American cinematographer (Jan-Dec 1926)

May, 1926 AMERICAN C I N E M AT OG R A P HE R Nineteen sponds perfectly to the process as it takes place in the human eye or as it could be sometimes observed in a slower manner during the change of scenes (visions of dreams) in many films. "In order that the gain of light which occurs by the absence of the shutter in this new projector is not lost again, it is necessary that the bundle of light rays should also move along with the film. A strongly lighted and rectangular front window (see Fig. 2) throws its concentrated light-rays on each film picture by a system of lenses and the bundle of rays in front of the film is led over the same sector-mirrors which bring about the optical compensation on the side of the film. These mirrors which catch the bundle of rays and reflect them on the film perform a swinging motion and thereby enable the lighted picture of the front-window on the film to move forward along with each single film picture. Each sector mirror disappears on the lower side and makes its appearance again on the other side." It will be noted that no shutter is used on the projector, this, of course, being a radical departure from established procedure. It is stated that the principal parts of the instrument are interchangeable, and are, in addition, enclosed. The interior mechanism is lubricated bv a central lubrication method. Amateur Camera Itlakes Intimate Shots Possible (Continued from page 1 1) This is only one of the unusual viewpoints that these new cameras make possible because of their portability. As another example, suppose the action called for a scene of a parachute jump from an aeroplane. The audience could be given the thrill, and could feel the sensation of whizzing objects that passed as the jump was being made if the jumper operated one of these automatic, portable cameras. Let the mind ramble for a moment and one will vizualize scores of uses for a camera of this type. Just as the gyroscopic panoramic and tilting tripod head, of which the Akeley was first to be extensively used has become so widely used that nowadays scenarios specify "Akeley shot," I believe that the broader field of novel shots that the small, portable, automatic camera opens up will cause a marked influence in the technique of production in the future. "The best" doesn't always mean a change! ONE reason why the silent drama has forged ahead by leaps and bounds has been its hammer-and-tongs insistence on "the best." Mediocre and almost-as-good are taboo. Often this has meant constant change. But not always! In the important question of lighting, "the Coops" have long been the light to use — old timers and newcomers alike all know. And when new problems come up, they're easily settled by Cooper Hewitt. Just get in touch with "Mike" Shannon! Wire, write or phone! "\ COOPER HEWITT ELECTRIC CO. HOBOKEN, NEW JERSEY Hollywood Office — 7207 Santa Monica Blvd. KEESE ENGINEERING CO., JohnTV'Mike" Shannon, Mgr. I24©C. H. E. Co., 1926 BRUSSELS VIENNA ROME MADRID JERUSALEM LONDON RENE GUISSART % Atmospheric Shots in Any Part of Europe Token according to your own mstruclions rn an artistic manner to match the phography of your produclwn. OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENT IN EUROPE FOR: American Society oj Cinematographers ; Frank D. Williams 118 Avenue des ChampsElysees PARIS Cable Address: LOUVERANDE-PARIS BUDAPEST GENEVA OATRO ATHENS ALGIERS ETC. ETC. Ifctfi