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How Can I Scan My Microfilm?

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Are you handy with DIY or do you prefer to leave it to the professionals? Here's two methods for digitising microfilm and unlocking the wide range of benefits going digital brings.

Why Scan Microfilm?

For a long time, microfilm were the ultimate space saving way to store documents like newspapers, magazines and large format plans but times have changed. With advances in technology has come a huge rise in digital storage for those sorts of files meaning old storage methods like microfilm, microfiche and aperture cards have been left by the roadside.

This isn't a bad thing though because managing your files digitally can bring a wide range of benefits from cost and space savings to efficiency boosts and improved access. As a result, it's not hard to see why so many people have already made the jump to digital. If you're ready to do the same, take a look at two of the methods you could choose to scan your microfilm.

How Can Microfilm Be Scanned?

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DIY

When you just have one or two microfilm you want scanned, it can sometimes be more cost effective to adopt the 'do it yourself' approach. I recently found a tutorial which explains how to scan microfilm yourself. Among the things you will need are a flatbed (or personal) scanner, desktop lamp or flashlight with a fluorescent bulb and a microfilm (or negative) holder.

This seems to be a trial and error method which could work if you have some time to spare and a wide variety of light coloured materials to help the film show up as brightly as possible. There could be some cost savings in doing the job yourself but you also have to be careful about making mistakes because any that are made will have to be sorted by you too.

In the right circumstances this could be the perfect solution to help you scan a small amount of microfilm in your space time.

Outsource to Professionals

If you're looking for better quality scans or you need a higher volume of microfilm to be scanned then you should look to outsource the work to professional microfilm scanning services. These companies are equipped with top quality machines specially designed to provide high quality microfilm scans. Where it could take you days or even weeks to complete the scanning of a medium sized project, professionals can have it done in no time.

One of the other main benefits of getting the professionals in is the fact that you won't have to worry about doing any of the work yourself. You're microfilm will be taken away and before you know it you will have scanned and fully indexed digital copies ready to be viewed, shared and edited in an instant.microfilm scanning service

Overall, this method is the perfect solution to relieve stress, speed up digitisation and provide high quality scans.

Where Can I Scan?

Here at Pearl Scan we offer a professional yet affordable microfilm scanning service for businesses, organisations and individuals across the UK. We have recently invested in a brand new microfilm scanner to help us provide high quality scans in a quick and cost effective turnaround for our clients. The machine can scan 16mm and 35mm microfilm reels as well as microfilm cartridges that are either simplex or duplex. This helps us to provide a full cycle service handling collection, preparation, scanning, indexing, OCR processing and delivery.

If you would like some more information about the way we scan microfilm, take a look at our website and blogs or for a free, no obligation quote give us a call today.

Accreditations and Certifications

Accreditations and certifications

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Why choose us

  • Experience >

    We have over a decade of experience providing scanning services for some of the most reputable companies in the UK including blue chip companies and organisations as well as small businesses and private individuals. Some of our past clients have included NHS, local government, Manchester Metropolitan University, The University of Manchester, Aviva, BBC, Sky, Metropolitan Police, Environment Agency and many more.
  • Scalability >

    We have the infrastructure to support small-to-large, quick-to-long term scanning projects and with a capacity to scan 10 million images per month. This scalability provides a great deal of flexibility with the services we offer meaning we can tailor all of our services to suit the needs of each client and we will always try our best to accommodate any request.
  • Audited >

    We are backed up by external quality and security audits. Our operations have been audited and approved by many NHS, Local Authorities, Private blue chip companies and we pride ourselves on the high levels of quality and security we provide to each and every one of our clients.
  • Accreditations >

    We hold a number of ISO accreditations including ISO 9001 (Quality Management System), ISO 27001 (Information Management System) and EMS 14001 (Environment Management System) and Data Protection 1998. We are also a member of the Information and Records Management Society as well as being supporters of Investors in People and a member of The Skills Pledge.
  • Innovation >

    Our scanning bureau is fully equipped with state-of-the-art dedicated scanning hardware catering for a wide range of document types and sizes making us a one-stop service for your scanning and digital conversion cycle. We upgrade our scanners to keep in line with the latest scanning technology and ensure we are providing the best possible scanning service at all times.
  • Security >

    We operate from a custom built scanning bureau focussed on security, safety, confidentiality and scalability. The main building is monitored by Red Care security systems and has 24 hours internal and external CCTV. We are more than happy for you to come and visit our premises so we can show you how safe your documents are with us.
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