A microfilm reader is provided which not only permits an operator to visually examine previously created images, stored on microfilm, but also to create a digitized representation of the image being viewed. The reader includes an opto-mechanical system for displaying a selected image and also for directing the image to a digitizing sensor. The sensor is coupled to electronic circuitry for storing the digitized representation either in black and white form or with a gray scale. The contents of the storage unit can be accessed a microcomputer coupled to the reader for purposes of manipulating the digitized representation or for transmitting it to another display or an output device, such as a facsimile machine.