An exposure station and a film transport comprise apparatus for recording a series of strip holograms on a continuous length of non-perforated film. The apparatus includes a vacuum-platen for keeping the film stable during holographic recording and a film stepping mechanism for advancing the film in equal steps between successive exposures. The film stepping mechanism is operationally coupled to the vacuum-platen and includes a drive arm that grips the film during each advance and releases the film without backlash between successive film advances. The film stepping mechanism includes a single-acting vacuum cylinder for moving the drive arm. The apparatus does not introduce strain in the film during the transport process which could result in non-uniform demodulation of the successive strip holograms. The stepping increment (holographic strip width) is adjustable with accurate increments as small as 0.005'' being obtainable. In the preferred embodiment, both film stepping mechanism and vacuum-platen assembly are driven by a single vacuum system. In another embodiment the film stepping mechanism includes a double-acting cylinder for moving the drive arm which can be activated by either fluid pressure or vacuum.
