[Powder Solvang]

I've seen a lot of microfiche scans here and elsewhere. The quality of the images can range from pretty good to barely readable.
I have a lot of fiche both from Microcolor and others I got from collectors that I would like to digitize.
My questions to anyone who has experience scanning fiche:
What features to look for in a microfiche scanner?
What are good makes and models?
Any special techniques to use when scanning comic fiche to get the best results?
Thanks! 

[cimmerian32]

The only things I know are specifics that Rolster gave me when I did the edit for Boy Comics #14...  scanned in at 4800 dpi, saved as TIFF...  then edited with Photoshop (some experimentation will be necessary here, which only you can do, as the photographic quality of each fiche varies...)... 

What titles do you have?  You might want to check with Rolster or Yoc or Darkmark to see what is already being worked on, and what still needs to be found...

As to scanner hardware, I do not have a clue as to the best available...  again, Rolster, Yoc and Darkmark would probably be the ones to ask...

Hope this helps a little,
Cimm

[Powder Solvang]

Thank you for those suggestions, Cimm.
Actually a lot of what I have is not pd and can't be uploaded here. I would be scanning that for my personal use.

[Yoc]

Contact me in a PM with a list of what you've got Powder and I'll let you know if it's been scanned already or not.
I can also get you in contact with Rolster who is among the most experienced at scanning fiche.

-Yoc

[brian]

Rolster has a ton of knowledge related to scanning fiche.

I have a little experience editing some of his scans. One thing you need to do is not go for pure white when colour leveling. Off white / cream is better. And if you can colour fill (since they are generally all 4 colour comics), do that as well. That way you are more likely to get a better final product. Rolster complained a few times on some initial scans that I did that were too bleached. Hey, you learn by doing. 

[Yoc]

Since AFAIK Rolster disappeared only Darkmark has been doing any fiche scanning.
I've got a few scans by Loftypilot still to edit but that will have to wait on other projects on the go.
Having a scanner capable of doing 4800 dpi sounded like the most important requirement.  Then just getting it to focus correctly was the next step and from what I gather not an easy thing to do either.

-Yoc

[JonTheScanner]

Ontology is quite an accomplished fiche scanner as well.  Unfortunately, I know Onto has been very tied up at work and with family for the past four months.  Perhaps after Christmas, he'll reappear with some help.

[Yoc]

Oh of course, Ontology is one of the best scanners and editors of fiche!
My apologies Ont!  GL with real life. 

-Yoc the forgetful

[brian]

Rolster was working through... Qnext? He is still on the hubs. I have seen his nick on the rare times I am on. I haven't talked to him in a year though.

[Yoc]

Thanks for the info Brian.
He hasn't been on Qnext in months.  It was only weekends by the end and then nothing.
I'll have to check for him on DC++ at some point.  If you see him please ask him to send me a Private Message would you?  Thanks.

-Yoc

[Yoc]

Here's a text file that I got from Rolster on how he scans fiche for anyone curious.