International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1957)

Selection of Replacement Equipment In Army and Air Force Theatres1 By W. D. SHEPARD PART II IN THE MATTER of lenses the problem of early delivery no longer exists. In a general way, projection lenses fell into 4 and 6-element categories. On the theory that the larger and better houses could afford the best lenses, and that in this manner limited funds could provide the greatest number of patrons with the best possible pictures, purchases were made from among a variety of makes and types. In the few instances where very long focal-length lenses were required with the larger screens and where light consequently was a problem, 4-inch diameter lenses were used. The alternative purchase of larger lamps, with their higher maintenance and operating cost, would have represented not only a greater original investment but a continuing expense. Anamorphic lenses, too, were purchased in different types and from several sources. As in the case of most other products, each design had its advantages and disadvantages, but all gave very satisfactory results. Both prismatic and cylindrical types are in use. Obsolete Installations The CinemaScope process required a reorientation of thinking with regard to sound as well as picture. Because five changes of programs are needed each week, the product of all companies is required. Because some product was available only in magnetic form, it would not have been possible to disregard stereophonic sound even had it been desired to do so. Since this would constitute an expensive conversion concerning which controversy existed in the industry, it was decided to proceed slowly and with considerable caution. The greater part of the existing tSMPTE Journal, May 1957 sound equipment, although not new, was of excellent quality, but there were a fair number of installations that were becoming obsolete. It was therefore decided to procure a reasonable quantity of stereophonic equipment and install it in the more important theatres. The equipment thus released could be reconditioned and used to replace older or less desirable types. By this means, too, an appreciable reduction in spare sparts stocked for emergency or routine repair purposes would be possible. Well in advance of making any decision as to purchase, all available products were investigated. At this time, 3 or 4-channel magnetic equipment was simply being added to the optical sound systems already installed, which were sometimes utilized for the fourth channel. This appeared to be a rather poor engineering approach. If newer and better equipment was to be installed, it seemed that it would be preferable to use it with optical as Bolex Movie Contest A contest for home movie cameramen who own Bolex movie cameras has been announced by Paillard Inc., the American branch of the manufacturers of the Bolex movie cameras. The contest will include categories for 8 and 16-mm movies, as well as special categories for 8 and 16-mm titling, and the use of sound in home movies with the Bolex Synchromat. Deadline for entries in the current contest, which will be an annual event, is August 30, 1958. Prizes will amount to $800.00 in Bolex merchandise. Also, winners will be recognized with the award of Bolex medals for "achievement in motion picture photography." Complete rules for the contest may be obtained from Paillard, Inc., 100 Sixth Ave., NY 13, NY. Winners will be announced in December, 1958. well as magnetic sound, and to remove the older equipment entirely. By so doing, the number of controls could be reduced and operation generally simplified. This was an important factor, for in the Armed Forces men are frequently transferred and retention of the more experienced projectionists is not always possible. Manufacturers were approached with this in mind. Several were considering such designs, and they were available by the time the equipment was required. In making the choice of equipment, consideration had to be given to a number of other factors, some of which might have been of somewhat less importance in theatres where fairly permanent and fully experienced projectionists would always be available. Simplicity of controls, easy replacement of individual units, ease of assembly and wiring, presence of complete standby channels with simple emergency switching, availability for prompt delivery and, of course, a satisfactorily low price combined with the best possible quality were desired. Needless to say, no one product could be expected to be superior in all of these respects. The choice, therefore, represented the best compromise possible at the time from this particular point of view and for the contemplated condition of operation. 25 Per Cent Magnetic Altogether, about 25 per cent of the Army and Air Force theatres in this country have been converted to magnetic stereophonic sound, which is comparable to the percentage in civilian theatres. Inasmuch as magnetic prints are not as readily available as might be desired, no conversions are being made at present, although all new theatre designs are being so made that such equipment can be installed at any time. The projector program has been entirely different. The new processes have necessitated no changes other than relatively simple field modifications. The existing policy of gradual replacement of older machines remained unchanged. Projectors take a very long time to wear out and by proper maintenance can be continued in service almost indefinitely. However, new models appear from time to time and frequently have distinctly superior features. It would, therefore, appear to be uneconomical 30 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST DECEMBER 1957