The Micrographics Market Place 001

NEWS OF THE MICROFILM INDUSTRY

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1986 No1

This magazine, though printed in the U.K. and written predominantly in English, is intended to cover the whole of the microfilm trade throughout Europe. We will, therefore, be very grateful for any editorial or advertising contributions from any relevant European companies. Anyone seeing this issue who is not already on our mailing list please write to the editor and this will be immediately rectified.

Bien que ce magazine soit imprime en Grande-Bretagne et editeprincipalement en Anglais, son but est de couvrir tout le commerce du microfilm en Europe. Nous recevrons avec gratitude tout apport publicitaire ou editorial de la part des societes europeennes. Toute personne lisant cette publication et qui ne serait pas inscrite sur notre liste de diffusion serait priee de bien vouloir ecrire a I’editeur de maniere a pouvoir remedier immediatement a ce defaut.

Diese Zeitschrift, obwohl sie in GroSsbritannien gedruckt und uberwiegend im Englischen verfasst ist, setzt es sich zum Ziel, iiber den gesamten Mikrofilm-Handel in ganz Europa zu berichten. Wir werden daher fur jegliche entweder Redaktions- oder Werbungs-Beitrage von alien auf diesem Gebiet tatigen Unternehmen sehr dankbar sein, Alle Personen, die diese Ausgabe zu sehen bekommen, und derer Namen noch nicht auf unserer VersandListe steht, mbchten bitte an den Redakteur schreiben und dies wird ohne Verzug berichtigt.

Questa rivista, sebbene sia stampata in Gran Bretagna e sia scritta prevalen-temente in inglese, e intesa a soddisfare I’intero mercato europeo del microfilm Saremmo quindi molto lied di ricevere editoriali ed annunci pubblicitari da ditte europee in questo settore. Se non siete iscritd al nostro indirizzario, vogliate scrivere al redattore e vi iscriveremo immediatamente.

Free Postcards The Microfilm Shop have commissioned a series of cartoons designed to show the amusing side of the microfilm industry.

“ I ASSURE you THERE'S NO MISTAKE. I NAVE TOUR RECOUPS IN FRONT O f ME RI6HT NOW "

The Microfilm Shop are issuing these to their customers over the next few months in the way of a thank you for the business received. They hope that not only their own customers, but any users of Microfilm in the United Kingdom, would find these cartoons of interest.

A6 size copies of the cartoons are available from the Microfilm Shop free of charge upon request by either ’phone, telex, letter or through this publication.

Any organisation that sends for a cartoon will also receive a copy of their 24 page full colour Microfilm Supplies Catalogue and 34 page price list and almanac.

Contact: The Microfilm Shop, Hammond Close, Attleborough Fields, Nuneaton, Wprks. CV11 6RY. Tel: (0203)383998 See Pages 6 and 7 for LBES Preview The Micrographics Market Place

SYSTEM 9

THREE O P T IO N S TO IM P R O V E THE PRESENTATIO N A N D Q U A LITY W HEN INDEXING APERTURE CARDS, JACKETS AND PRINTING LISTS. BASED ON THE WELL KN O W N BBC MICROCOMPUTER, THESE COMPUTERISED SYSTEMS OFFER ON SCREEN GRAPHICS DISPLAYS WHICH ENABLE THE OPERATORTO SELECT THE TYPE OF FORMAT REQUIRED. SUPPLIERS OF INDEXING SYSTEMS TO MICROFILM BUREAUX AND HMSO.

Swansea Microfilm Limited Kingsway ■ Fforestfach • Swansea • SA5 4DL Tel: (0792) 581441 for Brochure and Specification.

1

Editorial Content Page Do you think you’re insignificant? .

L.B.E.S. Preview .

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

3

.

.

6, 7

Suggest a cartoon .

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

8

Agony Aunt

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

8

Home News

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

10

Product Information

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

W ho’s afraid o f optical disk

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

. 16, 17, 18

Y our letters

.

.

.

.

.

.

International News

.

.

.

.

.

‘On yer bike’ to Wales

.

.

.

.

.

. .

.

.

.

.

.

18

.

.

.

.

14, 15

..

20, 21 22

Advertisers’ Index Page Allen M icrofilm Products Ltd. A M W Ltd.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

10

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

9

Elke M icroform s .

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

23

Em bassy M icrofilm Bureau Ltd.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

4, 5

Genneg Associates.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

. 12, 13, 22

G ratelL td.

.

.

.

.

.

■

.

•

•

17

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

■

■

18

.

Harper K lem pgate L td.

H oltronics L td.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

<4[

Leicester M icrofilm Bureau Ltd.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

15

Messerli Ltd. /P h otom atrix Ltd.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

7

M etric Splicer & Film C o., I^c.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

20

.

.

.

.

.

24

M icrofilm Management

.

.

.

.

N eal M icroequipm ent C on su ltan ts.

.

.

.

.

.

■

■

19

Ridgeway Services L td.

.

.

.

.

.

•

•

15

.

.

Self-Em ploy M onitoring Services .

Swansea M icrofilm Ltd.

.

Topham Film & Engineering Ltd.

.

.

.

. .

. .

.

.

.

.

.

.

3

.

.

.

.

.

1

.

.

.

.

.

11

This magazine and the contents are the copyright o f the Publishers:- Themeprint Ltd, 65 Winchester Drive, Burbage, Leics. LE10 2BA. Tel: (0455) 632523

2

The Micrographics Market Place

If you run a M icrofilm Bureau, do you think y o u ’re insignificant?

Microfilm Bureaux in the United Kingdom vary in turnover from the smaller end, £20-30,000 a year, to a number of Bureaux with over a million pounds a year of business. (COM Bureaux not included). It is very rare that people sit and analyse the size of the U.K. Microfilm Bureau market and what it’s overall significance is in the market place. Assuming a good working average turnover, including all the Microfilm Bureaux in the country, is £150,000, then the Microfilm Bureau industry has a total annual turnover in the region of 60 million pounds. There are in the region of 400 Microfilm Bureaux in the U.K. Next time you feel insignificant, remember that you are part of a 60 million pounds a year business. This means that Microfilm Bureaux have a larger combined turnover than that of the four largest multi-national Companies within the industry.

Another factor worth remembering is that the Bureau industry is responsible for introducing more customers to microfilm than any other segment. There must be in the region of 400 people actively selling microfilm systems for Bureaux which again is significantly mote than the major multi-nationals can put in the field. Even more important, in the Editors view, a lot of the Bureaux effort is aimed at the smaller end of the market on a grass roots basis, promoting microfilm in the small and medium sized companies, who, hopefully, are going to grow in the future.

Whether the modern computers and optical disk systems are going to take a slice of the microfilm business from the top end is a matter for great debate. However, it is very clear that the future of microfilm rests on the ability to bring in small and medium sized users at the bottom end of the market in order to expand the whole industry.

Some very rough figures suggest that, of all the business information in use today, 90% is held on paper, 5% on computers and only 5% on microfilm. This means there is 95% of the market to go for.

The big multi-nationals seem unable or unwilling to produce low cost systems into this particular segment of the market jj>lace. It may therefore be in the Bureau industries’ interest to " ut marketing time and effort into the creation of new users.

The Editor would be glad to use these pages to discuss any ideas that you may have.

Many people who have been operating Microfilm Bureaux for many years remember the days when Microfilm Bureaux were not the most sought after customers in the industry. This is, at last, starting to change and when the above information is considered, it is not difficult to see why. The major Companies have at last realised that probably up to 50% of all microfilm equipment and services is ordered through the Bureaux. If you’ve been wondering why multi-national reps have been taking the time out to call on you recently, it’s because they have worked out what the score is.

The Microfilm Bureau trade has collectively, therefore, huge clout when it comes to purchasing supplies and equipment.

Very few Bureaux know exactly what work they are going to have next week, let alone in six months time. Therefore, it is difficult, and even unwise, to commit yourself for the sake of low prices to large quantities that you may or may not take up.

What most Bureaux require is a firm costing for their main supplies items, whether called off frequently or infrequently, but only as required.

The Micrographics Market Place

In the relationship between the supplier and the customer it is usually the supplier who commits himself to the customer, and not the other way around.

It is hoped that the pages of this magazine will be used in the future for the whole industry to correspond and communicate with each other, with the Bureau industry being given its true place in the market. We feel that, if the Microfilm Bureau business is promoted and helped by the larger companies, the whole microfilm trade will benefit.

How many of the bigger Companies spend half their marketing budget on promoting goodwill to try to increase the business of the Bureaux? Very few! The Editor therefore feels that the industry as a whole has got to realise that the well­ being of the Bureaux (probably comprising of 50% of the total market place) needs to be nurtured and trained to go and convert all those large quantities of paper into microfilm.

Fifteen years ago microfilm service work followed after cameras and reader/printers had been installed in a company.

Today the situation has gone full circle when cameras and reader/printers follow the initial conversion of a company to microfilm by a Bureau.

In this article the Editor has been trying to present his view of the industry based on what it has now become. Comments on any of the above ideas from all sectors of the industry will be greatly welcomed.

t

Now in Inauguration t

J* overloads.

Help with your contract j * Shopfront display of your equipment. * Workshop and depot rentals.

I * For sale: Second-hand processors, cameras, readers and ancillaries.

■ * Universal Gimpfiche and I.D. films.

■

\

For further details please contact: Self-Em ploy Monitoring Services The Microfilming Place, 216 City Road, London EC1 and branches.

Tel: 01-251 6583/837 1632.

3

Embassy Microfilm Bureau Ltd 34,E astdow n Park, London S.E.13 5H S Tel: 01 318 5 6 8 4 / 5 / 6 or 0 8 6 0 3 5 2 3 2 2

D ealers f er th e NEW EXCITING H [ l i m n D iazc 1 4II Film D u p licator Fin a n ce a n d cr p a r t e x ch a n g e c a n be a rra n g e d

For producing processed

The RB20 is a versatile yet simple to operate table top duplicator for the convenient duplication of both 16mm and 35mm diazo roll film duplicates. Amongst its many attributes are tw o unique features. Firstly, the exposure system which has no glass drum or tensioning belts thus ensuring high quality copy, precise film tracking and edge registration, minimum master film fatigue and greatly reduced servicing requirements. Secondly, the image development process uses only very low pressure ammonia vapour eliminating the need for the potentially hazardous connection of high pressure gas cylinders and equally hazardous pouring or loading of ammonia solution into the machine. Every duplicating cycle is automatically controlled thus permitting unattended operation. The RB20 is ideal for medium volume users requiring a fast start diazo roll film duplicator for continuous or intermittent use.Typical production speed is 6 minutes per 100' (30m) of film dependant upon master film density and copy film type. No film splicing or splitting is required. Accurate speed and temperature controls enable duplication from a wide range of master film densities onto various colour diazo films w ith repeatable consistency of quality. Designed w ith the operator in mind the RB20 has many useful operating features so far unavailable to microfilm users.

4

The Micrographics Market Place

Embassy Microfilm Bureau Ltd 34,E astdow n Park, London S.E.13 5H S Tel: 01 318 5 6 8 4 / 5 / 6 or 0 8 6 0 3 5 2 3 2 2

NEW & USEE EQUIPMENT EQP SALE CP PIPE Alos CS.16 planetary camera (new).

Quantor 304 fiche readers, 24x.

(New, in original packing).

£600.00

£50.00 each

MAP CUBE fiche readers with rechargeable batteries, 24x or 48x lens (new).

£70.00 each

MAP FVA3 fiche readers, 24x (new).

£60.00 each

Kodak HMRG 35mm planetary camera with sub-surface lighting, very nice machine.

£3,750.00

3M 1050 Step and Repeat camera, in good condition.

£1,400.00

Kodak Prostar processor, 16/35mm.

£800.00

Kodak RP.1E portable 16mm cameras.

£300.00 each

GAF 16/35mm diazo duplicator with loop box, nice machine.

£3,250.00

3M 161 16mm camera - 14" throat.

£490.00

Kodak Starfile 16mm planetary camera.

£700.00

The above prices are subject to 15% V.A.T. All equipment purchased carries a 3 month guarantee.

We are an old and trusted microfilm company.

Come along and see us, or ask to be put on our mailing list.

Perhaps we could buy your surplus microfilm equipment!!

The Micrographics Market Place

5

L.B.E.S. ’86 Preview A Door to Door Microfilming Service— Stand No. 2 Rapid, nationwide door-to-door collection and delivery is a feature of the microfilming service offered by MAB Services Limited, one of the UK’s largest microfilming bureaux. At LBES, MAB will be demonstrating the significant benefits of microfilming such as space and cost savings, and easy document retrieval from archive filing systems.

Because MAB is not tied to one particular hardware manufacturer, it can offer objective systems consultancy advice and recommend suitable equipment from a large range of microfilm hardware including readers, reader/printers and storage accessories plus a comprehensive selection of consumables.

For the majority of commercial or public authority document microfilming applications, MAB will recommend the use of roll or jacketed 16mm film formats. The MAB service is comprehensive and includes checking film for legibility, accuracy and density, after processing; Films are then boxed, cartridged or mounted in laminated jackets, labelled and indexed to the client’s requirements.

Allen Microfilm Products Limited — Stand 179 Allen Microfilm Products are a long established Company manufacturing Microfilm readers and Automatic Retrieval Units. At the LBS Exhibition AMP will be launching their new Micro-Processor Key Pad for the automatic retrieval of Blipped as well as UNBLIPPED 16mm or 35mm roll films.

This brand new unit can be interfaced into our Motorised BA1 Reader or the new Canon PC80 Reader-Printer and an IBM PC Computer. On display will be a full CAR system.

The database of the computer displays the cartridge number and frame number of the required document. The correct, numbered cartridge is pushed onto the self-threading motorised carrier, and the required frame number tapped on to the key-pad. The cartridge self-threads and drives forward to the selected frame and displays the document on the screen within seconds. Any number of plain-paper prints can be produced from any number of frames by pre­ programming the key pad. Prints will be offered to interested visitors.

MAB will also demonstrate its specialist capability in the microfilming of engineering and architectural drawings. This service covers the filming of drawings onto high resolution 35mm film with individual frames mounted on aperture cards.

Contact: MA B Services Limited, Eagle House, Spon Lane South, Smethwick, Warley, West Midlands B66 1PA, United Kingdom.

Tel: 021-558 5311.

The Genneg Microfilm Shop Open Again — Stand 225 The Genneg Microfilm Shop will again be demonstrating it’s full range of microfilm supplies consummables suitable for use with every type of manufacturer’s equipment.

Great emphasis has beer placed by Genneg Associates in the last twelve months on manufacturing the large majority of it’s microfilm consummables. This not only enables Genneg to give better delivery, prices and quality but has also enabled a large amount of microfilm consummables to be manufactured in the U.K. rather than imported from abroad. Since 1985 Genneg have been manufacturing laminate and ultrasonic welded jackets in Nuneaton and our complete range is available which are now marketed all over Europe.

Genneg also manufacture a type ‘M’ Microfilm Cartridge which contains several innovations not found in other cartridges. These are also available for big users with their own Company logo on at no extra cost.

A further item just manufactured in the U.K. is a new 16mm spool suitable for the latest automated reader printers. Most other spools need a separate locking device to trap the end of the film. This particular spool has a built-in trailer lock and makes life much simpler as well as being much cheaper than the combination of the old spool and wedge at present used.

Perhaps the most exciting new item on the stand is a method for using existing diazo cut sheet film and having it processed without the use of ammonia, liquid or gas. This will be demonstrated on the stand.

The Microfilm Shop will again be stocked with all our many supplies items and our experienced staff will be available to talk to any microfilm user about how they can save money on their microfilm supplies budget.

Contact: Genneg Associates, Hammond Close, Attleborough Fields, Nuneaton, Warwickshire C V11 6RY. Tel: (0203) 383998/381196.

6

Allen Microfilm will also have on display their full range of Motorised Roll Film Readers; 35mm Aperture Card readers; Library Readers and Large Format Readers, all manufactured by themselves.

Besides the standard range of products AMP manufacture, they will also be offering on their stand full details of a new design service, where special machines can be manufactured to customers exact requirements. This service has been regularly used by N.C.B., R.R., C.E.G.B., M.O.D., .

Emergency services, and overseas Government Departments.!

Besides demonstrating their range of Readers and the new Canon PC80 Reader-Printer there will also be products from Rhone-Poulenc, Imtec, Genneg and Sealine.

Contact: Allen Microfilm Products Ltd., AM P House, 64-74 Norwich Avenue West, Bournemouth BH2 6A W. Tel: (0202) 760507.

^_m

-

miimmmks m

m

the market place NOTICE The Editor, Tim Nixon, will be at Earls Court for the duration of the LBES ’86 Exhibition (21st-2 4 th October 1986). He will attempt to visit as many contributors as possible but if you would like to meet him, he will be found either on the Microfilm Shop, Stand No. 225, at the nearest bar or somewhere along the well beaten track between the two.

The Micrographics Market Place

L.B.E.S. ’86 Preview High Resolution Microfilm Readers for all Usage Rates All the advantages gained by storing information on microfilm can be lost if the reader used to view the microfilm produces a poorly defined or dim image. To demonstrate the superior image produced by a top quality reader, Microphax Limited, the microfilm hardware and consumables specialist, will be showing its 514 desk-top microfilm reader at the London Business Equipment Show, stand no. 4.

Real Agents— Stand 163 Embassy Microfilm Ltd. are now agents for Real diazo and silver roll film duplicators.

These are entirely British made, designed with the operator in mind with many useful operating features so far unavailable

The full-size source and COM rear projection reader has been designed for heavy usage applications and ease of maintenance. The precision focus control and seven element lenses, available in 24X, 42X and 48X standard magnification, ensure that a bright sharp image is projected onto the large 279x356mm screen.

The interchangeable indexing grids and patented fiche carrier system are compatible with all film formats and facilitate selection of the required image area. Should the unit ever need servicing, the equipment drawer can simply be replaced.

For low usage applications, Microphax has developed a compact portable reader, called the Case II. Unlike standard desk-top models, which can take up valuable office space, this portable reader can be folded up easily ^nd stored when not in use.

The reader is designed will all the features of a good quality desk-top reader, giving high resolution images on a highcontrast, non-glare \ size square screen measuring 279 x 279mm.

Contact: Microphax Limited, 36 Nuffield Way, Abingdon, Oxford 0X 14 l TF, United Kingdom. Tel: 0235 25695. Telex: 837991.

Fax: 0235 24570.

Embassy Microfilm have the RB20 in use in their bureau for anyone to inspect under working conditions. The price — £7,500.00 plus V.A.T. Part exchange for existing equipment would be considered and finance could be arranged if required.

Contact: Vic Parker, Embassy Microfilm Ltd., 34 Eastdown Park, London. SE13 5HS. Tel: 01 318 5684.

AMW 400 Rotary Camera The AMW 400 rotary camera will be on display at the exhibition and can be seen on the Microphax stand (Stand No. 4).

Contact: A M W Ltd., Hill Farm Industrial Estate, Hill Farm Avenue, Watford, Herts. WD2 7SA. Tel: (0923) 661811.

ftW *

v.avAe* ^ se6'w* .A to m s '

35

P AoV>q

The Micrographics Market Race

fe'®*'

7

‘Suggest a Cartoon’ Competition There will be a new “ Hob” cartoon in each issue of the Micrographics Market Place, an example of which is shown below.

You have to have a sense of humour to be in the microfilm industry and lots of work-aday events that make you cry or cringe at the time are very funny in retrospect. Share these magic moments with your fellow sufferers.

‘Hob’ is a reasonably tame cartoonist who will translate your experiences into cartoon form in his own unique style.

Should we use your idea you will receive a free print, framed to hang in your office.

Although any suggestions are welcome we are trying to establish a ‘YES SIR’ theme.

This is taken from some of the outlandish promises or statements that are made by your rivals, never yourself.

Postcard size copies of this cartoon, past or future ones, are available free of charge from the editor. Give a copy to your competitor’s best customer. Make it a happy, friendly market place - but don’t blame us.

If you fail to win a FREE framed print, then they are available from us for £24.00 each inc. p & p.

YES SIRrJust checking gourjob now!

‘Agony Aunt’ I Don’t Believe It — Bu t . ), We have just heard about an instance where a customer is using microfilm jackets with very small chips of film in. One of the problems encountered is that sometimes the small chips of film are pushed out of the jacket or drop out through Scaling from Microfilm Print constant use.

We had an Agony Aunt enquiry from a bureau asking if it was A solution to this problem has been found by using an possible to get a 42x lens for the PC70 when the nearest one Ultrasonic Spot Welding Machine to close up the end of the available is only a 41x lens. The reason for this was that a jacket so that this cannot happen. customer was having his filming done at 42 reductions and from the print out wanted to scale off acurately.

So if a customer asks you the question — you know the answer. If you want to know the details and the customer is The answer we came up with was that trying to scale off prepared to spend £3,000 on equipment, please contact the acurately from microfilm is only possible if the appropriate Editor. scale was fixed to the drawing before it was microfilmed.

Then it is quite straightforward to scale off the drawing using, a pair of dividers.

MICROFILM SERVICES

This is due to the fact that the 42x lens in a camera will not be exactly 42x, and a 42x lens in a reader/printer will equally not be exactly 42x magnification. There will be some slight difference between the two.

Not only that but distortion will probably occur by virtue of the fact that paper expands and contracts according to the relevant moisture in the atmosphere.

Therefore if any customer expresses a need for accurate scaling from prints from microfilm, the best thing to do is ensure that the appropriate scale is produced and stuck onto the drawing prior to the microfilming taking place.

Anybody with any better ideas is asked to get in touch with the editor and give the industry the benefit of their knowledge.

8

• D o cu m en t m icrofilm ing at com p etitive rates • 2 4 hour serv ice and repair r e s p o n se on lea d in g m ak es o f m icrofilm eq u ip m en t • M aintenance and serv ice con tracts • New and sec o n d h a n d eq u ip m en t for s a le / hire HOLTRONICS LTD., 19 Elm court Rd., L ondon SE 27 9BX Tel: 0 1 -7 6 1 1 4 4 1 f l l l f l y r i i l i r r M l l / l l f

S t H ele n s T el: (0 7 4 4 ) 6 1 1 8 8 8 S c o tla n d T el: (0 6 9 8 ) 8 3 2 5 9 3 B a rn sle y T el: (0 2 2 6 ) 7 4 9 4 2 3

The Micrographics Market Place

JO IN THE ROTARY CLUB! Now everyone can afford to ... . . . with the new AMW low cost 400 series rotary, 16mm, microfilm cameras. They offer the user all the advantages of larger, more expensive microfilm cameras plus some extra unique features, all in a small, compact unit saving valuable workspace.

* Auto Feed

* 16mm Single Feed

* No Glass Guides

* Endorser

* Continuous Stationery

* BLIP

* Interchangeable Magazines Allsystems M icrofilm Western Ltd. Hill Farm Industrial Estate, Hill Farm Avenue, Watford, Herts. W D 2 7SA Tel: Watford (0923) 661811 The Micrographics Market Place

Telex: 922 488 ELK 9

H om e News New Microfilm Publication From BETA The legal consequences for having records on microfilm is something which is debated greatly throughout the industry.

Most of us seem to have opinions and very few of us actual facts.

A new edition of “ Microfilm - some Legal Implications” has been published by the Business Equipment Trade Association.

The new book looks closely at the legal position in relation to the processing, recording, storage and destruction of documents which are held by commercial organisations.

Although concentrating on microfilm records, reference is also made to computer controlled microfilming equipment, including computer assisted retrieval (CAR), computer output microfilm (COM), videomicrographics and optical disks.

The publication summarises the statutory provisions relating to the admissibility as evidence of documents produced by computers, in addition to the detailed legal requirements of admitting microforms as evidence.

In addition to new and more complex reproduction systems and storage media, there has been new legislation, such as the Data Protection Act 1984 and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, which are relevant to the storage of information and the admissibility of microforms in evidence.

The new publication is available from the Business Equipment Trade Association, at the price of £5.

For further information contact: Philip Le Masurier, Public Relations Manager, BETA 01-405 6233.

The Spread of the Leicestershire Mafia It’s not generally know that the Leicestershire Microfilm Mafia is alive and well and spreading daily. We are not quite sure how the Mafia came to exist except that it’s membership include Ron Brown and Geoff Ecks of Consolidated Micrographics, John Fielden of Rhone-Poulenc Systems, Don Hobbis — Agfa Gevaert, Ian Coates — Photomatrix, John Negus — Genneg Associates and lastly and perhaps most insignificantly, Tim Nixon — your Editor.

Promotions In recent months Ian (Lofty) Coates of Photomatrix and Alan (Wess) Wesselby Consolidated Micrographics have both been designated European Sales Managers.

This means that throughout Europe the pair will be meeting each other when trying to sell their Diazo Duplicating Machines.

When asked to comment Lofty admitted that his job was not consolidated like Wess’s was. Wess merely smiled and broke wind gently.

Midland Bureau moves to new Industrial Unit Arrow Microfilm Services of Tamworth, Staffordshire recently moved to a new Industrial Unit on the Amington Industrial Estate in Tamworth, Staffordshire.

This has been necessitated by a steady expansion of the services provided by this Bureau and increases in the workloads having to be undertaken. Mr. Ken Scott, the Managing Director of Arrow Microfilm Services is very pleased with the way the move went, despite the many problems involved in moving a total Microfilm Bureau.

(2UI1GCJ DjJDBGJEI7M PQGJBtSBUe

(EST. 1964)

SIMPLY OFFER THE BEST RANGE OF MICROFILM EQUIPMENT AT THE MOST COMPETITIVE PRICES

B R ITIS H M A D E

SEE US A T LBES EARLS COURT STAND No. 179

AMP's new dual lens readers with A2 or A 3 screens.

ALLEN MICROFILM PRODUCTS LTD NORWICH AVENUE WEST BOURNEMOUTH BH2 6AW Tel: (0202) 760507

10

If you can find a cheaper A2 aperture Card/Roll Film Reader than AMP's let us know and w e will supply one at the same price and throw in 5 spare lamps!

The Micrographics Market Place

Which make of film splicer has been tried-and-tested in the UK for fifteen years, is the most widely used throughout the world and is used by almost all * the largest Microfilm users?

M odel 3001 Ultrasonic Film Splicer

NO CONSUMABLES - such as tap e or cem ent required.

NO SPECIAL INSTALLATION - ju st a sim ple 13 am p socket.

EASY TO OPERATE - film jo in e d in precise a lig n m e n t.

Range o f models W e have a w id e range o f models, w h ich w ill jo in all film sizes: 16mm, 35m m , 70m m and 105mm.

Prices start fro m - $2100 o r ÂŁ1500 (at th e cu rre n t exchange rate o f a ro un d $1.40 to ÂŁ1.00).

For further information, simply snip the coupon and post back to the address below:

M M P/9/86

Splicer features

Name_ Position.

Company.

Address _

Additional film accessory products Brushed co tto n film h a n d lin g gloves.

M etal film cans and cardboard containers in various sizes.

Perm anent m a rke r pens/chinagraph pencils.

The Micrographics Market Place

Topham Film & Engineering Ltd, Unit 9, Mitre Bridge Industrial Park, Mitre Way, London W10 6AU. Tel: 01-960 0123/0136

11

CI^tyfu'rifihngljgp

NOW OPEN

Jackets

Chemises pour microfilms C'est dans notre installation b Nuneaton que nous manufacturons des chemises plastifibes bleues ou transparentes en utilisant le procedb prbfbrb ambrican de fusion.

Egalement des chemises b double soudure ultrasonique. Tout type de format disponible de nos stocks de 5 millions de chemises. Choix de quinze bandes de couleur avec en plus codification b cran, pre- impression et numerotage sbquentiel. Demandez nos bchantillons et comparez nos tarifs commerciaux intbressants.

Microfilm UmschlSge In unserer Fabrik in Nuneaton stellen wir mittels des bevorzugten aus den Vereinigten Staaten erhaltlichen Heiss-Schmelz-Verfahrens nicht nur blaue Oder durchsichtige Schichtpresstoff-Umschlage, sondern auch ultraschalldoppelgeschweisste Umschlage her. Jeder beliebige Typ des Formats ist aus den 5 Millionen Umschlagen, die wir auf Lager haben, erhaltlich. Man kann aus fiinfzehn Farbstreifen auswahlen, KerbCodierung, Vordruck und Nummerierung in Sequenz stehen ebenfalls zur Verfugung.

Auf Anfrage wird man Ihnen Muster zuschicken, un es Ihnen zu ermoglichen, unsere ausserst giinstigen Grosseinkaufspreise zu vergleichen.

Microfilm Jackets

Copertine per Microfilm

At our Nuneaton plant we manufacture Blue or Clear Laminate jackets using the preferred hot melt process from the USA. Also Ultrasonic Double Weld jackets. Every type of format available from our stocks of 5 million jackets. Fifteen colour stripes to choose from, plus notch coding, pre-printing and sequential numbering. Send for samples and compare our attractive trade prices.

Presso la nostra fabbrica di Nuneaton fabbrichiamo copertine in laminato plastico blu o trasparente, mediante il processo preferito di fusione calda degli Stati Uniti, e anche copertine a Saldatura a Doppio Ultrasonica. Ogni tipo di di formato e disponibile dalle nostre scorte di 5 milioni di copertine. Si pub scegliere tra quindici righe colorate, a codificazione a tacca, pre-stampatura a numerazione sequenziale.

Chiedeteci dei campioni e osservate i nostri prezzi commerciali.

Spools

Bobines (Universal widget)

^

Bobine solide b bride de 16mm entibrement neuve pour utilisation avec pinces C NMA ou tout autre lecteur de film en rouleau. Le VERROUILLAGE DU TRAINARD est incorporb, aucune cale sbparbe n'est necessaire (voir schbma). Disponible avec logo de socibtb gratuit (commande minimum 5000). Couleur normale, blanc - autres couleurs sur commande (minimum 10.000). Les deux extrbmitbs du trou de I'arbre central sont carrbes. Les tarifs commerciaux sont moins blevbs que ceux des bobines alternatives qui ne sont pas munies de verrouillage de I'arbre.

Spulen (Universal Widget) Eine vor kurzem neu-eingefiihrte 16mm Robust-Spule mit Flansch fur Einsatz in entweder einem N M A C Film-Ausschnitt- oder jedem beliebigen Rollfilm-Lesegerat. Mit eingebauter Auszieh-Vorrichtung-Verriegelung (â&#x20AC;&#x153; trailer lock"), kein separater Keil benotigt (Siehe schematische Zeichnung). Mit kostenlosem Firmen-Zeichen erhaltlich (Mindest-Bestell-Stiickzahl 5000). Normal-Farbe- weiss, andere Farben gegen Bestellung hergestellt (Mindest-Stuckzahl 10000). Beide Enden des Mittelachsenlochs sind rechteckig. Grosseinkaufspreise sind niedriger als fur Alternativ-Spulen, die mit keiner Spindel-Verriegelung ausgerustet sind.

Spools ('Universal widget')

Bobine "Universal widget"

Brand new 16mm solid flange spool suitable for use in NMA C Clips or any roll film reader. Has built in TRAILER LOCK, no separate wedge required (see diagram).

Available with Free company logo (minimum order 5000). Normal colour white - other colours done to order (minimum 10,000). Both ends of the central spindle hole are square. Trade prices are lower than alternative spools that do not have a spindle lock.

Le nuove bobine a flangia solida di 16mm da usarsi con graffe C NM A o qualsiasi lettore di pellicola rotante. Comprende un SISTEMA DI BLOCCAGGIO DI CODA e non b necessario un cuneo separato (riferirsi al diagramma). E' disponibile con il logo della vostra ditta gratis (ordine minimo 5000). Colore standard bianco, ma altri colori sono disponibili su ordinazione (10.000 minimo). Entrambe le estremitb del foro del mandrino centrale sono quadrate. I prezzi commerciali sono piu bassi di quelli di bobine alternative che non hanno un sistema di bloccaggio del mandrino.

For further details on the above products, and many more besides, send for < Genneg Associates, Hammond Close, Attleborough Fields, Nuneaton 12

The Micrographics Market Place

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

IN EUROPE!

S tg M

/* â&#x20AC;˘

ic f b i

Cartridges

)

m m

Cartouches

Raised centre spindle to ensure smooth friction free running of centre spool.

)

i

Raised outer edges to snugly fit the other half to complete firm fitting and dust exclusion.

Nous fabriquons notre propre cartouche de type M adaptee & tous les lecteurs et lecteur/imprimantes de type M. Spdcialement congue pour incorporer tous les avantages suivants: Fixation par vis Axe central pour marche uniforme Dix couleurs differentes Logo gratuit de votre societe dtudiee par vos soins (commande minimum 2000) Complete avec conducteur, trainard et etiquette Pret & ('utilisation En bofte de dix Prix commerciaux intdressants

Kassetten Wir stellen unsere eigene Kassette des Typs M her, die fur alle M-Typ-Lese-sowie Lese/Drucker-Gerate geeignet ist. Der spezielle Entwurf der Kassette schliesst alle untenangefuhrten Vorteile ein: Schraubanschluss Mittlere Achse fur einen gleichmassiqen Lauf Zehn verschiedene Farben Ein kostenloses Firmen-Zeichen gemass Ihrem eigenen Entwurf (Mindest-Bestell-Stuckzahl 2000) Komplett mit Einfiihr- (''Leader''), Auszieh- ("trailer") Vorrichtung und Etikette Einsatzbereit In Schachtein mit 10 Stk. per Schachtel verpackt Gunstige Grosseinkaufspreise

Cartridges

Caricatori

We manufacture our own Type M cartridge suitable for all type M readers and reader/printers. Specially designed to incorporate all the advantages Screw Fitting Central axle for smooth running Ten different colours Free company logo to your design (minimum order 2000) Complete with leader, trailer and label Ready for use Boxed in tens Attractive trade prices

Produciamo il nostro tipo di caricatore M adatto per tutti i lettori e lettori/stampanti M, appositamente progettato per incorporare i seguenti vantaggi: Fissatura a vite Asse centrale per scorrimento veloce Dieci colori diversi Logo della vostra ditta gratis su vostro disegno (ordine minimo 2000) Completo di linguetta, coda ed etichetta Pronto all'uso In confezioni di dieci unit& Prezzi commerciali attraenti

MMO Units

Unites OMM Les unites d'organisation micrographique modulaire en plastique robuste convenant a tout type de microfilms. L'emmagasinage est rapide, facile et sur. On peut garder tous les formats dans des tiroirs individuels qui se retirent aisement. On peut installer ces unites sous les bureaux, sur les bureaux ou inddpendamment, (avec ou sans roues) ou les fixer ensemble en banques multiples. Seul notre depliant peut vous donner tous les renseignements possibles. Remises commerciales interessantes offertes.

M M O â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Einheiten Mikrographische Modulare Organisations-Einheiten, aus widerstandsfahigem Kunststoff hergestellt, fur alle Mikfrofilm-Typen geeignet. Die Lagerung ist schnell, einfach und sicher. Alle Formate konnen in einzelnen Ablegeschalen aufbewahrt und ganze Schubladen Oder Ablegeschalen konnen problemlos herausgenommen werden.

Die Einheiten konnen unter Schreibtischen, auf Schreibtischen, in frei-stehenden Einheiten (mit Oder ohne Laufrollen) aufgestellt Oder zu mehrfachen Gruppen zusammenmontiert werden. Die vollstandige Information kann lediglich unserer Broschiire entnommen werden. Vorteilhafte Grosseinkaufs-Rabatte erhaltlich.

MMO Units

Unit& MMO

Micrographic Modular Organisation Units made of robust plastic suitable for every type of microfilm. Storage is quick, easy and safe. All formats can be held in individual trays and whole drawers or trays can be lifted out with ease. Units can be fitted under desks, on desks, in free standing units (with or without castors) or fixed together in multiple banks. Only our leaflet can give the full information. Attractive trade discounts available.

Le Unitd d'Organizzazione Modulare Micrografica sono fatte in plastica robusta, adatte ad ogni tipo di microfilm. L'immagazzinaggio e veloce, semplice e sicuro. Tutti i formati possono essere contenuti in compartimenti singoli e interi cassetti o compartimenti possono essere sollevati con facility. Le unita possono essere collocate sotto la scrivania, sulla scrivania o in unitd a se stanti (con rotelle o senza), oppure collegate in unitci multiple. Solo il nostro opuscolo pud fornire informazioni esaurienti. Offriamo sconti commerciali attraenti.

Dur full colour, 24 page catalogue, 34 page Almanac and trade price list from:, Warks. CV11 6RY. Tel: (0203) 383998/381196. Telex: 311603 Genneg The Micrographics Market Place

13

Product News Microdex from NMC Neal Microequipment Consultants are well known throughout the micrographics industry as major suppliers of reconditioned microfilm equipment.

But NMC also offer a range of other specialised equipment and services; the latest of which is Microdex; a computer based system specifically designed for indexing aperature cards, jackets and cartridge labels.

The system comprises BBC Master computer, twin disc drives, monitor, printer and various software packages.

Microdex has been under evaluation at Bureaufilm Ltd., a busy microfilm bureau in Staines, Middx, for over a year.

They use Microdex for all indexing operations, including the control of their Decision Data 8010 punch machine.

Bureaufilm’s Managing Director, Nick Outteridge, says “ Microdex has halved the time it takes to index cards, jackets, and cartridge labels; and more than quadrupled the throughput of cards via the punch machine. The ability to edit on screen before typing, and the accuracy of the field settings, has reduced the waste of cards and jackets to almost zero.

Staff morale is higher as we are using up to date technology, and our customers are delighted with the way their film is indexed, and of course with the full listing they receive with each job.”

NMC’s Sales Manager, Colin Barnes, considers that in todays tough market place, bureaux need every advantage they can get over their competitors. “ Indexing is usually one of the worst bottlenecks in a bureau” says Colin, “ It took a small step forward with the introduction of memory typewritters, and can now take a giant leap forward with Microdex.”

Contact: Colin Barnes, N.M .C. Ltd., Unit 4/5, Ashford Business Complex, Feltham Road, Ashford, Middlesex. TW15 1YQ. Tel: (07842) 41647/51928.

Roll Film for Dataprism Security Microfilm, appointed stockist for REGMA microfilm products is now launching a motorised carrier for 16mm roll film and cartridges for the compact REGMA DATAPRISM plain paper reader/printer.

The film carrier is capable of variable speeds with a pause button for easy frame scanning. Film loading is simple and image rotation is motorised.

The new carrier is manufactured in the U.K. and gives this popular machine added versatility.

High quality A4 plain paper prints are available from fiche and film for under 1lA p per print. The print process uses low cost dry toner packs eliminating the need for liquid toners or expensive drum changes. Print distribution and all controls are conveniently located directly in front of the operator.

Bi-Modal printing and partial printing are available as accessories.

Contact: Steve Hoffman or Chris Kitchen SMS, 10 Caledonia Street, London. Telephone 01 837-0784.

14

Special Offer from Elke A complete 35mm microfilm system is available from Elke at a special price of £15,000, comprising an Elke DAO 35mm roll film camera, Elke Bray processor, hand mounter and an Elke densitometer. Any order placed before the end of 1986 will qualify for this offer, after which time the approximate retail price of just the camera will be £15,000.

Elke began manufacturing the Elke DAO camera three years ago in its Watford factory and has installed many units throughout the UK. The camera uses the famous Elke automatic exposure system and the whole system, with the sole exception of the German lens, is totally British.

Terry Mardlin, director of Elke said “ We have designed the camera to produce high quality microfilm of a consistent density, even from difficult originals and X-rays. In addition we have looked at what the users want and automated the functions to make it easy for unskilled staff to operate and eliminate manual errors” .

For example, automatic selection of the correct reduction ratio is achieved by pushing the sliding, scaled autobar across the copyboard depending upon the size of the original drawing. The film unit automatically follows the position of the bar, adjusting itself to one of the five pre-programme j stops ranging from 7.4x to 30x. ’ A photocell unit next to the high quality German camera lens electronically selects the background density of the document and, by monitoring the light level continuously from six discreet areas of the drawing, adjusts the required light level for the desired density of the negative — an operation which only takes one tenth of a second. The camera is unique in that it also compensates for variations resulting from different reduction ratios, which occur as a result of the necessary movement of the lens within the film unit due to the focusing distance. A programmable multiple exposure facility, using a ten digit keyboard, allows the operator to make up to 99 continuous exposures of the same frame.

So, with the aid of the automatic exposure system and autobar, all the operator has to do is slide the document onto the keyboard, which is not obstructed by side frames or lamp arms, and press the exposure button.

This camera was on show earlier this year at the San Francisco AIIMS exhibition, where Sierra Micrographics of California bought the demonstration model directly off the stand — literally bringing their own transport and carrying it away.

Contact: Elke Microforms, Hill Farm Industrial Estate, Hill Farm Avenue, Watford, Herts. WD2 7SA. Tel: (0923)661811.

The Micrographics Market Place

Product News 3M hand aperature card mounters — they don’t need to be modified!

We have received a tip from The Microfilm Shop concerning 3M’s recent policy with one type of their 3M hand aperture card mounters. They have been telling users that the type that use the small bayonet fitting lamp (200-260 volts 10 watt) must have them modified to take a new screw fitting lamp. It is understood that the modification costs £25 and the lamps to use in the modified machines cost in the region of £9 each.

This is said to be due to the fact that the bayonet fitting type lamps are no longer available. The Microfilm Shop have traced an alternative source for these lamps so that not only does your hand mounter not need modifying, the replacement lamps only cost £2.50p each which can result in a saving all round for microfilm bureaux. Contact The Microfilm Shop on 0203-383998.

The New Versatile 16mm Microfilm Camera from AMW AMW Ltd., the Watford based microfilm equipment supplier, has recently announced a new rotary camera; the B A M W 400 model —available with or without auto feed.

Is this the end of Acetate Film?

Last year Kodak (to all intents and purposes) stopped supplying 16mm Acetate microfilm. Now it looks as though Agfa Gevaert are following the same path. We are sure that all Agfa films will end up being on Polyester base before too long. Agfa are pricing their first new Polyester film, type 3863, approximately 5% cheaper than the equivalent Acetate type 3888 16mm Rapid AHU (the old Pan Rapid). An excerpt of the Agfa Gevaert product announcement is set out below.

Copex Microfilm “ It is the planned policy of Agfa Gevaert Ltd to commence a changeover from triacetate to polyester base microfilms during the coming months. The reasons behind this change are numerous, both ecological and economic, not least of which is the fact that polyester is more cost effective to produce than triacetate which will enable us to remain competitive. Other points worth mentioning are polyester’s greater strength and clearer base.

We wish to emphasize that the emulsion types are not changing, therefore no adaptation of camera exposure settings or processing criteria is required. Should you have any queries or require further information please contact your local Agfa Gevaert dealer.”

For Sale Blu-Ray MP1 Diazo Fiche Duplicator in w orking order. £100 Leicester M icro film Bureau Ltd. Lom e House, 195 Avenue Road Extension, Leicester.

Tel: (0533) 709749.

Customers' and bank managers' needs are reconciled

by Ridgeway Services. Mr. Smith. We'll rent or sell you guaranteed secondhand microfilm equipment at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

1

The AMW 400 is an inexpensive, flexible camera with a feed width of 400mm capable of printing and microfilming, and able to handle a wide range of documents from onion skin to passport thickness as well as cheques and continuous stationery.

The 400 has the choice of 24x or 32x reduction ratios and incorporates both with a simple switch lever to change from one to the other.

There are many optional ‘add-on” extras which include the auto feed and a very competitively priced interchangeable magazine with meter counters. BLIP for retrieval or filmed documents on single feed units and continuous stationery.

To date more than a dozen microfilm bureaux are using this adaptable bureau camera. Prices start at around £4,000.

AMW have also obtained exclusive UK and European dealership for the HM 7220 mini COM which is, to quote, “ The affordable roll film COM you have been waiting for” .

It will retail at around £20,000 which is about a quarter of the price of comparable machines. Watch these pages-for further details.

Contact: A M W Ltd., f l ill Farm Industrial Estate, Hill Farm Avenue, Watford, Herts. WD2 7SA. Tel: (0923) 661811.

The Micrographics Market Place

equipment contact:

RIDGEWAY SERVICES LTD Unit 3A Aston Road, Cambridge Road Estate, Bedford MK42 oLJ. Tel: (0234) 327755

15

W ho is afraid o f Optical Disk?

The experts cannot agree on the likely effects that optical disk will have on the micrographics market in the future. In fact the experts seem unable to agree exactly who is qualified to be an expert on optical disk. Most people in the conventional micrographic market place are reasonably ignorant of the technical details of optical disk and even less aware of the likely long term effect it is going to have on the bureau side of the industry.

The editor would be happy to publish any articles sent in outlining the probable future effect of optical disk and also any information about how the various types of optical disk actually work.

In the meantime in each edition we will try and keep you up to date with who has said what about optical disk and maybe over the next few editions you will be able to make up your own mind about it’s future impact.

We are going to quote various opinions expressed about optical disk from all over the world broken down into three main group headings.

These are: Good News (for conventional microfilm) Bad News Who Knows.

Magnetic Disk/Optical Disk — The Advantages and Disadvantages Magnetic Disk A) Good points: Ideal on line reference systems giving fast random access.

Open to unlimited users.

Distance no object (if cost no object).

Information can be re-formatted using word processor programmes.

Disks are re-usable.

B) Bad points: The system is only as good as the software. (Where have we heard that before?)

Too many unauthorised people can get access.

Information is not fixed and can be altered easily.

Need for security back-up copies as information is easily erased.

Graphic input is expensive (60 pages on a 5" disk).

20 times more expensive that microfilm.

Optical Disk Good points: As magnetic disk — plus higher packing density — theoretically up to 75,000 of A4 information on a 12" disk.

Bad points: Only possible for users to read information. Not able to add or amend.

Slower recording speed than microfilm.

Duplication is very much slower than microfilm.

Maximum of 10 year life.

Advantages of Microfilm over a Magnetic and Optical Disk A) It is much cheaper to in-put information.

B) Reference equipment is inexpensive and available to anyone with a minimum of training.

C) Can record graphics as easily as the written word.

16

D) A high percentage of the world population (Japan and China) use images not letters and words.

E) Automatic microfilming is much easier and quicker than keying in data or digital scanning.

F) Needs less highly qualified staff.

G) Archival permanence of records is guaranteed.

H) Microfilm records do not require particularly specialised handling. You can tread on a microfiche and still read the information on it.

I) In most countries, microfilm is recognised legally in courts of law.

J) Microfilm has recognised international standards.

K) Microfilm can be read with the human eye. Information cannot be locked in by obsolescent equipment or lack of electrical power.

OD — Hedging your Bets ^ Recent comments from the U.S.A. may be of interest.

And what of optical disk and CD-ROM (compact disk-read only memory) environment? For the microfilm service company, movement in optical storage services will be limited to finding specific applications. Certainly, manufacturers such as 3M and NV Phillips are out in front of the service companies in the development of optical storage applications — and that has a lot to do with demand among users for the products themselves. While much of optical disk focus is coming from the computer end, at least one company in the U.S.A. is seeking the middle ground between it’s micrographics business and the emerging optical technology.

The 1986 AIIM Show — What does it tell us about the future?

The general concensus of opinion seems to be that disk technology will have a major role in the document storage and retreival market. It was also felt that established film based, micrographic organisations will weather the transitional period to address more sophisticated application requirements from their users. f What seems less certain is the time scale involved, i.e. How long will it take for film based and electronic based technologies to come together. Evidence from the exhibition suggested that the conversion is already taking place in a number of applications. Others still keep with the specific technology of their own size. What is fairly clear is that in the near future (5 to 10 years) each side — film and electronic — will have to draw on its own specific strength to protect or enlarge its position in the market place.

OD — Good News Comments in a survey of micrographics and optical digital systems came up with the following conclusions.

The impact of optical disk is expected to be a very gradual one. The study shows that while one third of users with large document storage systems are expected to have micrographics equipment in the next twelve months, fewer than five percent planned to acquire optical disk systems. The main reasons to cause this slow acceptance of optical disk is the high price plus the lack of compatibility with current systems. All potential users seem to have plenty of information about optical disk but felt that the impact would not start to show until the early 1990’s.

The Micrographics Market Place

OD — Good News A quote from Dr Donald Fray, Chairman and Chief executive Officer of Bell & Howell in the USA. “ Future storage media will not be microfilm alone. It won’t be optical disk alone and it won’t be paper alone. It will be all three tied together.

retreival and the archival quality and the legality of the records has to be beyond dispute. There are no standards at all for optical disk technology and it is going to take a very long time for the manufacturers to agree what this standard should be.

But the single storage element of the foreseeable future will still be paper. The computer and our society have combined to increase the volume of paper, not reduce it. By 1987 computers will have produced 351 billion pages of paper documents. That is a staggering number for an environment which less than two decades ago preached a paperless society” .

OD — Good News Another comment from the AIIM Show. “ My company has got a lot of capital invested in microfilm hardware. We need our records to be permanent and there is no way we are going to just leave micrographics even if we also started to use optical disk.”

OD — Who Knows?

Another visitor to the AIIM Show commented that optical disk and microfilm won’t so much co-exist as complement each other. At some stage the two technologies will be inter­ related within the larger systems.

OD — Good News Yet another comment from the AIIM Show. Optical disk needs erasable rewritable disks and compatability between manufacturers. Although people are talking about erasable .and rewritable disks no-one is talking about compatability Ibetween manufacturers. i

OD — Bad News Another study from America comes up with the following conclusions. The CD-ROM type of optical disk system is likely to be shortly eclipsed by read/right, optical/magnetic devices which are being prepared in Japan at the moment. It is thought that these new read/write units will be hitting the market by the end of 1988 and moving by the late 1990’s.

OD — Bad News Is the worm turning?

A company in the States called Integrated Software Systems has come up with a new acronym for a component of their new system. WORM stands for “ Write Once Read Mostly” .

It is a new personal computer based document filing retrieval OD — Good News system aimed directly as replacement for micrographic Another note from the AIIM Show. Digitised information is the exciting new toy that everybody is talking about and trying systems. The system is called Digi-store and consists of a PC, a worm optical disk drive, an image scanner, a laser printer to start playing with. It is just not practical in the foreseeable and software. The system will sell in the U.S. A. for about future for small organisations. I can foresee the time when $19,000 which is roughly £12,500. optical disk will move ahead of micrographics in terms of volume and the types of applications it can cater to. However OD — Who Knows? this doesn’t seem likely until the mid 1990’s at the earliest.

The Apple Computer Company has gone into a joint research agreement with the National Geographic magazine plus a film OD — Bad News making production company to explore new technology for At the 1986 AIIM Show a comment heard from one visitor storing data and films on personal computers. This is one of went as follows: “ I am impressed by the number of optical the first known efforts by a computer manufacturer to study disk exhibitors. For anyone interested in optical disk this is a the potential uses of compact disk and video disk in great show. Last year’s exhibition we had a lot of smoke and information storage. mirrors this year we had some real applications” .

OD — Who Knows? ^ io th e r quote from the same show said that AIIM is the most logical place for optical disk exhibitors to be, we are all interested to know what these systems will mean to micrographic users.

OD — Good News Also from the AIIM Show it became apparent that while everybody expressed interest in optical disk and studied its potential, no-one seemed to have an operating optical disk system.

OD — Who Knows?

The general feeling from the AIIM Show was that optical disk and micrographic systems will live together for quite a number of years yet. However a few exceptions felt strongly that optical disk will supplant micrographics in the next five to ten years as the quality of the product increases and the price of the units go down.

OD — Good News The majority of opinions at the show said that organisations will take to OD slowly and only in those areas where it applies specifically. Micrographics will be around for a long time because it makes economic sense in a lot more applications than OD can cover. Especially where you don’t need instant The Micrographics Market Place

OD — Bad News The publication ‘Business Week’ in the States published an article on personal computer technology. The business week article considers that compact disk will be a common storage system for personal computers within five years. At that point a 4.7” platter will contain the equivalent of 60 hard disks or 1,500 floppy disks. However the compact disk will only be able to distribute information and not record it. So while it is

FOR RES TOR A TIO N OF O R IG IN A LS S U ITA B LE FOR M IC R O F IL M A N D A R C H IV A L PURPOSES, CONSULT:-

G rateI liiviiTcd 159 The Long Shoot, Nuneaton, Warwickshire C V 1 1 6JQ. Telephone Nuneaton (0 2 0 3 ) 3 4 7 5 2 4

TRACING ★ LINE WORK ★ RES TOR A TION OF ORIGINALS ★

R E C O M M E N D YOUR C U STO M ER S TO USE US - I T COULD PA Y YOU! 17

Who is afraid of Optical Disk?

OD — Good News Optical disk technology has a number of stumbling blocks to overcome before we can ever start to take on micrographic likely to have a very large effect on publishing and make a systems. Because optical disk is considered exotic and has all very heavy impact on micropublishing CD-ROM (compact the allure of the electronic revolution and because it is the ‘in disk read only) seems unlikely to effect the conventional buzz word’ it should be possible to get senior management to micrographic systems with any degree of fatality. consider spending money on optical disk systems. They may even be able to do this against the conventional and much less OD — Good News A recent article in the International Journal of Micrographics expensive micrographic systems. and Video Technology was mainly about information However, there are a number of stumbling blocks before this technology in libraries. However, the bulk of the article is likely to happen. One main problem is the question of considered the implications in the future for micrographics standardisation, because of the absolute lack of it. Even if a and considered micrographics possible successor. The big organisation considers it is able to justify an application, conclusion of the article was that microfilm applications are senior management are likely to hold back because of the likely to be replaced partly by electronic technology. standardisation problem. We all know what happens when However, it is not felt that microfilms will ever totally you buy a small computer system and try to move onto disappear. An analogy was made between the modern office something bigger. Even in an industry which has been going where word processors and typewriters co-exist quite happily. over twenty years it is not possible to move from one piece of hardware to another without major software difficulties.

Therefore potential users will be scared that they are OD — Who Knows?

Is there an analogy between the paths that COM has followed committing themselves to a very expensive system that will be and optical disk is likely to follow. Back in 1969 there were 20 obsolete in years or maybe even months. Another factor in micrographics favour is that we do not realise what skills we plus manufacturers of COM units. Today there are only 7 have in our industry and how much time and effort it would major manufacturers of COM units in the world. There is take people from outside to learn the necessary system skills.

Agfa-Gavaert in Europe, Fuji in Japan and in the U.S.A. Bell This means that anybody wanting to surplant a micrographics & Howell, Dicomed, Datagraphix, Kodak and NCR. system with optical disk, must not only be fully conversant At the AIIM Show in San Francisco April 1986 there were with all the computer skills of the optical disk industry but approximately 28 exhibitors showing optical disk systems. must also be conversant with all the skills required to run a These were made up from brand new firms who have micrographic system. There cannot be many people about like launched themselves purely for the optical disk market and that at the present. People who have large information long established companies in the micrographics and record systems are only interested in buying solutions to their management field. The question that has to be asked is — problems not technological wonders just for the sake of it.

How many will be around in 10 or 15 years time? Regardless of how many make it into the future it is fairly certain that conventional micrographics will continue to be a good solid industry for a fair number of years yet.

Your Letters Dear Editor, In your Dummy Issue you state “ If your bureau is the only one in the country charging the correct price for microfilm services” which prompts me to ask what is the correct price and if such a mandatory figure exists, what is it and who is its perpetrator?

Feminist I am not but being a female in the microfilm bureau side of the industry does promote an amusing and sometimes irritating angle, i.e., when one has a man on the telephone asking to speak to the Managing Director. I answer the call to be greeted with a strangled sounding “ oh!” , followed by a silence, then, “ are you the M.D.?” . In other, unspoken, words, you are a woman.

No doubt it will be a male who provides the answer to the question in my first paragraph, proving something — I know not what!

Yours sincerely, Miss M. Bird — Director Micro Management Ltd.

Ed:- M iss B ird has po sed an interesting question - I think there will be many bureaux that would like to hear the answer — but is there one?

H ARPER KLEM PGATE LTD.

Unit 1 Indescon Court Millharbour Millwall E14 9TN Telephone: 0 1 -5 3 8 0 2 2 1

Please let us have a fe w more letters f o r our next issue!

18

The Micrographics Market Place

UK's LARGEST SUPPLIERS OF R EC O N D ITIO N ED M IC R O F IL M E Q U IP M E N T ALL TYPES

ALL M A K ES

16mm Planetary and Rotary Cameras 35mm Planetary Cameras Processors Step and Repeat Fiche Cameras Jacketers Card M ounters Diazo Duplicators Readers and Reader/Printers Punch M achines

Aarque A gfa-G evaert Bell & How ell Canon Datagraphix Decision Data Kodak Regma Schaut

IF IT'S M IC R O F IL M E Q U IP M E N T - WE CAN SUPPLY IT! JU S T SO M E OF THE M A C H IN E S ' CURRENTLY IN STOCK 16mm: Kodak Starfile, Bell & How ell Intercom , 3M 161, Kodak 700, RPIE, 250A, M axim a.

35mm: Kodak H M R G , Schaut S M A , ElkeZeiss.

Processors: Agfa FP400, Kodak Prostar, Bell & H ow ell 240, 321.

Jacketers: Bell & How ell ABR 400, NB 1600.

Card M o u n te rs : 3M S A M .

3M

Hand

M o u n te r,

Diazo Duplicators: Bruning OP40, GAF 16/35, Bell & How ell 404A, 3M Duplicard.

R e a d e r-P rin te rs : A g fa LK -P, R e g m a LR6/LRA3, Im tec 2000, Im tec A1/A0.

Punch Machines: Decision Data 8010. * VIEW BEFORE PURCHASE

* EQ UIPM ENT INSTALLED W ITH FULL W A RRANTY

* PART EXCHANGE DEALS W ELCOMED * LEASING ARRANGED

NMC

NEAL MICROEQUIPMENT CONSULTANTS Unit 4/5, Ashford Business Complex, Feltham Road, Ashford, Middlesex, TW 15 1YQ, England.

Telephone: 0784 241647/251928

C O N TA C T US FOR A Q U O TA TIO N NOW !

The Micrographics Market Place

19

International News Ex 3M Reps Memory Corner. Micrapoint to handle own marketing in future.

A large proportion of the Microfilm Bureaux in the United Kingdom was founded by ex 3M Microfilm Sales Representatives. They will, therefore, in the past have been involved in their time with 3M in selling Micrapoint Systems to various Organisations throughout the country.

According to Don Newman, Marketing Manager, 3M File Management Systems in the U.S.A. the Company’s decision to no longer sell the Micrapoint Systems was not caused with dissatisfaction of the system, but was due to their new strategic planning outlook.

Randall Waters — President of Micrapoint decided to go into the market directly rather than find another multi-national Company to market the product. Micrapoint can now sell their third generation products to independent dealers worldwide as well as to International 3M Distributors.

As well over 1,200 systems were sold throughout the world, there are many satisfied users who may be interested in further updates of their system in the future.

Any ex 3M Rep who is interested can get in touch with Randall Waters at the:Micrapoint Equipment Corporation, 363 S. 500 East Street, Salt Lake City, U T 84102, U.S.A. Telephone: 0101 (801) 322-4065.

Rochester Film Company drops out of the Micrographic Market The Rochester Film Company in the U.S.A. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rhone-Poulenc of France. It was confirmed a few weeks ago that the company would drop out of the micrographic market by the end of this year. There have been rumours about this for some time in the industry. A number of their U.S.A. sales personnel left the company in July this year and a few hints were dropped to Rochester Film dealers in the U.S.A. There were also rumours that RhonePoulenc were trying to find another company to buy the Rochester film part from them. This however seems to have not been possible. It has been thought for some time that the company has been losing money and some competitors have estimated as much as five hundred thousand dollars a month, although this may be sour grapes talking. Whatever the true case they can’t have been making a lot of money to close the operation down.

It has been apparent in the U.S.A. that Rochester Film have never made the market penetration that their French parent company hoped for, either with film supplies or secondary equipment selling. However Rochester Film have always been considered to be one of the largest suppliers of private label film in the U.S.A. and probably at least one company in the U.K. using private label film may be looking for an alternative supplier.

‘Form:Scan’ Formative Technologists of 5001 Baum Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, U.S.A., telephone 412-682-8000 have a new system called Form:Scan. This system allows the automatic capture of engineering drawings from either aperature cards or paper. The information is scanned by a special device and is then stored electronically. Once the information is in the system the information may be accessed directly from a stand alone system stored online for immediate or later use. It can also be stored permanently or revised as required.

Since Rhone-Poulenc bought Rochester Film in 1981 it has put a lot of money and effort into expanding the company. It is thought that up to nine million dollars (six million pounds) has been invested in their Rochester New York Plant to develop a stronger research and development capability and increase the production capacity.

New Fiche Shredder The Fellowes Manufacturing Company of 1789 Norwood Ave, Itsaca, IL 60143, U.S.A. telephone 312-893-1600 have introduced a new fiche shredding machine called the Power Shred M1000. This takes one fiche at a time and can shred up to 500 per hour. It can also take three rolls of microfilm through it’s 4}" wide throat. It is available as a self contained desk top drawer unit or alternatively with a metal cabinet and castors with it’s own bag holder for the shredded film.

This could have implications for the microfilm industry in Britain and the rest of Europe. Since Ilford left the market there are now really only three sources of camera film available to us. These being Agfa-Gevaert, Kodak and Fuji * through Bell & Howell. Things may go on just as they are or the three manufacturers may decide the time is ripe to increase their margins or alternatively Fuji may decide to market their products direct in Europe rather than through a third party.

Another alternative is of course that smaller manufacturers of microfilm who have a very low profile at present may decide to come in and test the water. If we have any news on this very interesting turn of events it will be in the next edition.

ULTRASONIC SPLICERS ARCHIVAL SPLICES For all major motion picture and microfilm formats — Super 8 to 105mm.

METRIC SPLICER & FILM COMPANY, INC. 5271 Wendover Road, Yorba Linda, CA 92 68 6

20

In January 1984 Rochester Film purchased the commercial roll film business from 3M. When this happened Rochester Film claimed this was another step in their strategic plans to become a leading world wide manufacturer in the microfilm industry. After five years of trying it looks like RhonePoulenc have decided to abandon this policy.

Fingerprint Retrieval International Micrographics of 79R Terrace Hall Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803, U.S.A., telephone 800-633-5200.

They have introduced their Diditscan Unit for automatic storage and retreival of fingerprints at any police fingerprint office. With high speed search capability it is possible to have 600 enquiries per hour.

New Manual Fiche Cutter Connecticut Products of 143 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton, CT. 06853, U.S.A., telephone 203-838-1013 have a new manual fiche cutter for roll film. It uses a roller type blade to cut any film from 2.5 mil polyester to 10 mil acetate.

(714)777-3374 The Micrographics Market Place

International News Thought for the Last Decade Charles W. Martin is Director Export Markets Support and International Support Services with Eastman Kodak Co in the U.S.A. A quotation from a recent article by him should make us all consider what we have been doing for the last 10 years. “ Collectively, our industry has spent millions of dollars to produce thousands of pages of advertising and publicity. And yet ‘Space Economy’ of Information Management and in particular microfilm for record storage, remains the single idea that has registered with the public. Efforts which educate increasing numbers of business men to the advantage and applications of micro image document management are of benefit to all of us” .

Thought for the Day Olle Sturen who is Secretary General of The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is quoted about information management and underlines some of the major difficulties that have to be overcome by computerised information technology systems. a) No-one is any longer impressed by the amount of ^^inform ation that can be stored on the head of a pin. b) In spite of the development in Information technology, the specific information needed at a key moment often doesn’t exist or has been destroyed. c) Information inbreeding and repackaging, rather than additional information through new discoveries, is responsible for more than half the so called information explosion. d) The computer has made it infinitely more probable for a single simple mistake to cause an enormous mess. e) Gentlemen may prefer blondes, red-heads or brunettes; but there is little doubt that they certainly prefer full text, full colour, hard copy.

Thought for another Day From Dr. Donald Fray of Bell & Howell Co. U.S.A. We live in a world of 4 hundred billion documents of which 94% are maintained on paper, 5% on microform and 1% on ^ ^ g ita l media. There appears to be plenty of room for both microform and digital apostles with 94% still be be converted.

All of us in the document management industry stay in business by performing functions that are beneficial to our customers. In the final analysis, this comes down to performing document information management in the most efficient and cost effective manner. Is it plausible that more than 1,000 optical disk base systems that are now in world wide use have all been chosen by incompetent buyers?

Data Entry 22 The Alos Micrographics Corporation of P.O. Box 407, Walden, NY. 12586, U.S.A. (telephone 914-778-7511) have introduced a new product called the Data Entry 22. This device claims to convert any ALOS roll film reader 22E into a computer input device. A sensor is attached to the screen of the reader and the Data Entry 22 is plugged directly into the reader. A foot switch is used to advance film one frame at a time. Softwear is also available for computer connections so a keyboard command can be used to trigger film advance. The Data Entry 22 is very light and comes with a sensor for blipped or unblipped film.

The Micrographics Market Place

UK Distributor Required IEC-Industria de Equipamentos Cinematigraphicos SA, is seeking distributors for its'line of readers and reader/printers using magazines. The favourable rate of Brazilian cruzados to other currencies might make an interesting possibility for UK companies. Any interested party should contact Arno Walter Phi, who is the Sales Manager of IEC at Rua do Carmo 3 Id, Sao Lepoldo, Brazil 93020.

Another fiche cassette system has appeared in West Germany from a company called Rudolph Jopp GmbH. The fiche cassette system is designed for use with readers and reader/printers with each cassette holding up to 15 fiche arranged with an index system. It is called the Micro-Floppy Systems, any organisation that would like further information contact Rudolph Jopp GmbH, Rudolph-Hilferding Strasse 63, 6000 Frankfurt AM Main 50, West Germany, Telephone 0611-57-1152.

Do you remember when we used to call it Microfilm?

The following notes are from a US survey of computer installations who use microfilm and the notes only apply to computer installations that use microfilm not to standard conventional systems.

It is suggested that the implied micrographics decline is due to more than just the computer industries lack of enthusiam.

Part is attributed to the use of other technologies such as going back to paper or moving forward to optical disk.

However the main cause is thought to be the confusion as to what micrographics actually is.

New people in the information management field associate the word micro with micro computers. They also attach the word graphics to charts and therefore in their eyes micrographics is getting drawings out of computers and not what our industry thinks of as micrographics. Also the new phase of ‘image management’ isn’t much use and in fact adds to the confusion. Some people think it may be a lot better if we went back to calling micrographics, ‘microfilm’, like in the good old days.

If it is true that such confusion does exist then the micrographics industry as we know it needs to educate computer users as to the real meaning of micrographics as soon as possible.

Film Cleaners Cumming Corporation of 9620 Topanga Canyon Place, Chatsworth, CA. 91311, U.S.A., telephone 818-882-0551, have started marketing a static blaster air gun which cleans film and at the same time neutralises it from static. They also have a new Integra Automatic film cleaner for cut fiche masters. This functions without an outside power source and is activated by four infra-red sensors whenever a film is inserted. Jets of air that are ionised, simultaneously clean and neutralise both sides of the film. This item costs $595 in the U.S.A. which is about £400 sterling.

New Retrieval Accessory National Microsales Corporation of 45 Seymour Street, Stratford, CT 06497, U.S.A., telephone 203-377-0479. This company has developed an image frame retrieval accessory.

This item can convert many existing fiche readers into automatic retrieval devices. It is able to cater for multiple formats, multiple reduction ratios and incremental frame advance as well as pre set index locations and rapid searches.

The unit is fixed to the host reader.

21

“ On yer bike” to W ales With the immortal words of NORMAN TEBBIT — “ Get on yer bike” ringing in his ears, your Editor jumped on his velvet saddled, heavily chromed, drop handle barred version and travelled in a South Westerly direction (turning corners — here and there) to WALES. What, I hear you ask, does anybody in their right mind want to go to Wales for? — apart from good beer, good singing and good rugby that is!

Well rumour has it that Swansea Microfilm has recently installed eleven — YES — ELEVEN of their computerised indexing systems in Companies House at Cardiff.

This is worth investigating.

Swansea Microfilm have been totally involved in Microfilm Bureau Services for over 10 years and after several moves now operate from a factory, two miles from junction 47 of the M4, and are centrally placed for West, Mid and South Wales. The management team consists of the three directors: Frank and Barbara Pye, and Nigel Francis.

After a welcoming cup of tea and talcum powder sprinkled on a now delicate posterior, we got down to the serious part — the interview.

specific, a special software program had to be written to accomplish their requirements. At the end of the day it always comes down to a competitive tendering situation and from a very precise specification we tendered, demonstrated that our System could work, and we won the day.”

Editor: “ What equipment have you used?”

Nigel again: “ After much discussion we decided to opt for the BBC Microcomputer, which is very competitively priced and is very flexible. The company who produced the software have got four full time programmers, two in-house engineers and a computer design engineer. That expertise will allow us to offer what we consider to be a first rate service and the production of special programs to individual specification.

We also use a Zenith flat screen monitor, dual disk drives (for Systems 180 and 720) and the Brother range of printers.

Editor: “ Have you got any new developments in the pipeline?”

Nigel: “ Most certainly — we have already written the control software for the production of a BAR CODE, but as there are so many different Bar Code specifications, we really need a committment from a company together with their requirements before we develop the Bar Code software any further. Our system can also control Card Punchers if the puncher is fitted with a suitable RS232 interface. We hope that within two or three months we will be able to show our / interface at a very competitive price. Another priority at present is to modify an auto sheet feeder to work consistently to enable the maximum benefit to be obtained from our Indexing Systems.”

Frank chipped in and said “ Presentation goes a long way — the last thing many people think about in microfilm is indexing, yet it’s the first thing the client sees!”

As a brilliant investigative journalist the first thing I had to find out was — is it true?

Frank’s reply was simple and straight forward — “ Yes, we are pleased to say it is true.”

The next question was equally revealling — Why had Swansea Microfilm, with a fairly conventional background in bureau services, gone into the hi-tec world of computers?

Contact: Swansea Microfilm Ltd., Kingsway, Fforestfach, Swansea.

Nigel replied — “ We have to go back to March 1985, when we SA5 4DL. Tel: (0792) 581441. received instructions from a potential client. He wanted several sets of aperature cards produced and indexed to a very high specification, coupled with a detailed list.

We knew from the outset, that our electronic and memory typewriters would be unable to handle it easily, so our decision was simple. If we wanted the job we would have to upgrade our current method of indexing and use a computer based system. We had always received good advice from a local computer company, and they were called in to advise.

After discussing our clients’ requirements we were informed that a suitable system could handle everything specified. To cut a long story short, we tendered for the job — got it — and bought our indexing system.

We turned out the job in record time if my memory serves me correctly. We indexed seven sets of cards and produced a list, our client must have been pleased — he paid on time.

Our original system is in daily use in our bureau and seeing as it was saving us so much time, and obviously money, thought it could do the same job for other people. I discussed various ways of improving our original system with our computer “ colleagues” and after many months of development arrived at a package which was flexible enough to do most jobs asked of it by a Microfilm Bureau.

We now have three Systems which we market — System 9 is a very simple ‘chip’ based system, which works without the necessity of disks, and is capable of indexing cards and jackets and producing a list. System 180 and 720 are very powerful disk based systems capable of holding 4000 records, with full graphic displays and really have to be demonstrated to be appreciated.

Naturally, one of the first organisations that we demonstrated our Systems to was Companies House at Cardiff, as they are one of the largest users of jackets in the U.K. As their task is 22

Fiche Guide Cards. y—

v_________

/

\____ __________ /

\ £

A p ertu re Guide Cards.

\

J

l

N e w range n o w available.

TR A D E PRICE: £7.90 per pack o f 100.

Genneg Associates, Hammond Close, Attleborough Fields, Nuneaton, Warks. CV11 6RY. Tel: (0203) 383998/381196 Telex: 311603 Genneg.

The Micrographics Market Place

DON'T BC A COWBOY!

When you can be a PROFESSIONAL for only £750 w ith an ELKE SD-1 Densitometer.

L ig h t B o x fo r Visual Checking. * S uitable fo r S ilver H alid e o r D iazo Film.

Easy to Use.

*

S m a ll a n d C om pact.

E xtrem ely A ccu rate.

*

L ig ht P robe to C heck Even Illu m in a tio n on Copyboard.

elk e m icrcforim

”!!!

Tel: Watford (0923) 661811 Telex: 922488 ELK

Watford, Herts. WD2 7SA

The Micrographics Market Place

Esta,e' 23

MICROFILM MANAGEMENT 15 Petersham Mews London SW7 5NR Telephone: 01 589 1073

SUPPLIERS AND BUYERS OF HIGH QUALITY USED MICROFILM PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT

f OCTOBER SPECIALS ' I

I Kodak 800 Rotary w ith Autofeed GAF 8000 Step and Repeat

I

I Both as new

All Equipment for Sale or Rental Up to date Stock Details available upon request.

24

The Micrographics Market Place