The Cine Technician (1953-1956)

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February, 1954 THE CINE-TECHNICIAN 25 dictated, the policy at Paramount studios has been to select first the most practical picture shape and then the technique. It is our belief that for most screen entertainment, the picture aspect ratio should be under 2-to-l. Paramount, as is now generally known, selected and has standardised upon the aspect ratio of 1.66-to-l. Technically, the " Lazy-8" procedure gives the best quality picture for this aspect ratio. Further studies now indicate that this same procedure will provide the best negative for the ultimate presentation of any picture in any aspect ratio from 1.33-to-l to 3-to-l. There is an interesting anticedent history behind the unique cameras we are using in our " Lazy-8 " filming procedure. They were not originally designed for the use presently put to but were built back in the late '20's by the William P. Stein Company of New York for the old William Fox " Natural Colour " system. The latter was a two-colour method and the camera was designed to move film past the gate two frames at a time. Here it was exposed through two lenses, one above the other, and having appropriate filters for the two-colour system. Following collapse of the system, the cameras were disposed of and some were purchased by other studios, by collectors of cinematic equipment, and others. Not until the recent advent of 3-D and wide-screen activity among major studios did the possibilities of these old double-frame cameras come to light as ideal for wide-screen photography. John R. Bishop, head of Paramount Studio's camera and film processing departments, conducted a number of tests with one of the cameras fitted with Leica lenses. The latter were found to be ideal for the purpose because they are designed to cover the full area of a double 35mm. frame. One of the studio's first steps was to cut out the separation between the twin apertures of the camera, leaving a single aperture 1.472in. in width. The camera was reworked and further modernised, and a blimp was built for it so it could be used on the sound stage. . . . Lieica-type lenses are being used on the " Lazy-8 " cameras; the 85mm. lens is comparable in coverage o n n : n n V i ii \ \ i : ii I i :;.i. i / \r"\ 1 \ z™~ j L i 1 *"r \ . ^ ]"" )m\ .U U U U U U U Ul !± 1 1 A V Left: Front view of the " Lazy-8 " camera with blimp removed. Film travels horizontally before lens. Each frame is 8 sprocket holes in film length — equal to 2 standard frames. Right: Same camera encased in temporary blimp. New blimp is streamlined, more compact, and lighter in weight, adding to the operational ease of the camera. to that of a 50mm. lens on a conventional camera; the 50mm. to a 33mm.; a 30mm. to a 23mm.; and the 28mm. to the wide-angle 17mm. . . . Some indication of the faith Paramount Studios has in its new " Lazy-8 " photographic procedure is seen in the fact the company presently has four well-known camera manufacturers designing an improved camera of this type. . . . Paramount's plan is to photograph all its future colour productions with this camera. (With acknowledgments to "American Cinematographer ") SITUATION VACANT MOVIE CAMERAMAN — must have good knowledge of both 16mm. and 35mm. procedure and film making. For tour round the world lasting approximately 2 years. Applications please by letter only stating full qualifications and experience to Secretary, The " Golden Hind " Expedition, Headquarters, The Westminster Supply Co., 146 St. Stephens House, Westminster, London, S.W.I. A.CJ.'s 21st Anniversary Film Bali 14th May, 1954, Festival Hall, 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Schematic diagram of the " Lazy-8 " film frame. Camera uses standard 35mm. negative, which travels twice normal speed through camera. Relative dimensions of camera and projector apertures are shown. ARRANGEMENTS are proceeding smoothly for this function and Geraldo and his Show Band have been engaged. Film, stage, radio and TV stars are being contacted and a galaxy of talent from these quarters is expected. Negotiations with the caterers are now being finalised and a first-class running buffet and breakfast (inclusive in the cost of tickets) will be available. Printing of tickets is now in hand and these will be available shortly at a cost of £2 2s. Od. double and £1 5s. Od. single.