American cinematographer (Jan-Dec 1963)

FLj LL RANGE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Continued From Poge 148 for demanding cinematography . . . MITCHELL 16mm, 35mm and 65mm Standard and High-Speed Mitchell cameras for TV, theatrical and industrial photography, and 70mm Mitchell cameras are avail¬ able to your individual requirements. Mark II 35mm Reflex studio camera is now in use in major studios throughout the world. Underwater ... or Outer Space are extremes calling for special cameras and versatile equipment to assure positive and accurate results for engineer¬ ing evaluation. Mitchell cameras and complete tracking units designed to your specifications are available to meet the most demanding motion picture requirements. SPECIAL CAMERA DESIGNS The experienced Mitchell team offers 45 years of experience in design and engineering projects for special motion picture equipment. The most advanced group of camera engineers, production and test technicians in the motion picture industry is available to meet your special requirements. 85% of the professional motion pictures shown throughout the world are filmed with Mitchell cameras. Your inquiry is welcomed. Write Sales Department for the Mitchell catalog. MITCHELL CAMERA CORPORATION 666 W. HARVARD ST., GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA 521 Fifth Ave., New York, N. Y. NOW REPRESENTED IN OVER FORTY-FIVE COUNTRIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. NAMES OF AGENTS IN YOUR COUNTRY ON REQUEST. Q. In planning our forthcoming production assignment, which will be in 35mm Eastman Color, we have become involved in a hassle regarding the ad¬ visability of incorporating a number of optical effects, including lap-dissolves, fades, and three superimposed titles. Some of us have experience in produc¬ ing such effects in the camera when working in 16mm, but moving up to 35mm color we are faced with doing the effects in what we understand is "She more professional way' — via A&B roll editing and printing. Although we have read about A&B roll editing in various issues of your publication , we are as yet totally in¬ experienced in the technique. Will you therefore kindly explain how pursing the A&B route will be more advan¬ tageous to us? — A. E. J„ Akron. Ohio. A. If your production is to be some¬ thing special where quality in ihe prints is of major importance, then A&B roll printing certainly is to he recommend¬ ed. The least expensive method of pro¬ ducing release prints is printing direct from the edited 35mm color camera negative — with optical dupe sections cut in to provide effects. However, this provides no protection for the original. To provide protection, particularly where print requirements will be large, an intermediate positive is made from the camera negative. For the most satisfactory screen qual¬ ity of optical effects, the 35mm camera negative should be cut in A&B rolls so that the color interpositive will be a single roll printed from the original, with all the effects incorporated. Tim¬ ing and color corrections are made at the same time to produce a fully-cor¬ rected color interpositive. The advantage of the A&B roll meth¬ od of printing effects is obvious: All printing is from the original negative, with no intercut dupe sections. Thus the prints will screen the same quality from beginning to end, whether straight-cut or joined by effects. ■ Need professional advice on a picture making problem? Readers' questions will be answered by mail when accompanied by stamped envelope for reply. Questions and answers considered of interest to readers will be published here. 150 AMERICAN CINEMATOGRAPHER, MARCH, 1963