Pricing and Costs of Microfilm and Microfiche Viewers

Choose cost-saving microfilm and microfiche viewers

You might think of microfiche machines are normally as just a fixture in libraries, but many businesses can also benefit by purchasing a machine from microfilm and microfiche viewer manufacturers. Many auto shops, for example, use microfiche to archive pictures of car parts.

Microfilm and microfiche have similar qualities, but buying machines and printers are different. Microfilm is attached to a long reel while microfiche is a flat negative, usually with smaller photographs.

The pricing and costs of microfilm and microfiche viewers will depend on many factors, some of which include:

1. Whether you buy a used or new microfilm reader.

2. Type of machine you want to buy, including readers, scanners or printers.

3. The additional costs of supplies, such as ink for microfiche printers.

 

Choose microfilm viewers to read various types of microfilm

Microfilm is often used for larger photographs and documents, such as newspapers and magazines. This is often the least expensive way to archive these mediums, so libraries all over the world still use this system. Microfilm viewers cost $800 to $1,000.
Try: If you are in the market for a microfilm scanner, Kodak can provide one of the most popular models of microfilm viewers. The South Carolina Department of Archives & History has many useful facts about the use and storage of microfilm.

Buy a microfiche machine to work with microfiche documents

While microfiche is similar to microfilm, the machines used to read them are very different. Microfiche does not come on a continuous roll like microfilm does. Instead, microfiche comes in flat sheets so you can fit many picture and document scans on one large surface. Microfiche machines cost $150 to $400.
Try: The MicroColor International Handheld Scanner is perfect for anyone who needs the convenience of a portable scanner. It's also cheaper than traditional microfiche viewer terminals. The Microfiche Equipment Gallery provides information on common microfiche machines, plus a large directory where you can buy bulbs and replacement parts for your machine.

Consider machines that function as both microfilm and microfiche viewers

Even though microfilm and microfiche are printed differently, you can still find viewers that give you the option of reading either type. These machines generally cost in the $500 to $800 range.
Try: The PrintMaster from Eye Com is perfect for those who need to read both microfilm and microfiche. TASI provides solid advice on using your microfilm and microfiche collection, and the best way to go about digitizing it.

 

• Remember that the cost of the reader or scanner is not the only price you will have to pay. You will also need to purchase microfilm supplies, such as new lenses, ink for printers, and other materials to keep your machine in good working order.

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