Microfische readers....

[Peter Laidler]

Is there anyone out there in UK forumland who has a microfische reader? But not only that, a reader that will transfer onto a computer readable disc.

Information

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[Bruce_in_Oz]

Plan "B" might be to find one of the old ones that had an integrated printer (often "thermal" paper), though they will be getting a bit long in the tooth, these days. The first thing to do with any resultant thermal printouts is to copy them with a modern "powder/laser"copier and to scan them for good measure. The reason is that the "thermal" paper is sensitive to sunlight and in general, will fade to a purplish-grey haze in short order.

Are these the "aperture card" type with the image element attached as a window in what looks a lot like the old "punch-cards" we used for FORTRAN programming on the old DEC-10 and PDP-11 computers in the mid 1970s? Or the ones with multiple "frames" on a piece of film about A5 size?

Some "out-of-the-way" council / municipal libraries may still have readers that may just work.

Failing that, some of the better "print service" shops have specialized digital scanners that can read them and print to whatever size you desire (Up to a max. of A0, normally).

Good luck.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

Or, cheap and cheerful; one of these things, see attachment:

A Bell & Howell Microimagery Group. Microfiche Portable Reader. Model:Commuter 1318 BVFVZ.

This is a briefcase-sized reader only.

However, a decent digital camera on a tripod might be able to transfer the photons to electrons in your format of choice.

Cheers.

[Peter Laidler]

Yes, I see the point Bruce but I really want to read some trials documents to get them onto the forum, for the benefit of all. Not necessarily at any great expense to myself - if you see what I mean! Failing that, the info just remains lost 70's and 80's info. You're right that a good camera will/should pick up what's on the screen. The trouble there is that people now confuse a phone camera with a quality camera.

[GeeRam]

As Bruce says, which type?

If the single neg, contained in a card type, these can easily be scanned on most photo scanners.

The multiple image type on a sheet, might be just too small to be scanned on a average domestic photo scanner.

[Paul S.]

Yes, I see the point Bruce but I really want to read some trials documents to get them onto the forum, for the benefit of all. Not necessarily at any great expense to myself - if you see what I mean! Failing that, the info just remains lost 70's and 80's info. You're right that a good camera will/should pick up what's on the screen. The trouble there is that people now confuse a phone camera with a quality camera.

Peter, a university library would, or should, have everything you need to perform the task. Check with the chief librarians of research departments. You might even be able to secure an assistant with the promise of a bottle or two of someone's favourite libation.

[Peter Laidler]

Just bought an old 70's reader on ebay that I'll be using for the next few months. The things I do and expense I go to just to keep the Forum up to date with old fashioned stuff............

[Brit plumber]

And to think we just skipped all of the out of date fiche readers with no thought to the future. I hated the bloody things!!

[Peter Laidler]

I take the point on board Paul S (thread 6) but really, I'm not doing this for myself at all. I'm trying to get/save the info for the forum brethren. But at the same time really don't want to spend time, travel and costs etc etc when it's not for me. Maybe I should sell the info on but that's not me either. Anyway, problem solved now.

[Gil Boyd]

Peter,
I can assure you what you hold will not be lost especially the PH stuff and I for one would place it in a searchable archive for Members Only so to speak on our Parker Hale forum, otherwise there will be those who will abuse its readiness and availability if its too easy to access!!!