Genealogy Chat

Fortunately my local library here in Portsmouth has about 8 microfiche readers and two film viewers BUT usually every one of them is being used, and nine times out of ten you have to book in advance. The local records office here is excellent too, and has about the same number of readers available but doesn't hold some of the information that the library does. I suppose I would only occasionally use a reader, so I'd probably go for a second hand one which can be bought reasonably on eBay, and I am lucky enough to have my own office at home. I also thought that if I bought one I might be able to offer my help here on the boards. Julie

I find it easier to pop into the local library. They only have one reader but its never being used when I go in. The chances of finding anyone on the fiche I have, does not out weigh a heavy investment which I may only use a few times. And then there's the space needed....?

Thanks so far to everyone that has replied to my post. I am very grateful for all your comments and I am certainly taking all suggestions on board. Julie

http://www(.)greatideas(.)icestorm(.)com/recordaks/mfreader(.)htm This is an american site but there are some cheaper models on there. regards Pat

Put an ad in Bargain Pages under the wanted section, you never know !!

I'm sorry, but how can Cd's have more info than fiche, Fiche are an exact copy of the Parish Registers. Cd's have to be transcribed so are open to error. I know what I prefer. I prefer to make up my own mind what something says. Margaret

Have you tried e-bay?

Thanks for that Diane. Julie

I bought a second hand one for £65, although it's big its been ok. The number is in family tree magazine Crostrading 01487 740063 www.crostrading(.)com I went and collected mine as it was one of a few cheaper ones he had at the time. Call him and he will send you a price list of what he has in stock

Hello Lorraine, I know what you mean about the CDs, it just seem's to take sooo long to wait for things to be transcribed and put on disc. I've got the Hampshire 1841, 1851, 1861 and 1871 census on pre-order already, BUT I WANT THEM NOW!!! Oops sorry, genealogy rage taking over again. Julie

have just been looking through the fhs magazine and they are now doing cd roms as an alternative to fiches. They appear to have alot more info on than the microfiche. But obviously alot more pricey. I think the cd roms may take over the fiche as the fiche began to replace the printed versions, so it might be worth thinking if you really want to have a reader. It was just a thought. Lorraine

Marion, Margaret and Lorraine, Many thanks for your replies, nothing on ebay at the moment, I have checked websites listed in Family History magazine, but no prices given on the sites..typical! Will keep checking though. Julie

Hi julie Lucky you. I would love to have had a veiwer when I went on a spending spree and bought loads of fiche for the Leicester area. If I couldn't use the Library veiwer I ended up with using a microscope (don't ask). Fiche themselves are relatively cheap and give lots of information probably costing in the region of under £10 depending on how many fiche you buy in a pack. If your looking to buy it would be helpful to belong to a family history society for the area your interested in where you can purchase various indexes such as census', strays, birth, marriage and death indexes etc. Hope this helps Happy hunting Lorraine

Julie I've got my own fiche reader. Look on ebay. put microfiche reader into the search. It depends how old it is as to how much you pay. I paid £65 plus postage, but it's an old one. Works fine but is huge. Margaret

You can see quite a few ads for readers/viewers in Fam Hist Magazines. Fiches tend to be on sale from Family History Societies - maybe 2-3 quid each? Some libraries have fiche readers which are free to use. maz XX

My husband has offered to buy me for Christmas either a new or second-hand, microfiche reader/viewer, has anyone got any advice on where to buy, what to look for etc? Also, what sort of costs are we looking at for the fiches themselves? Many Thanks, Julie