A human must determine the reduction ratio, i.e. how many times the frames were reduced from its original document size. The scanner operator must have the ability to measure the document frame and use an equation to verify the original document size. Operators must use their instincts and experience to notice if the reduction ratio changes in a project.
Scanning microfilm can product a multitude of different quality settings, and let's face it: quality is subjective. Some clients have different needs than others. One organization may insist on bringing out handwriting, while others have a need for seals or stamps. Some customers may not desire any noise or speckle, and will not permit a compromised scan. So it is futile to suppose that a machine has the ability to satisfy all scenarios. It takes human investigation and feedback from a client to set the quality standards, and it takes a human to perform the necessary trial and errors and setting modifications to achieve the optimal scan.
Scanning microfilm is truly a process that combines art and science, or creativity and technical aspects of production a final product.
Damian Hospital and Dan Gandul- two men whom I have worked with for years have showed me just how much focus and different scanning microfilm scenarios go into achieving an excellent final product.
