I get a lot of stuff on microfiche but, so far, I have been too mean
to invest in a reader/printer.

I keep hoping that I may be able to connect a reader to my computer
(and print out from there).

Is this feasible? And, if so, where can I buy the kit?

(I live in the UK)

Hello Bryan,

Gosh, I remember how cross-eyed and dizzy I used to get reading
microfiches at uni.  I don’t envy you!

The Eyecom ImageMouse and ImageMouse Plus allow you to scan, view,
digitize and enhance microfiche, on-the-fly, from a desktop PC.
http://www.microfilm.uki.net/newprod_5.htm

Both ImageMice are supplied by the Microfilm Shop in Nuneaton. 
Details of ImageMouse:
http://www.microfilm.com/php/display.php?ItemID=177
ImageMouse Plus: http://www.microfilm.com/php/display.php?ItemID=178
and with manual or motorised carrier:
http://www.microfilm.com/php/display.php?ItemID=179

Unfortunately, the Microfilm Shop does not have any prices on its web
site. I telephoned their out-of-office-hours number, but the person on
the other end was unable to give me a specific pricing on the
ImageMouse, except to say that it is certainly less than £1000.
The shop’s newsletter has an article about ImageMouse Plus, which can
also be used with roll film.  This article gives a price of <gulp!>
£3750 for ImageMouse Plus.

However, the blurb on the web site says: “Because the ImageMouse is an
addition to the computer you already have, it is a fraction of the
cost of reader/printers to purchase and maintain.”

The Microfilm Shop also has their own manufacture Scanpro scanner,
which looks to be the size of a conventional reader/printer.
http://www.microfilm.com/php/display.php?ItemID=103
"The Microfilm Shop ScanPro is the most popular microfilm scanner in
our entire range, it is also one of the cheapest. The ScanPro is an
ideal low volume, on-demand microfilm scanner that can scan all
microfilm formats. Price includes the unit itself, software and a
cable to allow you to connect it to your PC and make paper prints via
your own desktop printer... All 3 versions have a fiche carrier
included in the price."

The contact details are:
The Microfilm Shop - 15 Hammond Close, Nuneaton, CV11 6RY
T-024 7638 3998 F-024 7638 2319 E-sales@microfilm.com

The Eyecom web site also mentions the following dealer:
Symtronics Ltd.
Units 4 & 5
Thames View Industrial Estate
Abingdon
Oxford
OX14 3UJ
Tel: 01235 550505
Fax: 01235 553689
info@symtronics.co.uk
Unfortunately, the web site http://www.symtronics.co.uk is still under
construction, with no information on it except for the contact
details.

If you would like me to telephone Symtronics and/or the Microfilm Shop
again in office hours to try to get definitive prices for you, please
let me know in a clarification request.

However, before you dash out and get an ImageMouse, perhaps you should
read this review at Ancestry.com. The writer was not too impressed.
However, the review does date from 2000, so maybe the product has been
improved since then.
http://www.ancestry.com/library/view/columns/extra/2080.asp
And more comments from underwhelmed librarians, also written in 2000
http://www.innopacusers.org/list/archives/2000/msg03655.html

Search strategy: microfiche reader PC connection

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Request for Answer Clarification by probonopublico-ga on 13 May 2003 00:29 PDT

Hi, Tehuti

Many thanks for your prompt response.

I'll check out the links and get back to you later.

Regards

Bryan

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Clarification of Answer by tehuti-ga on 13 May 2003 00:52 PDT

Another product that can be hooked to a PC is the Minolta MS6000
http://www.dss-uk.co.uk/dms/minolta.html
No UK web site gave a price, but I did find that it is currently on
sale in the US for $6000. In order to use it with a PC, you would also
need to buy a software package called Locator.

Hi, Tehuti

You hit all the right buttons although the price at £800 + VAT is much
more than I had hoped for (and that's the economy model).

However, you did your job and did it well.

Kindest regards

Bryan

Bryan just get yourself a torch and a magnifying glass.  That will be
a lot cheeper,  regards Kenco

Thank you very much, Bryan. 

It's a basic law of the universe I reckon, that the only gadget one
desperately wants either doesn't exist or costs too much!  Me, I'd
love a Palm that is also a mobile (but not with headphones like the
Treo).  Instead, they're offering me the ability to take photos with a
phone, or use it to play music, or a 101 other unwanted things -
blech!