Microfilm Scanning Services

Microfilm Scanning has become a necessity as many organisations still hold documents on microfilm. Microfilm was a popular storage method during the 1980's and early 90's. Microfilming involves transferring documents onto a film reel as an image. These films can hold large batches of documents on each microfilm reel.

However by today's methods the actual process of microfilming has been overshadowed by the more advanced and more convenient process of microfilm scanning and converting microfilm to a digital format.

Microfilm Scanning Process

Microfilms will appear in either 16mm or 35mm width rolls or inside a microfilm cartridge and the full microfilm scanning and electronic archiving is done at our scanning bureau using our meticulous quality control procedures.

Firstly the microfilm rolls are inserted into our high-spec microfilm scanners where scanned image samples are taken first to find out how good the quality is from the original microfilmed images.

These microfilm images can be scanned in as regular black and white or as more detailed greyscale images which is mainly used to scan documents with smaller fonts, older images or drawings of larger sizes.

We then verify some sample scans with the client to ensure they are happy with the outcome of the scanned microfilm images before beginning the full scanning production.

Once this is approved the microfilms or microfiche are scanned in at high resolution with our microfilm scanners. Imaging enhancements are added afterwards to deliver the highest quality output image from the original film.

Once the microfilm scanning process is complete we electronically index the documents to your specified requirements which will later help you identify the documents quickly by reference number, by date or by any specific indexing method you may require.

Advantages of Microfilm Scanning

• No need to use microfilm readers to locate your documents simply use a quick text search from your own computer

• Documents can now be distributed electronically and accessed off-site if required

• Files are safely backed up in case of any damage or loss

• Time is saved on searching through films for that one document

• Any storage space previously used for this media is now freed up

Microfilms can be quite fragile and may be risky to store away long term, if these documents are damaged then an organisation would have to consider the repercussions of this.

Microfilm scanning not only offers the convenience of being able to access all of the old archived documents easily but it also offers long term peace of mind that the reels are electronically safe and can be repeatedly backed up once scanned.

For further convenience we can add our user-friendly search retrieval software to the completed batch of scanned files so any document can be located quickly using a simple text search. The scanned and converted documents are put on a CD or DVD and delivered to your address to be archived however you please.

For further information on how microfilms work, conversion of microfilms and how we can help you with your microfilm scanning, call Pearl Scan on 0161 832 7991 or try our FREE online microfilm scanning quote.