A contact exposure unit for the exposure of image-­containing sheet material includes a housing having upper (14) and lower (16) portions separated by a transverse slot (18) extending from an infeed end to an exit end of the housing, the lower portion provided with a plurality of driven rolls (58), each with a segmented foam covering, the upper portion provided with a like plurality of upper idler rolls (56) having a segmented foam covering, the segments of corresponding upper and lower rolls being in opposing relationship with each other, the upper rolls being driven principally by contact with the lower rolls, and being adapted for low friction vertical sliding action in the upper portion of the housing, and a light unit having an aperture lamp opposed by a foam covered lower roller for the exposure of sheet materials fed through the slot and pressed between the light unit and the covered roll.