3M 209 Copier

(From John V.)-

The rapid development of copiers during this time is fascinating in retrospect.
I worked on most of those machines from the mid 60s up through the Imation and then Kodak times.

I started with the 209, or model 57, which started as the 57A then B, C, D, E, F, and finally G. The earlier ones were basically hand built semi prototypes with solid aluminum bases, well built, but not really reliable.
JPL bought several of the 57A models and ran them to death, requiring almost a dedicated tech to service. The 57F was a much improved model, pressed steel base and more modern components.
Last iteration was the 57G and was finally a fairly reliable machine. After that came a gussied up version of the 209, model 271.

Here's a commercial for it:

It could be had with an automatic feeder and a collator.
One problem from that time I find amusing; the outfeed trays had a aluminum bar running down the center, so to raise the center of the paper. The problem was it was isolated from the machine and as a result developed a static charge that shocked the operator when trying to pick up their copies. The field fix for that was a paper clip bridge to the machine frame.

(Images From Dexter M.) -

At some time during the 209's life, someone decided to take a light-hearted approach to the Operator's guide for this machine.
The result was the creation of a short-skirted girl who showed us how to run the machine. I suppose that approach, taken today, would probably have landed the company in court somewhere.

Here's the cover of that operator's guide:


Here's a 10 megabyte version of the "Tammy Two O'Nine" Operator's Guide

And here is a reduced size image of a test target that was often used during copier service: