Genealogy Chat

Has anyone had information on microfiche, converted onto CD? If so, can someone recommend a company and give me some idea of the cost involved, please? I have a few parish records etc, bought on microfiche, because there was no other format available. I don't have a reader, so tend to sneak them into the RO's now and again if I want to look at them. Most inconvenient. I think there are some hand-held readers available, but don't seem to be able to find out prices or retailers. Any help welcome. Debbie

Have you had a look on ebay? I managed to buy a full size reader for £30 and the small ones crop up occasionally. You could also keep an eye on government auctions as they sometimes flog off their old ones. Julie

Hi Julie, The problem with the big one's, is lack of room. I really don't have the room for one of those. Also I only have a few 'fiches, so thought it would be easier to get a hand held, or have the stuff converted to CD. Shall try e-bay for a little one. Was acutally rather hoping to find some sort of 'magical' download, that would let me do something with them on the PC. Via the scanner for example. But I think that's not likely. Thanks for the suggestions. Debbie

Hi Maureen, Don't laugh, but I did actually try putting them in the scanner and try to enlarge enough to be able to read them!! It doesn't work. Mainly not so much due to the size, but because they're like film negatives? I think?? Debbie

Hi, I found an ad in a family history magazine for a dealer in second hand readers. I bought one that folds into a 'briefcase' and I store it under the bed. It cost a bit more than the standard ones but isn't cluttering up the place when I don't need it. Gwynne

Hi Debbie While it may be possible to copy fiche to cd, it's unlikely to be legal. Somebody has been involved in trouble and expense producing fiche, they would take a dim view of your pirating the information, even if it is only for personal use. I suspect that the various family history magazines about will have small ads for microfiche retailers, and they usually attend family history fairs. It is no comfort to you, but most organisations are steadily converting microfiche data either onto cd or to put online, but it can sometimes be a long haul.

If your local library has a reader, it will probably let you book a place to use it. ebay is well worth watching for readers - I secured an as-new one really quickly for £70.

Some scanners can scan photo negatives, but they're at the top end of the market. Unless yours spcifically says it can do this, then it won't. And I don't know if they're any good for microfiche.

Hi All, Sorry for the delay in replying - had to go out this afternoon. I'll be the first to admit I haven't really got a clue what I'm doing, but have messed around with the scanner, no joy there. Hadn't given any thought to copyright issues, in making an easy to read cd for myself from my fiche. Will have to look into that further. I think I will look more into a hand held reader, or a 2nd hand 'briefcase' type reader. At least that will store away easily when not in use. Bought a couple of family history mags while out this afternoon, so will have a look at the ads in these. Thank you all for your suggestions & comments - most helpful. Debbie