MICROFILM SCANNING SYDNEY
Managing legacy archives can be a challenge, especially when dealing with ageing film formats. Our microfilm scanning Sydney service is designed to convert your physical records into clear, accessible digital files without compromising detail or quality.
We work with organisations across Sydney to preserve important information stored on microfilm, ensuring it remains usable for years to come. Whether you are digitising historical archives, business records, or government documentation, our process is structured to deliver accurate, high-resolution digital outputs.
By transitioning from film to digital, you gain easier access, improved storage efficiency, and better protection against deterioration. Our team handles every project with care, providing a dependable solution for long-term document preservation.
OUR CAPABILITIES IN MICROFILM DIGITISATION
Our team brings a practical and detail-focused approach to every project. We understand that microfilm archives often contain critical information, which is why we prioritise precision, consistency, and data integrity throughout the process.
We can assist with:
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR MICROFILM SCANNING SERVICES FOR YOUR BUSINESS, CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FAST, OBLIGATION-FREE QUOTE.
DEGRADATION OF FILM: WHY YOU SHOULD DIGITISE YOUR MICROFILM
Proper storage and handling play an important role in preserving microfilm and fiche over time. For long-term protection, materials should be kept in a clean, controlled environment, ideally within a temperature range of 18 to 22 degrees Celsius and relative humidity between 45 and 55 percent. After use, microfilm and fiche should be returned to their protective storage promptly, as prolonged exposure to light can gradually impact the condition of the film.
Older microfilm, particularly those created before the 1990s, was commonly produced using acetate materials. These are generally more vulnerable to deterioration compared to modern polyester-based film, especially if not stored under the right conditions. This makes early digitisation a practical step in preserving valuable records.
As acetate film begins to break down, it can develop a distinct acidic odour often referred to as vinegar syndrome. During this stage, the film may become brittle, and the layers can start to separate. In some cases, reels may begin to stick together, making them difficult to handle. Converting these materials through microfilm scanning Sydney helps protect the information before further degradation occurs.
STEPS IN OUR MICROFILM SCANNING PROCESS
OBTAIN A
QUOTATION
Our preference, and is the best way to do this, is to scan a sample set of rolls or fiche. This allows us to see how the information was originally filmed and provide a scope of work and quotation best suited to the customer’s needs.
CHOOSE A
DIGITAL PARTNER
Review quotations and sample scanned microfilm or microfiche. Compare your quotations and ensure you are reviewing like for like. Some proposals will offer per page pricing and others per roll or fiche pricing. There may be additional charges for collection and transportation of materials, preparation, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), secure destruction of microfilm, file conversion and supply of digital files.
SCHEDULE THE
COLLECTION OF MATERIALS
The chosen digitisation partner will schedule the secure collection of materials to be scanned.
Scan2Archive staff collect and transport the micro media to our scanning facility. This alleviates the possible mishandling of materials by third party freight forwarders. Our staff are experienced in the handling of sensitive and archival materials. The use of our own vehicle and staff ensures Scan2Archive retain firsthand control of the materials from the point of collection to return.
PREPARATION PRIOR
TO SCANNING
The source materials are all inspected to ensure they are in a suitable condition to be scanned. Microfilm and fiche are dusted as required and sorted in suitable batches.
Checks are conducted for damage to materials and repairs carried out where possible (a variance is raised for any materials unsuitable for digitisation).
Loose frames are repositioned into their correct channel or transferred to new micro media jackets if required.
SCANNING
Scan2Archive digitise all microfilm and fiche using FlexScan professional microfilm scanning equipment.
FlexScan uses superior camera technology that produces incredible speed, precision and uniform output. Scanned images are sharper with better edge definition as FlexScan uses fibre optics as its light source, eliminating hotspots and uneven lighting.
Image enhancement software and hardware will be applied for maximum legibility and text search capability. Following scanning, the images will be processed through OCR text search software (handwritten information is not recognised, only printed / typed text).
POST
PREPARATION
Our team creates a file variance document to log any quality discrepancies. This document is completed by the preparation, scanning and quality control teams. The Operations Manager will review the file variance document daily and flag files to be re-scanned or returned to the customer if they do not meet the quality specifications for digitisation.
FILE NAMING AND
IMAGE DELIVERY
File output and naming conventions are confirmed with the customer. The most common file format for microfilm and fiche projects is PDF or PDF/A.
Digitised files are delivered via a secure FTP link or portable USB hard drive on an agreed schedule with the customer.
RETURN OR DESTRUCTION
OF MATERIALS
Prior to secure destruction of materials, Scan2Archive will request customer approval to do so. Materials are industrially shredded and pulped, and a certificate of destruction is provided. Alternatively, the materials can be securely returned to the customer’s office.
