The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word DIAZO
D
I
A
Z
O
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Sort of photocopy" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case sort of photocopy = diazo.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DIAZO mean?
DIAZO noun- Any compound of this type.
- Containing a pair of double bonded nitrogen atoms, typically directly attached to an aryl group.