Norwich Record Office Microfillm machines?

[bugbear]

I have, via NROCAT, found some wills that I believe to be helpful to my research.

http://nrocat.norfolk.gov.uk

They are all on microfilm, e.g.

CatalogueRef    ANF will register 1783-1786 fo. 114 (1783 no. 111)
Title    Ringer, William Beverley, of Forncett
Date    1783
Description    Will.
Level    Item
Repository    Norfolk Record Office
Category    probate
Access Status    Open
Access Conditions    Not to be produced to the searchroom.
Finding Aids    Typescript index: ANW and ANF wills and admons 1752-1818
Copies    Use microfilm MF 233.
CatalogueStatus    Catalogued

For my DB I try to ALWAYS acquire a digital copy of all records; I photograph or scan physical records, and (always) download online records, either as images, or cut 'n' paste text.

My DB is thus (in a sense) complete and stand alone.

So - It look like I'm going to be trying to photograph the screen of a microfilm reader, which I hope is technically not beyond me. But I've never used a microfilm machine.

Can anyone with familiarity with the NRO advice me on the logistics of this:

* would there be room at (one of) the machine to set up a tripod ?
* what make/model/style of reader(s) do they have
* are these films these flat X/Y type or the roll type?

(any other way than a digital camera of getting a digital copy?)

   BugBear

[clairec666]

I'm not familiar with microfilm so I can't offer much advice. But I do remember from a visit to NRO a couple of years ago that the area with the microfilm readers was quite spacious, so it shouldn't be too difficult to set up a tripod. Also, I remember the staff there being very helpful, so I'm sure if you phone them and ask for advice, they'll be able to help.

[nanny jan]

Not sure if this helps but when I used to visit the LMA (some years ago) there was a machine that printed paper copies from microfilm. If there is something similar at Norwich perhaps you could print and then photograph......or is that too time consuming?   

[BumbleB]

To photograph, you will have to pay for a Licence - ranging from £4.00 for half an hour, via £10.50 for a day licence, to £70.00 for a month.

[bugbear]

Not sure if this helps but when I used to visit the LMA (some years ago) there was a machine that printed paper copies from microfilm. If there is something similar at Norwich perhaps you could print and then photograph......or is that too time consuming?   

Most RO's have truly HORRIBLE charges for printing or scanning. £1 a sheet is common

 BugBear

[bugbear]

To photograph, you will have to pay for a Licence - ranging from £4.00 for half an hour, via £10.50 for a day licence, to £70.00 for a month.

Yes - I'm fine with that (free would be better). I have enough records to gather that the per-image cost will be quite low.

 BugBear

[nanny jan]

Most RO's have truly HORRIBLE charges for printing or scanning. £1 a sheet is common

 BugBear

           I did say it was some years ago......think is was around 40p when I last visited. 

[smudwhisk]

The Fees pdf here - http://www.archives.norfolk.gov.uk/view/NCC098487 - does say you can take photographs of microfilms/fiche in the search room with a permit but somehow I doubt you would be allowed to use a tripod, from experience most insist on handheld photography only.

NRO charge £1.80 per sheet for microfilm prints.  I suspect because its not used so much these days because of digital cameras and they have to pay for the upkeep of the equipment.  That level is becoming more common unfortunately from experience.

[KGarrad]

My local records office (Manx Museum Library) has computerised microfiche/microfilm readers that allow me to take a copy/scan and drop it to a USB stick.

If you're lucky, Norwich might use the same?

They also allow me to photograph documents, with my mobile phone, at no charge. No flash!
Have never seen anyone using a tripod, but I'm sure the same would apply.