Monophoto Film Setting Machine - 1957 video

[Dave Hughes]

Here's a great look at the Monophoto machine, dating from 1957. I'm surprised this film hasn't appeared on Metal Type before!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou9TqahDnfs

This film, "Monophoto Film Setting Machine" dates to 1957, and promotes the Monophoto Filmsetter a printing machine made by Monotype Corporation Limited. The first unit was installed in the United States in 1957.  The Monophoto was a phototypesetting machine used for setting type in a photomechanical process. It was developed by Monotype and used for creating images of text on film, which could then be used for printing. This machine attempted to bridge the gap in typesetting from the hot metal Linotype machines to the "new and exciting" world of photo typesetting.

0:34 This film explains the "why and how" of photoprinting, specifically using the Monophoto Film Setter by Monotype Corporation Limited. 1:14 The process begins with a keyboard operator transferring copy to a paper ribbon, a technique identical to hot metal composition. 2:29 The perforated spool is then fed into the Monophoto Film Setter, which transforms the text into photographic film with characters in the exact size and justified lines. 3:30 The film delves into the machine's internal workings, explaining the light source, condenser lens, film matrix case, optical wedge, and reflecting prisms that fold the light beam. 5:49 Traveling mirrors position successive characters on the film drum, and the process of changing film matrix cases and individual characters is shown, highlighting the film setter's flexibility. 10:06 The film then explains the precise mechanical systems, like the unit rack and justification racks, that control the mirror bar's movement for accurate character and space placement. 12:35 It covers how the machine handles line feeds, changes in point size and face, and the overall setup. 16:44 Safety features, such as automatic stops for air supply or electrical circuit failures, are demonstrated. 17:27 The film details the darkroom process of developing, fixing, washing, and drying the film, and preparing a new film for the next job. 18:21 It explains the creation of proofs, the correction process involving stripping out error lines and substituting replacements, and the various output options (direct/reverse reading, positive/negative, paper/film). 21:39 The film concludes by emphasizing the Monophoto Film Setter's efficiency and wide range of applications, including complex texts and printed circuits, positioning it as a significant development in film setting technology.