What's the difference between microfiche and microfilm?

People tend to get confused when talking about microfilm. Microfilm whether or not it is a 4 x 6 inch sheet or on a 16 or 35 millimeter roll is all correctly referred to as microfilm. However, only the 4 x 6 inch sheets are known as "microfiche." 16 and 35 millimeter film is most often referred to as "roll microfilm."

To read microfiche, you need a Microfiche Reader. To read roll microfilm, you need a microfilm reader.

Which Microfilm Reader should I buy?

Tough question? There are so many variables involved that it is difficult to answer without writing a research paper on it. Generally, I recommend you ask yourself the following questions:

What's my budget going to allow?

Any decent microfilm reader (roll style 16mm or 35mm) is going to cost at least $400.00. As they increase in price, you will get more and more features like: a zoom lens, a motorized carrier, etc.

What types of microfilm am I going to be reading (16mm, 35mm, microfiche)?

If you are only going to be reading 16mm roll microfilm. Then why purchase a 16/35mm microfilm reader? A microfilm reader that reads only 16mm roll film can often be purchased for around $400.00.

How often will I need to use the reader?

Using it less than once a month? You might be better off to save the money and just make a trip to your local library. What am I saying? Am I crazy! Don't I want the sale? Yes, ... but not at your expense.

Do I have any size restrictions?

Microfilm readers can be large (24 x 24 x 34 inches)! Do you have that kind of space available for the reader? If you don't, then consider one of the smaller readers: Dukane Universal, Automatic or the Recordak MPE-1.

How long do I plan on keeping the reader?

Again, if you are only going to use it for a few months. You might want to consider going to the library and saving yourself the cost.

Do I need to read different sizes and magnifications of microfilm?

One of the most important things to consider. If you are going to be reading microfilms of various reduction levels and sizes (16mm or 35mm). Then you need a ZOOM lens. The NMI 2020 (18 to 48x) and Indus Super Carrel (18 to 42x) have the best zooms but the Dukane MDP (13 to 24x) may also suit your needs. If you know the reduction level of the film you are attempting read that would be helpful. Most are in the 18 to 24x range. However, 16mm microfilms can and often are as high as 40x. So, let the microfilm you will be using be your guide.

Most genealogical type microfilms i.e. Federal censuses, state records, wills, etc. were filmed in the 18 to 24x range, so if you are doing mainly research on your family tree any of the readers on my web site should work well for you. Hint: Buy a good 3 to 5x power magnifying glass. It will help tremendously when you need a little extra magnification.

Why don't you accept purchase orders?

A purchase order is a standard form used by many companies and institutions to guarantee payment to a vendor. It is sent as a promise of payment and is used in lieu of cash, credit or checks. Unfortunately, payment is often made months after the delivery of the product. For a small business, this can be a difficult financial cost to absorb.

Regretfully, for the above reason, I do not accept purchase orders. It is my hope that any inconvenience you experience, will be rectified by the fact that I sell my readers for substantially less than most vendors.

If you would like to use a purchase order to buy a reader from me. I do offer my readers for sale through other vendors who do accept POs. Email me if you would like the name of a vendor through whom you can purchase a reader. Please note: They do charge more for the readers than I do. However, it's usually a fairly small increase.

Which Microfiche Reader should I buy?

Without getting too complicated, if you read microfiche that are photographically reproduced images (i.e., drawings, photos, etc.). Then a reader with a 24x lens should be fine for your purposes. If, however, you also need to read COM (computer output microfiche) then you need a reader that has a lens in the 42x to 48x range. Want the best of both worlds? Buy a dual lens reader (24x and 48x lenses) and you will be able to read just about any microfiche you might encounter.

What guarantees do I have that the reader I buy from you is going to function properly?

I promise that your reader will arrive in good working order. If it doesn't then I will either refund your money or replace the reader (at my option). That being said, having been in business for over 5 years, I have never had a reader returned to me because it failed to function properly. That doesn't mean I have never encountered problems. Only that the problems that have surfaced are usually minor. Broken glass flats, defective bulb, etc. Things that I take care of for you immediately.

Why don't you list a telephone number?

Believe it or not this isn't my only job. I fix and sell microfilm readers on the side. I would like to list my phone number but even if I did you would probably be unable to reach me. Email me, I check my emails several times a day and respond immediately to most of them. However, I always provide my phone number for any customer who requests it. And yes, I am willing to call and talk with you about your purchase. Thanks for understanding.