contrast question
 

My daily watcher is a 1954 motorola 21t16. 99 percent of the time the picture is great. However,If the image on the screen is very white with a darker image in the middle or the direct opposite the sides have smear but it is very subtle. If you are not looking for it you will not notice. Is this a B/W set issue or is something wrong in my set?

A lot of sets don't have the capability to show a sharp cutoff without a smear. However, if there are leaky caps in the video detector circuit, it could cause or worsen that. Also a weak video detector tube could cause it. Also, of course a slightly gassy CRT can cause a slight smear, or a bleeding or flaring. But keep in mind that some smear is normal in vintage TVs. In the old days, broadcasters were careful not to put sharp, contrasty things in the picture.

Charles