Any idea what this contraption is for?

[shadowfox]

Beneath the metal plate is something that looks like a light box.
Any idea what this is?

 

[Jersey Jim]

Looks like an old contact printer to me.

 

[leica M2 fan]

Yep, that's what it is.

 

[shadowfox]

Well that make sense.
I wonder if I can replace the diffused glass with clear glass and then use a UV bulb(s) to do alternative printing.

Thanks JJ and Tony.