PROGRESS REPORT ON (SANITIZED) WITH CONTOURS AND BOOWU FLASH COPY STANDS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-03153A001900010004-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 16, 2013
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: April 19, 1955
• Content Type: MEMO

Declassified in Part- Sanitized Copy Approved forRelease2013/07/16 : CIA-RDP78-03153A001900010004-9
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MEMORANDUM FOR: THE RECORD
SUBJECT:
19 April 1955
Progress Report on with Contoura and
WOW Flash Copy Stands 7 I c-Gc4 i5-7
The following is based on a discussion between
on 15 April 1955.
50X1
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of 50X1
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1. Contoura: has constructed a, working 50X1
test model of the Contoura and demonstrated same to the undersigned.
The following features require attention:
a. Contrast Range: ran several tests on the
contrast range of three different kinds of copy paper under four
different lighting conditions. The Contoura per on the Contoura
printer was used as a reference standard. Kodagraph paper was
found to have better contrast than the Contoura paper both with
electronic flash and on the Contoura printer. The latitude of
the Kbdagraph paper is somewhat less however. Both the latitude
and the contrast range of the Kodagrlph paper could be increased
by introducing a colored filter between the flash light source
and the paper. She colored filters, however, cut out a great
deal of useable light. Of the three colored filters tried,
the difference of effect on contrast between them being small,
the one causing the least loss of light was selected as the
most effective. The loss of light represented by this yellow
filter amounts to 1/4 the light available from the flash light
source.
50X1
With the yellow filter the energy required for satisfactory
exposure is 100 watt-seconds. Without the filter only 25 watt-seconds
are required. On battery operation this difference is quite
significant insofar as the number of flashes per battery is con-
cerned. On AC operation this difference is not very significant.
The question was raised as to type of battery required and number
of flashes per battery needed.
Further questions raised were: Is the performance of the
Contoura paper on the standard Contoura printer a suitable standard
for comparison purposes? Can the prints be made from the negatives
at leisure under ideal conditions or must they made with the
same machine?
b. Uniformity of Illumination:
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/16: CIA-RDP78-03153A001900010004-9
Declassified in Part- Sanitized Copy Approved forRelease2013/07/16 : CIA-RDP78-03153A001900010004-9
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b. Uniformity of Illumination: The five flash tubes in the
test model were arranged in such a, way that the illumination over
the printing surface was very non-uniform. had prepared 50X1
a neutral mask to counteract this for the demonstratinn. He is well
aware of this shortcoming and is pianning to install longer tubes
and arrange them in such a, way as to achieve satisfactory uniformity.
c. Power Supply: The test model contained a built-in AC
power supply plus a space foOr a 500 volt dry battery. This particular
AC supply required a 20 second recharge time. This will be reduced
to 5 seconds in successive models. The question was raised whether
a standard Megalume II power unit could. be used with the zmnirwinter
as a head attachment, in which case the copy equipment would consist
of two separate units, that is, the copy heal and the power unit.
The possibility of constructing an AC power supply which would fit
into the battery campartment in place of the battery was discussed.
If practical, this is ideal. The practicality is being investigated.
d. Battery: Three kinds of batteries are available which
could. be suitable for this unit. The most compact one is a single
500 volt unit with limited current capabilities. This would, be
heavily taxed if required to drive a 100 watt-second. flash. An
overly 'bulky pair of 225 volt batteries are capable of the best
performance. The third and in the undersigned's opinion the most
practical consists of a small pair of 240 volt batteries. These
two batteries will fit into a bole 2 3/4 inches square. It is
conceivable that a practical AC power supply could, be constructed
to fit in this cross section. At 25 watt-seconds this battery is
probably capable of an excess of 1000 flashes.
e. Dimensions: The box is no more than 5" deep and roughly
15" long. These dimensions will have to be changed if the inter-
changeable AC power supply and battery imck combination are to be
used, is investigating the possibilities and retaining 50X1
the requirement that it fit into a briefcase.
2. BOOWU:
a. The test results appear excellent. The uniformity of
illumination is perfect over the two closest positions and the
corner drop-off in illumination on the farthest position is
negligible although noticeable.
b. A battery consisting of two 240 volt units can be used
and the possibility of constructing an AC power unit that can be
inserted in place of the batteries is being investigated. An
alternative to this is the construction of a separate base each
for AC and battery operation.
c. A light stand
- 2 -
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/16: CIA-RDP78-03153A001900010004=9
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/16: CIA-RDP78-03153A001900010004-9
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c. A light stand. with internal wiring was demonstrated. The
plug-in connector at the base was loose but gave adequate support
and positioning. A retaining ring can be screwed down to form
a rigid mechanical support.
d. The positioning of the various components of the copy
equipment can be designated by markLngs on a large sheet of paper.
This piece of paper can be laid down on the desk on which the work
is to be done and the various components placed on it in the
positions marked on the piece of paper.
3. Consideration of questions raised: The following decisions
were made in a discussion between the undersigned and.
after the undersigned's visit to
a. Both the BO= and the Contours must be capable of opera-
tion on both battery and AC power. Maximum battery performance
tithin reasonable dimensions is desirable. An indicator of some
description to show. battery condition would, be necessary.
b. The standard Contoura printer is entirely adequate in copy
performance for any work with which we are concerned. Therefore,
the yellow filter with added contrast and latitude and. associated.
power of 100 watt-seconds is not necessary. A small loss of
contrast in the flash model to conserve batteries is permissible.
Although if the unit can be constructed. with these features without
increasing bulk or reducing battery life below 500 flashes, then
their incorporation is preferred.
c. Developing and. printing will be carried out in the lab
under ideal conditions.
d.. The advantages of an entirely self-contained unit in the
Contours printer far outiceighstheeadvantages of using the standard
Megaluxe power unit. The entire printer must fit into a briefcase.
e.
by telephone, 18 April 1955.
Distribution:
Orig. - P-156
1 - P-157
1 - HP
1 -
1 - Chrono
- 3 -
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was informed of these decisions
TSS/APD
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/16: CIA-RDP78-03153A001900010004-9