PORTABLE COPY STAND FOR MINOX CAMERA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79-01589A001700140015-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 11, 2013
• Sequence Number: 15
• Publication Date: October 6, 1954
• Content Type: MEMO

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/09/11: CIA-RDP79-01589A001700140015-3
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TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
C.)
October 6, 1954
C/TSS/APD.
TSS/APD.
Portable Copy Stand for Mino*Mera.
1. The entire day of October 5, 1954 was spent with
and of tYe relative
to the acceptance of a copying stand for the Minox camera.
2. The original specifications called for a copy stand similar to
the E. Leitz, Inc., BOOWU stand in that the stand could be easily
assembled and disassembled with the various parts of such geometry
and weight that they could be carried with relative ease in the
pockets of a suit so that an operator could enter some enclosure
and use the camera in a positive manner for procuring copy in a
clandestine manner.
3. In my opinion, the copy stand submitted is wholly acceptable for
the use for which it was constructed.
A. The unit is small enough and of sufficient light weight it
will easily more than meet our requirements for concealment
and portability.
STAT
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B. The assembled stand is rugged with all fittings and connections
so well made there is virtually no chance of possible slippage
of the camera, in working position, or the legs once they are
in proper adjustment. This should ensure the sharpest negative,
with rapid operation, the film and lens are capable of producing.
. Attention should be called to several mechanical features which
are outstanding and which I never have seen in similar equipment.
1. The rotating device which locks and holds the legs in
proper pitch and position to the camera-holding section.
The means used by P. R. C. are vastly superior to those used
on the BOOWU by E. Leitz, Inc..
2. The spring mechanism which secures the legs in their extended
positions, one and two, so the camera is cprrectly positioned
the sharpest copy negatives for the two areas covered.
3. The making the camera-holding portion of the stand, all edges
and corners are so bevelled they will not catch on clothing
to tear it or to otherwise catch on objects in a pocket to
impede easiest insertion or withdrawal of the equipment.
4. The top, or camera-holding, portion of the assembly secures
the camera in such a manner it can be withdrawn easily, yet
is sufficiently secure so that the camera will not loosen or
tumble out while being extended, ?for shutter cocking, or in
copying in the manner of "walking" along a wall.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/09/11: CIA-RDP79-01589A001700140015-3
Declassified in Part- Sanitized Copy Approved forRelease2013/09/11 : CIA-RDP79-01589A001700140015-3
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4. I personally am against the use of 8 mm and 16 mm negative size
cameras in line of general use. In my opinion such small-negative
size cameras are virtually worthless in holding detail in film
or paper negative or positive work. I do realize the fact, however,
there are probably numerous occasions when nothing larger than an
8 mm or a 16 mm camera can be used. And, for such conditions, it
my opinion this copying stand will be a necessary accessory for
Minox Bamera copy work in that it will eliminate many of the
difficulties usually encountered by an operator. Because of this
P. R. C. copy stand it is exceedingly possible the Minox camera may be
used much more than it has been in the past with successful results
insofar as clandestine copy work is concerned.
5. We now are engaged in obtaining an electronic flash tube unit of
such lower power that it may be successfully used with the Leica
camera and the BOOWU copying stand. This same flash unit may be
used, in all probability, with this Minox camera stand. This would
again greatly simplify the obtaining of correct exposure. Correct
exposure is vital to successful photography with the sub-miniature
negative sizes. It goes hand in hand with correct processing.
6. It is further suggested a Leica, or similar, accessory clip be
considered for attachment to the outer perimeter of ti,e camera-holding
section so correct "existing light" exposures can be obtained. The
Leica meter or the Minox meter could be used with this stand in such
manner. I have used the Leica meter with the Leica camera and the
BOOWU copying stand and have found exposures are accurately indicated
when the meter is used in this manner to measure "existing" light.
7. It also is suggested this same general type of stand be fitted with
a differently-shaped top which would accomodate certain 35 mm cameras
so that when a possible position 1 on the leg setting was used, a portra
lens number 1 could be used thereby setting correct camera to subject
distance. The extremities of the spread legs, in the various extended
position would accurately indicate the square-inch area included on the
given negative. The extremely ingenious method used by P. R. C. in the
case of the Minox stand would enable them to construct the other stand,
for certain 35 mm cameras so the stand could be quickly assembled or
taken apart. (we discussed this possibility in general manSTAT
thought one edge of an oblong top could accomodate a tripod screw to
which the tripod socket of a 35 mm camera could be tightened without too
much difficulty. There would be considerable problem to getting the correct
"pitch" of the legs so that, when extended, they would accurately fringe
the area of the original which would be included on the negative obtained.
I believe this would be an item in which Training and the Field Stations
would be greatly interested.
Respectfully submitted?
STAT
i Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/09/11: CIA-RDP79-01589A001700140015-3