International photographer (Jan-Dec 1934)

T h INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER July, 1934 THE MINIATURE CAMERA-ITS ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT By WILLIAM HARTMAN of Carl Zeiss, Inc. [ITH the rapidly increasing use of the miniature camera it is only natural that many enthusiasts W'wA show some interest in the evolution of that method of photography, and many are the theories advanced as to its beginning, and questions asked on its progress. When did it start. How was it developed. Is it a passing fancy or has it come to stay, and so on. Strange to relate, the consensus of opinion seems to be that miniature cameras are of comparatively recent origin, that A NINETEENTH CENTURY CANDID CAMERA SHOT This illustration is further evidence that the "Candid Camera" was used several years ago, by the fact that the fair lady wears a bonnet quite popular in early 1900. it is only in the past five years or so that general interest has been aroused, and that "candid photography" came in with streamline automobiles. While it is true that the use of the small camera has made its greatest strides in the past few years, the beginning of the idea goes back much further than most of us can remember, and the present important position of the small camera has been reached only after many years of evolution and somewhat steady progress. There is evidence that the miniature camera had aroused plenty of interest almost twenty years ago, for the well-known journal "The Miniature Camera" of February 1916 devoted a whole issue on the subject of "Success with the Pocket Camera" by Charles F. Rice. In this number we find the following paragraph: "As evidence of the growing popularity of very small cameras, it is interesting to glance over the catalogs of the past few years, and note how the manufacturers have found it expedient from year to year to discontinue the larger sizes of amateur cameras, and at the same time to supply high-class lens and shutter equipment in smaller sizes." As to the origin of the miniature camera, it was sometime in 1900 that the lea Aktiengesellshaft introduced the BEBE, later followed by the VICTRIX and ATOM. All of these used 4.5x6 cm. plates and film packs, and it was left to the Ernemann Camera Works to utilize motion picture film with their BOBETTE. Both lea and Ernemann are now part of that famous camera combine known as ZeissIkon. There is nothing to indicate that the miniature camera went over with a bang, and for about a dozen years its use was restricted to the European countries. Then about 1912 we find the ATOM coming over to this country and it would seem that the small camera made an immediate appeal for during the decade following the appearance of the BEBE, other camera manufacturers produced more miniature cameras and from then on the use and popularity of this method of photography enjoyed uninterrupted and rapid progress. And there is every reason to believe that the use of the miniature camera will continue. So much has been, and is being written on the subject that I shall mention only a few of these reasons. Compactness, which makes it more likely that we will have the camera with us when needed for an emergency shot. Economical, for there is hardly a comparison with the low cost of miniature camera film and the cost of material for the larger camera. Ease of manipulation, for the short focal length of the miniature camera lens means great depth of field. A 50 mm. lens on a 24x36 mm. picture size is approximately equal to a 10 inch lens on a 5x7 inch picture, and while the short focus lens, say at f :2.8, has comparatively great depth, the 10 inch lens at f :2.8 would have none at all. At the same time, all the fine pictorial quality of the 10 inch lens on a 5x7 inch would be equaled by a 5x7 enlargement from the smaller film. In high speed work the small camera is unexcelled, for the short focus lens requires much less shutter speed to stop motion than is needed with a large camera fitted with a long focus lens. Finally, the quality of enlargements leaves little to be desired, and the end is not yet in sight. I can safely say that the time will come when we shall see perfect enlargements of fifty or more diameters from miniature films. CHICAGO CINEMA CLUB The Chicago Cinema Club is sponsoring an amateur motion picture contest this coming summer. In view of the fact that they as Chicagoans are trying all in their power to make the 1934 "A Century of Progress" International Exposition a success, the} have limited this contest to films of that exposition. The first award will be a Weston Exposure Meter donated by the Weston Electrical Instrument Corporation. All entries must be in the hands of the Club secretary, W. W. Macomber, Room 11-117, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, Illinois, by November 15, 1934. Entry blanks and copies of the Rules and Regulations may also be obtained from the secretary. The length of the films has been limited to 400 feet 16 mm. or 200 feet 8 mm. and they will be judged on: 1 — Exposure; 2 — Composition; 3 — Continuity; 4 — Titles; 5 — Interest. TO FILM THE COLOSSUS Some time ago Gaumont British Picture Corporation announced its intention of filming the life of Cecil Rhodes. The time that has elapsed since that announcement has been devoted to extensive preparation and it is now definitely stated that the film will go into production. Immediately following its decision to make the picture the company sent Geoffrey Barkas, unit production manager, to South Africa to make a detailed reconnaissance of locations and buildings and to arrange facilities for transport, materials and power. Contacts have been established and such complete arrangements made with Government, railways, public and private bodies that the stage is already set. The film version of the script is all but complete and the difficult work of casting for the many important parts in the film is now occupying the attention of the production executives. This ambitious production will be directed by Victor Saville. Please mention The International Photographer when corresponding with advertisers.