When Fujifilm officially ended microfilm production on December 26, 2025, it marked the end of an era for archives, libraries, government agencies, universities, hospitals, and businesses around the world. For decades, Fujifilm set the standard for high-quality, reliable archival microfilm. Their departure has understandably left many organizations asking the same question:

What happens next?

The good news is that while the market is changing, microfilm is not disappearing.

Organizations still rely on it every day to preserve critical records, and manufacturers are stepping in to help meet the ongoing demand.

At Evrex, we’ve spent the past year preparing for this transition so our customers can continue protecting their archives with confidence.

By researching and collaborating with overseas manufacturers we procured a selection of products most compatible and on par with the original Fujifilm products.

Why Microfilm Still Matters

With today’s technology, it’s easy to assume everything should simply be digitized. While digital storage is an essential part of modern records management, it is not a replacement for archival microfilm.

Digital files require constant maintenance. Hard drives fail, cloud services change, file formats become obsolete and cyberattacks continue to increase. Files can be accidentally deleted or corrupted, and recovering lost data is not always possible.

Micro Film offers something digital storage cannot: a stable, long-term physical archive.

When properly stored, archival film can preserve records for hundreds of years with minimal maintenance. Because it exists as a physical medium, it cannot be hacked, encrypted by ransomware, or accidentally erased. This is why many governments, universities, hospitals, courts, and historical societies continue to include physical archives as part of their preservation strategy.

Rather than choosing between digital and physical , most organizations achieve the greatest protection by using both. Digital copies provide accessibility, while film provides long-term preservation and disaster recovery.

Microfilm Isn’t Going Away

Although Fujifilm was the industry’s most recognized manufacturer, it was never the only company producing archival products.

As the market adjusts, alternative manufacturers are increasing production to ensure organizations can continue preserving their records. The transition may require testing and qualification, but reliable options are available.

At Evrex, we’ve worked extensively to identify manufacturers capable of producing high-quality microfilm compatible with the equipment already in use throughout North America.

One of our primary manufacturing partners is Micrographics Data (MD), based in Singapore. Their film has been developed to work with many of the systems organizations currently operate, helping reduce disruption during this industry transition.

Our goal isn’t simply to replace Fujifilm, it’s to ensure that archives, government agencies, libraries, universities, and businesses continue to have dependable preservation solutions for years to come.

What Should Organizations Do Now?

If your organization currently relies on Fujifilm microfilm, there’s no need to panic, but there is a need to plan.

1. Secure Remaining Fujifilm Inventory

Limited quantities of Fujifilm microfilm remain available throughout the market. As inventories decrease, obtaining original Fujifilm stock will become increasingly difficult.

If your organization prefers to continue using Fujifilm while transitioning to alternative suppliers, now is the time to evaluate your inventory needs before remaining stock expires or is no longer available.

2. Begin Testing Alternative Film

Waiting until your existing inventory runs out may create unnecessary challenges.

Instead, organizations should begin evaluating compatible alternatives now. Testing allows you to verify image quality, processing compatibility, and workflow performance before making a larger purchasing decision.

To help make that process easier, Evrex offers free sample rolls so customers can confirm compatibility with their existing equipment before committing to a full order.

Our goal is to make the transition as seamless and risk-free as possible.

Evrex is proud to announce major clients still using Fujifilm Microfilm were also provided Micrographic Data Microfilm Rolls and have linked positive results.

3. Review Your Long-Term Preservation Strategy

Fujifilm’s exit is also an opportunity to evaluate your overall archival plan.

Many organizations are choosing to combine traditional film preservation with digital conversion, creating redundant copies that improve both accessibility and long-term protection.

Rather than replacing micro film, digitization complements it by allowing records to be searched and accessed quickly while preserving an archival-quality physical master.

Rising Costs Across the Industry

Unfortunately, Fujifilm’s departure isn’t the only challenge affecting the archival market.

Global supply chain changes, increased manufacturing costs, shipping expenses, and international tariffs have all placed additional pressure on production.

As a result, industry pricing is expected to rise across nearly every supplier.

These increases are not unique to one manufacturer, they reflect broader market conditions affecting raw materials, international transportation, and global manufacturing.

Organizations that depend on micro film should consider planning future purchases early rather than waiting until inventory becomes more limited and prices continue to increase.

Protecting Existing Archives

If your organization already maintains decades of archived microfilm, now is an excellent time to evaluate its condition.

Proper storage remains essential. Archival film should be kept in a controlled environment with appropriate temperature and humidity levels to maximize its lifespan.

Many organizations are also choosing to digitize existing microfilm collections. This creates searchable digital copies while preserving the original archival record as a permanent backup.

At Evrex, we provide confidential microfilm digitization services, helping organizations modernize access to historical records without sacrificing long-term preservation.

Whether your records include birth certificates, marriage records, death certificates, engineering drawings, legal documents, hospital files, newspapers, or historical archives, preserving multiple copies remains the safest approach.

Our Commitment During This Transition

The industry is changing, but preservation remains as important as ever.

For many organizations, these records represent decades (or even centuries) of history that simply cannot be recreated if lost.

At Evrex, we’re committed to helping customers navigate this transition with confidence by:

  • Supplying remaining Fujifilm inventory while available.
  • Providing high-quality MD microfilm manufactured in Singapore.
  • Continuing to evaluate and qualify additional reputable manufacturers.
  • Offering free compatibility samples before purchase.
  • Providing secure film to digital conversion services.
  • Helping organizations build long-term archival strategies for the future.

Looking Ahead

Fujifilm’s exit marks a significant change for the industry, but it is not the end of microfilm.

The need for permanent, reliable records preservation has not changed. Governments will continue preserving public records. Universities will continue protecting research and institutional history. Hospitals will continue safeguarding critical medical archives. Libraries and historical societies will continue preserving the documents that tell our collective story.

The technology may evolve, suppliers may change, and the market may adjust, but the importance of preserving history remains constant.

If your organization is preparing for the post-Fujifilm market, Evrex is here to help. Whether you need remaining Fujifilm inventory, compatible MD microfilm, free sample rolls, or assistance digitizing existing archives, our team is ready to help you plan for the future with confidence.

 

Sources

  • FUJIFILM United States. Microfilm. https://www.fujifilm.com/us/en/business/industrial-materials/microfilm
  • United States International Trade Commission. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). https://hts.usitc.gov/
  • UCLA Library. Newspapers on Microfilm. https://guides.library.ucla.edu/

Images 

  • Container cranes, docked vessels, and stacked shipping containers at the Yantian International Container Terminal in Shenzhen, China, April 12. Photo by 
  • Image illustrating microfilm storage and preservation requirements. Courtesy of BMI Imaging.
  • MGD33 Archive Writer Microfilm product image. Courtesy of Micrographics Data.