[Richard T. Eger]

Dear Rod,

You have raised the interesting question as to scan resolution from microfilm as provided by archives. If this is, indeed, of poor resolution, then it is not archival and one needs to find another way.

When I go to the NASM Garber archives, frequently the microfilm is uneven. That is, it may be dark on the left and transiltion to light on the right, or some such. Using an average exposure, some data will undoubtedly be missing. So, my policy is to make multiple exposure printouts to be sure, as best as possible, that I have captured all of the information on the page.

Scanning the microfilm with a high resolution film scanner would likely obviate this issue, as the scan could be made in full 0 to 255 mode, then the page worked on to present a copy readable from edge to edge, essentially better than what is on the microfilm.

As you note, the key would be to find a lighted lid scanner that has the resolution needed while eliminating the necessity of cutting up the reel of film. Any suggestions as to equipment that can do this?

I do have a microfilm reader but never gave consideration to capturing the image directly from the reader's screen. And, seeing that it has no grid lines, as with a reader/printer, this could prove to be a good method. Next up, of course, would be to plunk down for a good digital camera. Capabilities are increasing every year as the prices keep falling. So, timing could be a bit of a ways off.

Of course, capturing from a frosted glass is not as good as directly from film, so I'm still all ears for a good recommendation for a film scanner, especially one where I wouldn't have to butcher the film.

Regards,
Richard