PHOTOGRAMMETRIC ENGINEERING 
25 
As these tests are not now complete, the preliminary information discussed 
here must be considered as an interim report of progress. As the results of this 
work to date are surveyed, it must be kept in mind that only the final report on 
this study will completely satisfy the main objectives stated earlier. 
Concerning the comparison between conventional graded papers and variable 
contrast papers, those in the field organization performing experimental tests on 
a large scale have indicated a strong preference for the variable contrast type. 
They further state that on roll-type printers this type of printing paper is an 
absolute necessity if finished quality prints are to be produced. The photo in 
terpreters who have studied the large mass of prints produced during this project 
prefer prints on variable contrast paper for reasons of equal or better image 
quality and for uniformity of print quality and image color. The testing organi 
zation claims more economical use with these new papers and higher efficiency 
through less wmste and fewer reprints. Training new operators in the use of 
variable contrast papers in the roll-type equipment was reported to be less of a 
problem than with conventional graded papers. 
It appears an absolute certainty that the Air Force will use variable contrast 
papers in roll-type printers. Because of the many other requirements not 
covered in this paper which will always exist for fixed contrast papers, it appears 
equally certain that the conventional graded papers will not be replaced, at 
least not within the foreseeable future. The very important question which has 
not been answered concerns which type of this new paper will be adopted. The 
comparative tests of the two types mentioned are incomplete. Discussion of the 
technical differences between these papers has not been permitted at this time. 
It may be said that the two papers are Dupont’s “Varigam” and an experimental 
paper submitted for evaluation by the Eastman Kodak Company. It may also 
be said that both papers reproduce aerial reconnaissance photographs in an 
acceptable manner. As a matter of information, the Eastman paper has re 
versed sensitivity to the DuPont paper. The Eastman paper responds with its 
lowest contrast to blue light whereas the “Varigam” paper responds with its 
highest contrast when exposed with blue light. In addition to the factor of re 
versed sensitivity there are several other important reasons why there should be 
only one paper of this type to receive Air Force standardization. Most important 
are those of economy and uniformity. Undoubtedly the simplified training prob 
lems of one paper over two papers as well as differences in performance charac 
teristics of the two papers will play important roles in the final decision. Liaison 
with the Army and the Navy must be pressed and is highly encouraged. 
As a direct result of the achievements of aerial reconnaissance photography 
during the last war, photography has been recognized as a vital part of military 
operations. The opportunity has been given of solidifying these gains and to 
bring to reality the tremendous role photography can render to reconnaissance 
and to intelligence in general. It is believed that the application of variable 
contrast paper to aerial photo reconnaissance will prove to be one of the greates-. 
steps in the realization of the objectives.