IDSL expertly digitize images held on 16mm & 35mm role film and convert them to TIFF, JPEG, or PDF images. When one document per frame is filmed on 16 mm roll film, it is known as simplex. Two images side-by-side on each frame is called duplex.

The duplex images generally have the front and back of the original source document. Both sides can be scanned in either one frame, or documents may be divided into two different images.

Various organizations microfilm archive records on to 16mm and 35mm roll film. Document archiving is usually carried out on 16mm role film. Although, blueprints, maps and engineering drawings are customary the domain of 35mm. However 16 mm film on occasion, is used for maps or blueprints.

Image orientation appears in many forms. They are filmed in either the positive or negative, with varying image lengths and sizes. There have contrasting image density, possibly due to film being degraded, or the result of inconsistencies in the original development process. The reduction ratio or aspect ratio may also differ technically. 35mm film was commonly reduced 12-16x, while 16mm usually ranges from 20 to 48x.

The 16mm role cartridge which was a popular early type of film. It was kept in a sealed cartridge to protect it. The roll film cartridges may not have been perfect for scanning initially. However IDSL has created technology capable of digitally converting roll film cartridges, to meet a clients needs.

IDSL’s highly trained staff use cutting edge equipment, assuring clients that, during the scanning process, the finest images are captured from the original film.