International photographer (Jan-Dec 1941)

Inventor Discusses "Increased Range" System of Motion Picture Photography A revolution in motion picture photography that may produce an accompanying revolution in acting for the screen, with a corresponding increase in enjoyment for Mr. and Mrs. Average Movie Goer, was described before the 25th Anniversary Convention of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers at the Hotel Pennsylvania. Dr. Alfred N. Goldsmith, noted inventor, told of his new "increased range" system of motion picture photography before a technical session of the convention which also devoted lengthy discussion periods to such other new developments as mobile television equipment for providing movie patrons with radio-pictures of notable events, color television, and development of new photocell equipment. Dr. Goldsmith explained how his development permits actors to move about freely on a movie set without fear of moving out of camera focus, pointing out that the system removes the limitations of fixed focus which characterize every lens, substituting a virtually unlimited range. "The human eye has this increased range," Dr. Goldsmith explained. "That's why in a theatre we can follow the actors all over the stage, from the footlights to the backdrop, without having them move out of the focal range of our eyes. "The motion picture has been limited in this respect since its earliest days, for directors have been forced to keep their actors within the narrow focal range of the camera. Much has been lost in creating the illusion of true, flowing motion. Instead, we have had to substitute a succession of glimpses of the action." Dr. Goldsmith's system automatically compensates for the fixed focus of the camera lens by lighting first the foreground, then the middle distance, and then the background of each scene each time a single exposure of the motion picture film is made. At the same time, the camera focus is kept in step with the lighting by means of a series of compensating plates revolving behind the lens. Thus, whichever part of the set is being photographed is in perfect focus. "The action of the system is so rapid that the illumination may be divided into four or even more areas if necessary, although in many cases only two areas may be required," the inventor said. "For each complete single exposure of the moving film, the entire set has been lighted by stages, as it were." He pointed out that with the new system actors would be freed from the present necessity of keeping within carefully marked bounds on the set, while directors would be spared the time-wasting work of meticulously measuring distances for every scene. Not only will actors be given new freedom of expression, but sets and scenes may be built with greater realism and true dimension. DeVry Can Make Quick Delivery Now . . . So CHOOSE YOUR CAMERA For Newsreel, Studio, Defense, Industrial or General Use Now! THE WORLD FAMOUS DeVRY MODEL "A" 35mm. AUTOMATIC CAMERA This precision instrument has records of achievement with Admiral Byrd in the Antarctic, Beebe and Craig in hot desert sands and under tropical seas, with Norman Alley, ace Universal cameraman, in filming the historic scenes of the bombing of the U. S. 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