm and 35mm fiche use the same edge detection parameters, the only difference is the reduction ratio and document size.

Step-and-repeat fiche

One might be inclined to scan step-and-repeat fiche using a fixed grid, however, if there are different size documents on a card or improper spacing, edge detection is the way to go.

AB/Dick or Microx fiche

These rewritable fiche may look like positive duplicated jacket fiche, but have fun trying to get them to edge detect. These fiche are usually faded and beat up, with little edge to work on. Thankfully, Scanning Depot has the hardware and technical experience to scan rewritable microfiche using advanced settings.

Transfer images to 35mm roll film with 35mm archive writer

If you are in the micrographics, document, or information technology industry sometimes you may encounter microfilm government RFP bid asking for 35mm archive writing. What the 35mm archive writing process entails is it creates a reel of film from digital images. It's kind of like reverse engineering from microfilm scanning! There's only one problem- creating 35mm from images with a 35mm archive writer is very expensive because there are only a few 35mm archive writers on the market, and they run close to $100,000.

The good news is that Scanning Depot can create 35mm rolls from G4 TIFFs or PDFs. Each roll of 35mm 100′ archive microfilm meets all ANSI standards of quality, and is great for backups for federal, local, or state government RFP bids. Converting TIFF and PDF images to microfilm is a requirement for many governments, so it must get done. Send us your Group IV TIFF or PDF document images on DVD, CD, or external USB drive and we can transfer them onto 35mm microfilm.

Microfiche preparation

Many organizations and private individuals handle microfiche on a daily basis to access their information. Although this has been a common practice for many years, microfiche scanning technologies has been changing this dynamic. Whether you have 16mm film, 35mm film, COM fiche cards, or aperture cards that store your documents, you are probably thinking there has to be a better way.

The process of microfiche scanning has been around for some time now, only a few well established microfiche conversion organizations- like Scanning Depot- have the required equipment and knowledge to safeguard your film and to achieve the best possible digital conversion results. Microfiche scanning companies will transfer the information you have on your microfiche to a digital format, such as TIFF, JPEG, PDF, etc. Digital imaging is ideal for storing and retrieving documents.

In the meantime, while you are still using your microfiche as your document source, make sure you do all you can to conserve the integrity of the fiche. This is the first step in microfiche preparation. Keep the fiche cards in a temperature and humidity control environment. The fiche also has a very sensitive side which is called the emulsion side. This is what makes up the image on the film. It is very sensitive to scratches.

Lastly, there is the issue of time. If your microfiche is beginning to smell like vinegar, you need to consider document imaging as a way to preserve the information. The smell you sense may be the natural process of your fiche decomposing. If you do nothing, you may lose all, your data.

Digital imaging is ideal for storing and retrieving documents.

Microfilm Scanning

With 16mm and 35 mm microfilm scanning, price, speed, and quality are the three key factors in making a decision to choose a company to perform a microfilm conversion. New scanners on the market cost around $75,000 or more. Used cheap scanners can be bought second hand with no warranty-in other words, at your own risk. Of course, training and maintenance are major components of running a microfilm scanner. Factor in the labor, overhead, network setup, management, and quality control, and you can see that meeting the deadline in cost-effective matter will not be achieved if you try to do this on your own.

That's why if you are a company, organization, or individual looking for a digital microfilm conversion, the experience and reputation of a microfilm scanning company is paramount in your choice.

How Do I Transfer Microfilm to Digital Format? Roll film Scanning

"How do I transfer microfilm to digital format?" is a question that comes up a lot. The answer is that a only a roll film scanner can convert microfilm to digital image. The good news is that 16mm and 35mm roll film scanning costs have dropped dramatically in the last five years in the microfilm scanning industry due to advanced technology, competition between microfilm scanning companies, and the recession.

Scanning Depot is a top microfilm scanning service company in terms of pricing, quality, and turnaround time. Scanning Depot can digitally convert all types of microform, such as 16mm roll film, 35mm roll film, 16mm 3M or Kodak cartridges, 16mm COM film, duplex film, aperture cards, Kodak color slides, 35mm jacket microfiche, duo roll film, and much more.

There are many microfilm scanning companies, but Scanning Depot is focused on customer satisfaction.

Microfiche Scanning Service

Scanning Depot works closely with each of our partners on an ongoing basis -- we not only provide you with the microfiche scanning service you need to fill your customer's microfiche scanning requirements, but we also work with you to build your business, respond to microfiche conversion RFPs, and make presentations to your clients.

Scanning Depot partners and associates enjoy the following benefits:

• You add a no-cost profit center and back office microfiche conversion
• Scanning Depot can be your knowledgebase about all things related to microfiche, such as jacketed microfiche, COM fiche, rewritable microfiche, duplicated jacket fiche, step and repeat microfiche cards, 35mm microfiche sleeves, and much more
• If need be, Scanning Depot can be invisible to your customers or have an open subcontracting relationship
• Partnership with a microfiche scanning company makes your organization more powerful
• There is no investment is required
• Volume based microfiche pricing (the higher the microfiche volume, the lower the microfiche scanning price)
• Scanning Depot is cost-effective, provides fast turnaround and high quality services
• Scanning Depot partners receive lower minimum job sizes and discounts on large scale conversions