Video apparatus for generating an adjustable contrast video signal from a photographic print

Video imaging apparatus for generating a video signal from an image of the illuminated face of a photographic print, said apparatus comprising:

• a video camera for generating the video signal from the image;
• a translucent, light-diffusing platen for supporting the print in the field of view of said video camera;
• first illuminating means interposed between said camera and said platen for frontally illuminating the print, sid first illuminating means including a plurality of lamps positioned outside of the field of view of said video camera for illuminating the print from at least two sides thereof;
• an opaque plate interposed between said plurality of lamps and said video camera for preventing direct rays from said lamps from reaching said video camera, said plate having an opening that allows frontal illumination reflected from the face of the print to reach said video camera;
• second illuminating means for illuminating the rear of the print through said translucent, light-diffusing platen, said rear illumination being transmitted at least in part through the photographic print and the opening in said plate to said video camera;
• and
• means for adjusting the illuminating level of said second illuminating means in order to vary the relative combination of transmitted and reflected illumination directed to said video camera thereby controlling the contrast of the video signal.