From the Xerox Products Guide 1988-89:
The 5052 takes our Integrated Design Philosophy to a new level. The 5052 offers every important automatic feature: duplexing, document handling, eduction/
enlargement, cover insertion, and an optional stapler/finisher. All while maintaining a brisk copy speed of 50-55 copies per minute.
The 5052 uses a two-roller developer system to ensure excellent character definition and uniform coverage of solid areas. The paper supply has a 2,220-sheet capacity. The Recirculating Document Handler accepts up to 50 originals, and the Computer Forms Feeder can automatically position and copy a 300-sheet stack of unburst computer fanfold. Other features include editing, user auditing, border deletion, split scan for book copying, job interrupt/recovery and margin shift. The easily understandable control panel and message display make the 5052 a cinch to operate, even for casual operators.
This was originally named the 1050 AD (1050 Automatic Duplex). They later renamed it the 5052 and a bit later the 5053. This machine was an improved 1045/1048 Marathon copier. It had improved optics that used stepper motors instead of electrical clutches. The Recirculating Document Handler had been dramatically improved. The development was improved for better solid density and crisper images. It was much faster running 10 to 15 pages more per minute. Reliability had also increased from the 1045/1048. It was capable of running 10,000 to 15,000 pages more between service calls on average than its predecessor. It initially… Read more »
The biggest problem with the 5052 was the thermal fuses blowing out constantly and the drum getting dull beyond the 11″ line. Also the tray 2 elevator gear breaking
I recall the elevator tray gears constantly breaking. What we did to help with the hazing of the drums at the 11″ line was to bypass the drum thermostat. This kept the drum cooling fan running. That tended to help some. You then had to install a dirt filter in the back of the machine to help control contamination. This helped a great deal with keeping the temperature of the machine to where it ran pretty reliable.