I picked up a set of '73-'79 Microfiche, now the question is: do I have any options for reading them? I can scour around and look for an old microfiche reader but is a small handheld unit available, the same as what you would use to look at a negative? Thanks for the help.
John

 

Nothing like that around.

Just in case you need them to go to a new home some day, I would like request 1st dibs.

They will be well used & much appreciated.

Good luck in your search!

 

you are really not going to like my answer. did you buy these from one of the wonderful ebay vendors? i'll bet the seller did not mention that ford parts microfiche are a special format high density fiche and take a special high powered reader did he? you will not find a normal reader that will work unless you are buying new and specify the highest magnification (and that may still not be enough!). an original ford reader was a big heavy unit and it pretty much needed to be for the proper page display. you can get by with a smaller unit but be prepared to squint. ford put 4 times as many pictures on their fiche as a normal standard fiche. hawkrod

 

I have a set also but I haven't found a reader yet. One of these days when I find a round TUIT I will get down to the local surplus house with my card and see if I can find a reader that works. They sell readers for $20 each no matter what condition they are in.

 

Go to your local University's Library. Find your way to the reference section and talk someone there. The scarcely old format is know as the "LAC" format. Call ahead and ask if there's a machine that will do photocopies...my experience has been that you'll be lucky to find a machine, even luckier to find one that copies onto paper. Some institutions have interchangeable lens to read the LAC format and the newer current format. Bring your quarters...and be ready to squint. Don't even bring your woman, your eyes will wonder as you do on campus...got to love the Spring weather.

 

Thank you to everyone for the replies. I had a feeling that was where I would end up. I just missed getting the local Ford dealership reader, they tossed it in the garbage a week before I came in asking since its all on computer (all they use!). I'll keep a lookout.
Now I have to go and pickup another display case for all the Ford Die-cast pickups. This is becoming rather addictive.
John.