16mm Microfilm Roll Scanning

B A Micrographics can convert any 16mm microfilm roll images to digital format, using the latest scanning technology to produce the best possible images.

The original (1st generation microfilm) 16mm microfilm roll will be silver halide / gelatin film usually in negative format (white information on a black background), and should have been microfilmed to BS ISO 6199 1991 replaced by BS ISO 6199 2005. However experience shows that this was not always the case, and many 16mm microfilm roll images can be of poor quality or low contrast. The images will be the poorest quality if the microfilm has been produced on a rotary camera, as these cameras cannot compensate for varying document colours and densities. The best 16mm microfilm will be produced from 16mm planetary cameras, as the camera will have taken an exposure meter reading of each document and adjusted the exposure to suit. Sub-standard original documents, incorrect processing of the microfilm, or poor storage and use of the microfilm roll, will also make digitising the microfilm challenging. If the original microfilm roll has been used on a microfilm reader printer to view or print from, there is likely to be damage to the film emulsion. This damage could be scratches that may obscure some information, and possibly show on the resulting scans, especially if the microfilm is positive image (black information on a clear / white background).

If the 16mm roll of microfilm to be scanned is a diazo, or silver duplicate copy (2nd generation microfilm), or a positive image, obtaining a good quality reproduction may be challenging, and require a scanning technician to manually make adjustments to the scanner software settings to achieve the best possible results.

B A Micrographics have the experience and expertise to advise you on any problems there may be with your microfilms. We will also produce samples from your microfilms before any scanning commences.

No matter how large, small or complex your digitisation project is,

B A Micrographics have the experience and expertise to complete the work to the agreed specification and standard.

Please contact us with your requirements either by our contact form or phone.