Monophoto

The Monophoto was a phototypesetting machine that adapted the Monotype system. It used an independent keyboard to produce a perforated tape, which then operated the phototypesetter. This machine selected letter images from a frame containing cubelike matrices with transparent letters. A beam of light exposed these images onto photosensitive film, with lenses adjusting the size. The Monophoto could produce type sizes from six to 24 points using matrices of a single eight-point size, and was favored for detailed composition.1

Phototypesetting, in general, involves creating a direct image of text on a photosensitive surface by exposing it to light through transparent letter matrices. This technology, including machines like the Fotosetter, Linofilm, and Monophoto, largely replaced older metal typesetting methods like Linotype and Monotype.123