American cinematographer (Jan-Dec 1940)

ring until after an initial period of IV2 hours of aeration, after which the density values decreased but not as rapidly as with the fresh developer. The pH of the solution showed only a slight increase. These observations are quite different from those with fresh developer when the pH increased from 10.2 to 11.3. No precise explanation can be offered for the difference in behavior between the fresh and seasoned developers, but it is reasonable to suppose that the developer reaction products served as anticatalysts for the oxidation reaction. When silver bromide is developed to metallic silver with a hydroquinonecarbonate developer, the following reaction probably takes place as set forth in equation No. 3. This equation would indicate that a seasoned developer should be of slightly lower alkalinity than one in which no film has been developed because of the exchange of sodium carbonate for sodium bicarbonate and the elimination of the slightly alkaline salt, sodium sulfite. (To he Continued) Agfa Photographic Formulas in Booklet Form by Agfa Photographers who carry out their own processing of sensitized materials will be interested in the new and revised edition of the booklet "Agfa Formulas for Photographic Use," which has just been published at 10 cents a copy. Including over forty-five formulas which have been developed primarily for use with Agfa Ansco materials, but which have general photographic application as well, the booklet lists formulas for developing, fixing, short-stop, toning, reducing, intensifying and desensitizing solutions. A separate section of the booklet gives a detailed description in simple language of the chemistry of development, and, in the current edition, presents new information on developer exhaustion and time-temperature compensation. The booklet is obtainable through photographic dealers or by writing directly to Agfa Ansco, Binghamton, N. Y. Chicago Cinema Club According to the May issue of News Flashes, the bulletin of the Chicago Cinema Club, edited by Peter S. Besek, the club was slated to be taken for a ride on May 26 for a full hour. It was not to be on bicycles, either. The ride was to be in two Douglas DC-3s and the price was set at S3.50. As the distance was estimated to be 175 miles, that is only 2 cents a mile. There should be some pictures to show for that trip. Here is one paragraph from News Flashes: "Starting with this month, an instruction period for members, beginners and others, will precede the regular meetings which are held at our regular clubrooms. The sessions will start promptly at 7:30, one-half hour before the meeting. Each period will be in charge of a man who is qualified to speak on the subject. When our meetings are held outside of clubrooms no instruction period will be held. Beginning movietakers, as well as others, are welcomed to the classes." Philadelphia Cinema Club "Animal Photography," as applied to making moving pictures of the inhabitants of the Philadelphia Zoo, was the subject of an interesting talk given by the Zoo official photographer, Mark Mooney, at the May meeting of the Philadelphia Cinema Club. Mr. Mooney projected two 400-foot reels of 16mm. pictures, illustrated different ways of photographing animals in their cages and out. One reel was a black and white and the other a Kodachrome — both beautifully done and both very helpful to those planning to take pictures in the Zoo. The club was invited to visit the Zoo on May 26, for a film-exposing expedition. The showing of members' films followed the guest speaker, the first of which was member John Bessor, who presented a 100-foot 16mm. black and white film called "Home Movies." It was a comedy picture which caused a great deal of laughter, both because of the fine way the film was so comically made and also the keen wit and humor Mr. Bessor displayed in his running comment by way of microphone throughout. Member Michael Angelo, a Philadelphia cartoonist, handled a very delicate subject exceedingly well in his 400-foot 16mm. Kodachrome picture called "Our Baby." The principal characters were Mrs. Angelo and her baby up to the age of three months. H. E. MOORE. Los Angeles 8mm. Club The May meeting of the Los Angeles 8mm. Club was held at the Eastman Auditorium, Hollywood. President William Wade called the meeting to order and announced the winner of the Slogan Contest. Five winners were chosen. They were Mrs. Taber, Mrs. Barney, Mrs. Brandes, W. D. Garlock and Paul Cramer. The slogan selected was "Los Angeles 8mm. Club, America's First — Now It's Foremost." Member Clarence Gilley won the candid camera given away by the Winter Store. The feature of the evening was the presentation of two versions of Debussy's "La Mer," a pictorial mood in music produced by Ovady Julber, prominent Hollywood musician and Member Lewis B. Reed without collaboration. The remainder of the evening was devoted to the screening of members' films, produced by Messrs. Garlock, A. Smith and Cornell. It was a good show all the way. LEO CALOIA, Secretary. MELLOR AND DAVEY WIN PHOTOGRAPHIC AWARDS WILLIAM MELLOR, A.S.C., and his associate, Allen M. Davey, A.S.C., were given the photographic award by the Hollywood correspondents' poll in the Hollywood Reporter for their work in Paiamount's Technicolor "Typhoon," first shown during April. Gordon Jennings, A.S.C., w^ho was in charge of the special photographic effects, was not mentioned by the correspondents. Sometimes the special photographic effects may be bits. In this case, however, they were major spectacular parts of the picture, and undoubtedly Mellor and Davey would have been first to suggest Jennings' inclusion in the credits. As this magazine says in its review of the subject, the picture is a photographic rather than a dramatic one. It is one that should be seen by all amateurs, or professionals either. There were two black and white subjects that ran second and third. Russell L. Metty, A.S.C., was second for his photographing of "Irene," RKO. The third place fell to Clyde De Vinna, A.S.C., for MGM's "Twenty Mule Team." The best director was declared to be Carson Kanin for RKO's "My Favorite Wife," which also by the way was declared the best picture. The best actress performance was given to Irene Dunn for her work in the same picture, and Cary Grant was awarded the best actor performance for the same film. Similar awards went to the same production for BelTa and Samuel Speewack for their screenplay and Granville Bates for the best incident performance. May Robson took the honors for the best supporting actress performance in RKO's "Irene," Eddie Anderson for the best supporting actor performance in Paramount's "Buck Benny Rides Again," Anthony Collins for the best musical score with "Irene," best original song Gaucho Serenade in Warners' "It All Came True," and Paramount's "The Biscuit Eater" as best general feature. American Cinematographer • June, 1940 255