LETTER TO (SANITIZED) FROM (SANITIZED)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-03172A000300020033-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 14, 2012
• Sequence Number: 33
• Publication Date: October 16, 1957
• Content Type: LETTER

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/14: CIA-RDP78-03172A000300020033-2
October 16, 1957
Reference: Contract RO-113, Task III
Subject: k evision of 'chedules
the subject task has recently been reviewed with your cogni giant
project engineer and note made of some modifications which would signifi-
cantly improve the system capability. Approximately one month ago certain
developments in process here on exposure control systems brought to light
an improved approach which offered many significant advantages over that
being prepared for this task. Meetings were arranged to discuss aspects of
this task with regard to maximizing this system capability with regard to
reliability, broad application and low power requirements, exploring the
advantages of these modifications in terms of improved system performance.
Items of discussion were as follows:
1. Exposure control with preset minimum underexposure control
applied to shutter.
Partial framing of magazines.
3. Increased cycling rate.
4. Variable burst control sequence.
5. Camera operate control from external sensors.
Ilkl r COMP ~5 r lP.
{ J.j't -'; XT i~tV
Cont'd. )
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/14: CIA-RDP78-03172A000300020033-2
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/14: CIA-RDP78-03172A000300020033-2
rage 2
October 16, 1957
~xpcsure control represents a significant factor in photographic
performance. 'ha current state of the art is replete with many means for
accomplishing exposure control but most of these techniques deal primarily
with aperture control. External mechanical drives for long focus lenses
are quite vulnerable operationally and require significant power for driving
means. The modification referred to in this application is that of placing
the presently planned control upon the shutter rather than upon the iris. By
means of such exchange the following benefits are derived for this equipment
over and above that originally provided:
a. Extension of shutter exposure range from 1/25 second to 1/1200
second.
b. Minimal battery drain due to reduced power requirements.
c. Higher reliability based upon minimization of exposed moving
parts.
d. Each exposure will be made with the shortest exposure possible
consistent with a given scene illumination level such that effect
of motion (blur) during exposure (moving targets) will be at a
minimum.
e. Camera body would also now be able to accept any future lenses
without costly modification, including variable focus lenses which
have no iris mechanism.
f. The shutter control obviates the need for a selector switch which
would previously require manual positioning when lenses were
interchanged, thereby minimizing operational errors. Lenses
may now be plugged in interchangeably with fully automatic com-
pensation taking place.
The shutter control also allows provision whereby deliberate
underexposure of two (2) stops value is permissable.
h. With new shutter range, camera can utilize advantageously the
new films capable of extreme speeds.
i. Increased shutter speed range significantly extends the usable
portion of the day that can be utilized for photographic purposes.
This system will provide maximim information content of exposed
negatives.
(Cont'd. )
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/14: CIA-RDP78-03172A000300020033-2
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/14: CIA-RDP78-03172A000300020033-2
rage 3 October 16, 1957
The one particular disadvantage discussed was that related to
limitation of depth of field. To a great extent however, it was pointed out
that by means of range finder assistance the given depth of field for each
of these lenses may be positioned for effective performance. Most of
these lenses are equipped with focus adjustments. 'l'o this extent provisions
are to be made for mounting of a suitable compact rangefinder upon the
camera body..
It should at this point be emphasized that the basis light sensing
system is the same as previous but for the mechanical output drive. now to
be used on the shutter rather than the iris diaphragm.
V.'ith regard to (2) above, the request for partial framing (1/2
frame) was discussed and a suitable solution found. The present fixed aper-
ture plate will be remachined to allow for insertion of a half frame mask.
In addition, provisions will be made for interchanging film sprockets to
match new frame height.
With regard to (3) above a review of the transport mechanism
is presently in process in an effort to determine what additional rate increase
may be obtained without further modifications. Our findings will be made
'cnown shortly.
With regard to (4) above, we are similarly reviewing the electrical
schematic in an effort to determine the ease with which we can now provide
a variety of burst sequences up to a maximum of three (3) minutes at the
maximum cycling rate.
With regard to (5) above, the camera receptacle will be modified
to allow for external sensor control (infra-red, seismic, etc.) to operate
the burst sequence control.
The discussion of the above subjects are considered to be factors
which if incorporated will contribute to the marked improvement of this
special equipment. VV ith the above we feel that the components to be produced
would possess features not found anywhere in the state of the art as known today.
As discussed with your project engineer the schedule is to be
modified so as to separate the first article system from the five additional
units to follow for the full quantity under order. In view of the above the
following schedule information was derived in accordance with the changes
referred to above.
(font' d. )
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/14: CIA-RDP78-03172A000300020033-2
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/14: CIA-RDP78-03172A000300020033-2
?age 4 October 16, 1957
1. First system completion by January 31, 1957.
2. Five additional systems within four (4) months after approval of
first system.
The separation of the first system from the additional quantity
is we believe, best suited for purposes of this program. Many changes
have occured and already incorporated in parts for the entire quantity.
However, the highly specialized nature of this equipment deserves every possible
consideration so as to enhance its capability. With reference to the additional
quantity of five (5) units, approximately 40% of the machine parts are presently
completed with all raw castings in our inventory. No further work on this
quantity will be accomplished until the prototype unit is confirmed.
,Ve would greatly appreciate your consideration of the facts con-
tained herein and your response thereto. We sincerely trust that you find
this acceptable.
`sincerely yours,
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/14: CIA-RDP78-03172A000300020033-2