Is the film showing text backwards? Just rewind the reel, take it off, turn it around and re-feed it onto the machine.
Can't get view to focus? Make sure the correct lens is in the machine. Lenses are labeled for microfilm, microfiche, and ultrafiche. Microfilm and microfiche use the same lens.
Loading the microfilm reel:
Place the reel on the spindle to the left. Note that the film is coming off the reel from the top and to the right. Match the hole in the center of the reel and push it onto the spindle. There may be a bit of hesitation, gently snap the reel completely onto the spindle. The reel should be flush with the carriage in the back, and you should see some of the spindle poking through the front of the reel. This indicates that the reel is properly secured.
Thread the microfilm using the diagram shown.
The take up reel:
The end of the film must be secured to the take up reel to enable the film to scroll freely across the viewing field. Hold the film and move the edge through the channel in the center of the reel. You will feel some resistance as the channel "grabs" the film, keep sliding until all of the film is contained in the channel. You may notice that the end of the film is slightly bent, or creased from previous uses. Don't panic, use the creases to help you attach the film to the reel.
Once the film is attached to the take up reel, slowly turn the reel clockwise with your hand to begin collecting film on the reel. If the film seems to be feeding unevenly, carefully rewind it using the reel containing the film. Just gently move the reel counterclockwise until the film releases from the take up reel, and attach it again. The content at the beginning of the reel is usually blank, or contains publication, or copyright information.
Viewing the microfilm:
After the film is attached, push the carriage away from you to lower the top layer of glass over the film, and to position the film under the lens for viewing. Your citation will tell you what date, volume, number, and page numbers you need. Use the red and gray forward and rewind buttons to begin your search. You may need to scroll and stop frequently to get where you need to be. Be aware that the nature of microfilm is that an item (journal, newspaper etc.) has been photographed, reduced, and replicated onto film. If the original was damaged, that damage will remain in the image. At this point in time, microforms are almost an ancient technology, and as such the actual reels themselves can be decades old. Film can become scratched, discolored and damaged over time just from age and use. Perfect copies may not be possible.
Success!
Go to the tab for Using Capture Perfect Software for help with orienting, formatting, scanning and printing from microforms.