American cinematographer (Feb-Dec 1929)

September, 1929 American Cine MATOGRAPHER Thirty-five camera is mounted on a swinging base, so that it, like a professional camera, can be swung to one side while shot is being lined up through the micro-focus meter, and then swung back so that while photographing the lens is in exactly the same position occupied while focusing. Underneath the mounting are drawers in which gauzes and niters may be kept. In short, every refinement and advantage offered by the most costly professional outfits is embodied in these devices, which can be added to any amateur camera. With them practically everything in the professional's bag of tricks is available to the expert amateur. In addition to these two appliances, the same firm also offers an unusually practical tilting outfit. It consists of a simple metal hood which fits over the lens of the camera, and carries at its outer end a slit into which the title to be photographed is slipped. The title-card is considerably larger than the ones generally used in amateur tilting devices, and allows much greater freedom in the style of lettering, decorations, etc. The lettering may be written, typed or printed on any translucent material desired, after which the making of the title is simplicity itself, as all that is necessary is to slip the title into the hood, point the camera toward the light, and shoot. The range of effects is almost unlimited. Everything from the simplest 'on the spot' memoranda to the most intricate trick and art-titles can be made. With a transparent base for the lettering, moving backgrounds can be used, and dissolves made from title to scene with telling effect. The device also offers a most simple way of making animated cartoons, maps, and titles. And since approximately 1 /3 of the footage of a silent picture is usually devoted to titles, its value is obvious. These three articles are the creation of O. W. Heinz, of Los Angeles, who enters the new field of activity after a long and distinguished career as an automotive engineer. "I came to California," he states, "several years ago, in the course of an automotive survey for an Eastern firm. Once here, I liked it far too well to be satisfied anywhere else, so eventually I settled in Los Angeles. In my work there, I found it necessary to employ 1 6 mm. movies for instructing large staffs of subordinates. The more I worked with the films, which I made myself, the more enthusiastic I became about them; but I found so many limitations — so many things I wanted to do, but couldn't, that I began to get irritated. "Finally my mechanical training got the better of me, and I decided to work out some accessories that would enable me to do what I wanted with my camera. The result is embodied in these three devices. The first models of each attracted so much favorable comment from both amateurs and professionals that I was finally persuaded to arrange for their manufacture. Though they have only been announced for a very short time, the reception they've had everywhere to indicate that I wasn't wrong in my decision, and that there are many serious amateurs everywhere who welcome these devices as a means of adding the professional touch to their pictures." Dunning Process Company to Build New Plant CARROLL H. DUNNING, head of the Dunning Process Company, Hollywood special process technicians, has announced that his concern is now having plans prepared for a new plant. Land has been purchased on La Brea Avenue, south of Santa Monica Boulevard. The building will be two stories high, and will cover an area of 50 by 100 feet. Mr. Dunning says that when the new plant is completed it will enable his firm to do eight times its present business. Present plans call for every modern device and bit of equipment for special process photography and title work. France Mr. Henri Pathe, French Under-Secretary of State, has caused a series of lessons on Physical Culture to be reproduced in a film, which will be exhibited in various schools and colleges in order to propogate rational methods of physical training. An interesting invention was recently demonstrated in Paris by Dr. Couchoud. Proceeding from the fact that the retina of the human eye is concave, Dr. Couchoud is showing motion pictures on a concave screen. The films thus exhibited cannot be defined as "stereoscopic films," but they give a much greater impression of relief than a picture projected on an ordinary screen. Russia A Japanese film exhibition is now to be seen in Moscow. It provides a very clear picture of the present status of the Japanese production and of its peculiar character. Announcing THE NEW DEBRIE SLOW MOTION AND REGULAR MOTION CAMERA IN ONE Crank in position for slouu motion work A new two-in-one high speed camera, producing from 16 to 240 pictures per second, rock steady. By merely changing the crank, regular speed pictures of 16 per second can be made with the same camera. Much smoother movement in action, and a direct focusing attachment enable the cameraman to view his subject on a full sized ground glass, right side up, magnified 9 times. The camera may also be obtained with the new style lens mounting permitting the use of the largest speed and focus lenses obtainable. The regular shutter, with an opening of 135 degrees and a snapshot speed of 1/600 of a second, when taking 240 pictures per second, can be removed and one with smaller opening of 43 degrees instantly substituted, giving 1 /2000th exposure at 240 pictures per second. The 400 foot capacity magazine is self-contained. Outside focusing and diaphragm adjustment; speed and slow motion ratio indicator on top where the operator can readily determine his speed at all times. The camera is of all metal construction, sturdily built and with ordinary care will give a lifetime of service. Send for descriptive catalog. WILLOUGHBYS U. S. and Canada Agents for Debrie 1 10 West 3 2d Street, New York, N. Y.