The readers @ many smaller FHCs are about 30 or so y/o & usually self- maintained. Using the proper lens for the film size is essential, as well as taking the trouble to focus the lens properly for optimal viewing. The microfilm printers (if still alive) are in worse shape because LDS does not have service contracts for them, and, will not pay the very high fees to have them serviced. Some of the larger stakes have computerized viewers which allow the scanned image to be saved to a flash drive, or, hardcopied on an adjacent printer. So, it may be in your best interest to find one with the newer equipment even if is a little more distant from your home.
As for the filmed records themselves - you should understand that the parish registers date back several hundreds of years, and, due to the damp conditions in the islands, many were already in various stages of deterioration when they were filmed. You also indicated that you have trouble reading script. Unfortunately, at the time these records were written there were no typewriters, so, only instruction and practice will remedy your problem. I believe there is a website (Azores Gen Web?) which provides various examples of letters in script, as well as some of the rules that apply to Portuguese genealogy. Don't get discouraged. There is usually a learning curve when embarking on any new project, but, the sense of accomplishment at the end, makes it all worthwhile. On Jun 29, 3:32 pm, Mary MK <[email protected]> wrote: > I would welcome any tips for working with microfilm marriage, baptism, > and death records for the 1870s from Sao Miguel Island. The family > history center nearest me does not have high quality readers, and I > have trouble reading the script, although I do know basic > Portuguese. > > I also find it hard to keep track of which sections I've already > looked at. Are there basic rules of thumb for going through these > films efficiently? Are there researchers who have already indexed some > of these films? > > I appreciate any insights from experienced researchers. Thank you! -- To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. Follow the confirmation directions when they arrive. For more options, such as changing to List, Digest, Abridged, or No Mail (vacation) mode, log into your Google account and visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Azores. Click in the blue area on the right that says "Join this group" and it will take you to "Edit my membership."
