American cinematographer (Jan-Dec 1963)

‘‘grain of wheat” lamp of the type used by doctors in exploring internal cavities. It provides adequate light for the strobe pattern and the photo¬ diode, and consumes very little bat¬ tery power — an important considera¬ tion in the held. The 120-cycle signal thus generated is read out by the photo-diode and is then fed to the recorder over a stand¬ ard three-conductor microphone cable, where it is amplified and divided to 60 cycles for the desired sync index. At that point the sync signal can be monitored. Its level and frequency are checked by means of standard metering mounted on the control panel of the recorder. One meter indi¬ cates sync level ; the other, a standard reed-type tachometer, monitors the frequency. The two meters provide a reliable method for the man in the held to determine that voltage and frequency are within acceptable limits. He can be assured that when the fre¬ quency meter indicates 60 cycles, the camera is operating at exactly 24 frames per second. If. on the other hand, the frequency meter registered only 50 cycles, it would indicate that the camera was operating at a slow 20-frame speed. The latitude of the frequency meter extends from a high of 64 cycles (indicating speed of 25.6 frames per second) to a low of 46 cycles (indicating camera speed of 18.4 frames per second). This range of fluctuation might normally be encoun¬ tered in the held. Speed Variation Negligible While the optimum speed, of course, is 60 cycles or 24 frames per second, this is a standard seldom achieved precisely except under studio condi¬ tions. Tests have indicated that for dialogue recording a speed variation of up to 5% in either direction is very difficult to detect audibly and is there¬ fore acceptable from the quality stand¬ point. Thus, if the camera is operat¬ ing at any speed ranging from 251/) to 22Y2 frames per second, the take may be considered acceptable. By quickly reading the indicators on the recorder control panel the operator is able to determine immediately whether the camera speed conforms to ac¬ ceptable tolerances, and he can advise the director if a retake is necessary. To double check that the signal has not only been applied to the sync head, but also recorded acceptably on the tape, the operator may play back the IF YOU OWN A BERTHIOT ZOOM LENS. YOU WILL NEED THIS F&B TAKES THE WIGGLE OUT OF ZOOMS WITH THE BEELAND ELECTRIC ZOOM CONTROL Here is a rugged yet light weight control that assures you of smooth zoom action from start to finish of each shot. Mounts directly on the lens barrel, no camera attachments are required. Interchangeable mounting clamps allow the same control to be used for the 17mm to 70mm. and 17mm to 85mm lenses for 16mm cameras, and the 38mm to 150mm lens for 35mm cameras. Smooth, quiet zoom action Easy finger-tip operation Precise zoom range control Zoom speeds from 2V2 to 10 seconds Interchangeable— for 16mm and 35mm cameras. . Mounts directly on lens barrel > Uses type “C" flash light batteries » Light Weight Serving the World’s Finest Film Makers 68 W. 45th St.f N.Y. 36 MU 2-2928 The camerman can control the picture size by eye or can pre-set the zoom range by quick-set limit stops on the quadrant. A silicon loaded slip clutch and mechanical limit stops provide precise control of the zoom range. The control box is equipped with instant contact push-buttons for easy finger-tip operation of zoom-in or zoom-out. The box mounts on a tripod handle, or directly on the camera for hand¬ held operation. It also may be held and operated by an as¬ sistant. Speed range is rheostat controlled and adjustable from approximately 2*/2 seconds to 10 seconds of zoom time. A special feature is the very efficient motor which operates for hundreds of moves on one set of 5 type “C" flashlight batteries. Two models are available: Regular, where noise is not a problem. Super-quiet, where whisper-quiet operation is needed for sound recording. $1 3500 Regular $275 Super Quiet Automatic Daylight Processing DEVELOPING TANK • Processes up to 200 Ft. • 8mm-l 6mm-25mm-70mm • Movie — X-Ray — Microfilm • Motor-driven, portable • Uniform Density Assured • 400 Ft. Tank Available FILM DRYER • Motor driven — Heated • Speedy drying • Automatic shrinkage allow¬ ance • Stainless steel and aluminum construction • Easily assembled without tools • Compact, Portable Guaranteed. Write for Free Literature 487-14 South Ave. Beacon, N.Y. Micro Record (orp. LINWOOD DUNN, asc Formerly head of RKO Studios Effects Dept. CREATIVE SPECIAL EFFECTS Complete Advisory and Technical Services From Story Ideas to Theater Screen. FULLY EQUIPPED LABORATORY AND STAGE FOR SPECIALIZED EFFECTS SERVICES IN 16-35-65mm Equipment Design • New Processes Over 30 Years of Major Studio Experience FILM EFFECTS of Hollywood 1153 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood 38, Calif. Phone: HO 9-5808 Cable: FILMEFX AMERICAN CINEMATOGRAPHER, AUGUST, 1963 491