American cinematographer (Jan-Dec 1948)

Ansco Official Explains Film Shortage Terrific increase in the use of all types of film — motion picture, x-ray, still nega¬ tive materials, color films, etc. — since the end of the war, is directly responsible for the present shortage of film on the deal¬ er’s shelves. Despite the fact that the manufacturers of all types of film have greatly increased anual output during the past two years, in contrast to the volume of such materials turned out in 1941, there definitely is a shortage of certain types of film stocks — and this condition will probably continue for some time. Shortages particularly apply to 8 and 16 mm. color negative, according to infor¬ mation received from various parts of the country. Dealers apparently have been placed on quota basis, with monthly al¬ lotments of such films from the suppliers. And the necessity of parceling out the small number of rolls of these sizes to regular customers becomes a great prob¬ lem to every dealer and store. It must be pointed out here that the film shortage now or at any other time, is not desired by the manufacturers. The latter are doing everything possible to step up output to bring it on a level with consumer demands. But film coating of machines in the factories are precisionmade affairs and require many months of machine work by precision machinists be¬ fore completion. Such added emulsion¬ coating machines, it can be reported, are well along towards completion; and when they are installed and operating, the shortage will be considerably eased. The situation is explained by Allan Williford, general manager of Ansco, who states that "increased demand seems to be the principal reason. More people have money to spend and the prices of light-sensitive materials have not risen as much as the national income or most oth¬ er consumer products. People everywhere have purchased new cameras or picked them up abroad. They are taking more pictures than ever before and are using more color film which takes longer to make. "Many new industrial concerns, as well as hospitals, have become users of X-ray and other special films in large quantities. During the war, new uses were found in industry for photographic processes which helped long-established firms to increase production. "Although the manufacturers of cam¬ eras, film and chemicals had anticipated a post-war demand greater than that of 1939, the industry does not have enough machines and buildings to produce these materials in large enough quantities at the present time, even though more photo supplies are being made than ever be¬ fore. "Ansco, for example, has the largest payroll in its history, both in number of workers and the wages they receive. The company is producing much more film than in 1939, many more cameras, and sales are ahead of production. We still have to apportion our products to dealers who could sell much more than we can produce.” One particularly scarce item in 8 and 16 mm. film is the magazine-load type. Several new brand names of minnie cam¬ eras using the magazine load have ap¬ peared on the market since the war to greatly increase the demand for this type of film pack. Further, the film manufac¬ turers are handicapped by the shortage of metal required to make the film pack containers, which accounts for the short¬ age of the magazine-load film for ama¬ teurs. GEO. W. COLBURN LABORATORY, Inc. 1 64 N. Wacker Dr., Dept. A , Chicago 6, III. Professional Type Combination SUNSHADE and FILTER HOLDER The Sunshade-Filter Holder is supported by a double arm bracket. This attaches to a plate which you can fasten on to the base of your camera where it can remain at all times if you desire. The SunshadeFilter Holder is demountable into 3 small units which, when not be¬ ing used, fit into your camera car¬ rying case. For E. K. Cine-Special, Bolex, Filmo and other fine 16mm cameras. It resem¬ bles the professional 35mm type Sun¬ shade Filter Holders and Matte Box gen¬ erally used with professional 35mm cameras. Designed for use with all popular types of 16mm cameras, the "Professional Junior” Sunshade and Filter Holder holds two 2" square glass filters, also a 2V2" round Pola Screen with handle which can be rotated for correct polarization. By using our Sunshade and Filter Holder you will not require filters of various sizes as the 2" square filter will cover all lenses from 15 mm to 6" telephoto. ★ Compact, simple to assemble or dismount, the entire Sunshade-Fil¬ ter Holder and 2 filter holders which are supplied are precisionmade of non -corroding metals. Every serious cameraman appreci¬ ates the advantages that accrue when a fine Sunshade-Filter Holder like this is used. Alanufactured exclu¬ sively by the makers of ”F rof e ssional Junior” Tripods and other fine camera accessories. Order your Sun¬ shade and Filter Holder today. And also ask for our complete catalog. 54 February, 1948 American Cinematographer