Overview
The Family History Department no longer supplies microfilm reader-printers, digital imaging systems, nor digital camera kits to FamilySearch centers. Instead, we recommend that patrons use their own digital cameras to capture images from microfilms or microfiche.
Patrons use the digital camera to create the digital image. If the patron uses a camera the center owns, he or she can load the image to a center computer. When the image is in the computer, the patron can print the image, save it to a USB drive or CD, or email it.
If a FamilySearch center has an older church-provided digital camera kit, the links below are to training videos with steps to use the camera kit. The videos are on youtube.com. FamilySearch center firewalls block Youtube.com. Staff members can watch the videos at home.
Photographing Documents on Microfilm Readers Part 1
Photographing Documents on Microfilm Readers Part 2
Steps
- Locate the image on a microfilm or microfiche reader. (If the center has an old reader with a flat screen, the captured image has no distortion.)
- Put the camera on a tripod or monopod to steady it or rest it against the film reader.
- Take the picture with the camera.
- If the center owns the camera, remove the card from the camera, and continue with the steps below.
- Insert the card into the computer slot or USB card reader slot.
- Open the image in a graphic viewer, such as IrfanView, and navigate to the card and find the file.
- Make adjustments to the image.
- To save the image, click File, click Print or File, and then click Save. Patrons can save images to a USB flash drive.
Tips
- Try with flash and without flash.
- Try with lights on and with lights off.
- Try different settings on the camera.
- Put a yellow or light blue poster board on the viewing part of the microfilm reader to increase contrast.
Related article
Connecting a patron-owned flash drive to a FamilySearch center computer