A Simplified System of Color Printing - Some Technical Details.

This paper describes a standardized system for producing 3 1/8 x 4 1/2 in. offset reproductions from 34-mm. Kodachromes, in three colours on a Multilith press. The method utilizes a single mask, neutral contact screens and contrast control by flash exposure. Ektalith printing plates, a special enlarger, mechanical registration, and no hand work. A great deal of the success obtained depends upon the colour balance of the inks. The blue used is lighter than conventional process blue, and the magenta is bluer than conventional magenta. An unsharp negative mask is used, which reduces contrast but does not affect colours. The tone rendering must be good. The chief problem is to obtain sufficient highlight contrast, and a low contrast screen is employed to give higher contrast in the reproduction.