International photographer (Jan-Dec 1934)

June, 1934 The INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Eleven tically the entire footage being composed of miniatures. Recently he did "King Kong." In "King Kong" the miniature ape, which was only 18 inches in height, was made to resemble a mammoth pre-historic creature of about 30 feet. The backgrounds in this picture were largely introduced by means of the glass matte or the projection process. Through a skillful use of perspective and optics in this picture, he made a miniature of about 18 inches seem to have a full size person, Fay Wray, in the miniature's hand and the person seemed no larger than the ape's thumb. Willis O'Brien also had birds flying through the sets, had miniature planes Hying, and had this ape in combat with other prehistoric animals. They were all in miniature. Other miniature makers prominent today in the studios are Harry Reynolds at Paramount and Ralph Hammeras at Fox. In summarizing, it is interesting to note that the trick and effect artists of the motion picture deserve far more credit than they are given. It is through them that the motion pictures have scenes that otherwise could never be brought to the screen. It is through them that an added realism is gained. They are the people of the motion picture whose results are seen on the screen, but who never are given credit. That is because of the fact that the motion picture producers are selling romance and credit to these men would detract from the realism of romance. Throughout the history of the motion picture, this group of men have been called "crazy as a loon." They are always far ahead of themselves and they were always far ahead of the times. Now, for instance, "nuts" are working on improvements that won't be used for years. Williams tried to put over his traveling matte in 1915 and 1916, but he was told it couldn't be done. When George Teague tried to use a motor for running the camera in 1917 he was told it would cause static, and so on endlessly. THE NEW FOCOMAT ENLARCER E. Leitz, Inc., 60 East 10th St., New York City is announcing a new autofocal enlarger for miniature negatives known as the FOCOMAT. It resembles the popular VALOY Enlarger, and accommodates all small negatives up to 3x4 cm. The big feature of the FOCOMAT is the autofocus arrangement by means of which enlargements from \y2 to 10 diameters can be made with the full assurance that the image is in absolute sharp focus. As with the VALOY, the FOCOMAT permits LEICA Camera 50 mm. lenses (ELMAR, HEKTOR, and SUM MAR) to be used as enlarging lenses, hence the enlarger may be purchased without lens. This permits the LEICA owner a decided economy in the purchase. The FOCOMAT is easily and quickly adjusted for the autofocal feature, and once a lens has been adjusted in it, no further attention need be given the outfit, even though the lens may be removed and re-inserted at will — the adjustments remain the same. There are only two positions for the enlarger supporting arms which carry the lamphouse. These are indicated by two holes in the upright pillar. The top one indicates the position for the enlarger when the standard paper easel is used, and the lower one for instances where no easel is employed. The ease and certainty of the autofocus enlarger is well-known, and miniature camera devotees will be glad to know that at last there is such an enlarger incorporating the special optical system most practical for their tiny negatives. Literature on the new FOCOMAT may be secured by writing to E. LEITZ, Inc., or better still, visit your local dealer and see this new creation. Model 71-A: Two speeds, single lens mount, Cooke 47 mm. F 2.5 lens, spring motor, spyglass viewfinder. Model 71-C: Seven speeds (4 to 32), three-lens turret, Cooke 47 mm. F 2.5 and optional Cooke There's an EYEMO for every purpose Here are the Eyemo 35 mm. hand cameras most widely used. There are other models and adaptations for numerous special uses. Tell us your problem . . . we'll recommend the right equipment. lenses, variable viewfinder, and auxiliary hand crank. Ideal for sound speed. Optional — 12 or 100-volt electric motor and 200 or 400-ft. external magazine, as illustrated. Model 71-CD: Same as above, but with 8 to 48-speed range for work requiring slow motion. BELL & HOWELL Bell & Howell Company, 1849 Larchmont Ave., Chicago; 11 West 42nd St., New York; 716 North LaBrea Ave. Hollywood; 320 Regent St., London (B & H Co., Ltd.). Established 1907.