American cinematographer (Jan-Dec 1931)

July, 1931 AMERICAN CINEMATOCRAPHER Forty-three Supersensitive Film for 16 mm. (Continued from Page 36) "One of the largest fields of picture activities opened by the new 'pan' film is that of indoor sports — basketball games played in well lighted gymnasiums, indoor track events. Other athletic events taking place on well lighted platforms can be easily photographed when stop f. 1.9 is used. If the illumination is exceptionally good, even smaller lens openings can be employed. "The increased range of picture taking provided by the new supersensitive panchromatic film actually embraces night scenes on brilliantly lighted streets, or theatre districts in large cities. For pictures of this kind the camera must be fitted with an f.1.9 lens and the largest stop (f. 1.9) must be used. Best results will be obtained after a rain. The glazed surfaces of the street and the sidewalks will then reflect the rays of the hundreds of lights, giving added illumination and unusual effects. If the lights are very brilliant, the camera can be used at normal speed. Half-speed gives twice the exposure and generally produces more brilliant pictures. It should be kept in mind, however, that the action of moving vehicles and people walking on the sidewalks will be twice as fast. That is not so objectionable in the case of automobiles or street cars, because they then only appear to move more rapidly, but the action of people walking will be jerky. "Animated electric signs usually make fascinating pictures. Action often found in the windows of large stores sometimes affords an attractive night subject. "Fireworks, flood-lighted buildings, camp fire scenes, are all now within the scope of night movie making. "The remarkable qualities of Cine-Kodak supersensitive panchromatic film are valuable for daylight photography as well as for pictures at night. The increased light-sensitivity of the film is not confined altogether to the red end of the spectrum. It is nearly twice as fast to blue and ultra-violet light as regular panchromatic film, permitting successful pictures to be made under very adverse weather conditions. Unique shots can be made during a downpour of rain with supersensitive film, and the cine camera now becomes an efficient instrument during the early hours of the morning or in the weak light of the afternoon. "Cine-Kodak supersensitive safety film makes the 'photographic day' twenty-four hours long." Television to Spend $250,000,000 On Output CONFIDENT that general business conditions will improve soon, production plans have been made for $250,000,000 worth of television broadcast sound receivers and accessories, said B. P. Ceddes, executive vice-president of the Radio Manufacturers' Ass'n, at the convention held in Chicago recently. Issues Lighting Catalogue A 100-page catalogue on electrical lighting equipment for theatres, giving complete specifications with illustrations in colors, has been issued by the Major Equipment Co., Chicago. Reflectors for all uses, stage lighting products, both permanent and portable, window lighting, flood lighting and cove lighting are among the subjects treated. Stills From Action Scenes Possible With New Camera NUMBER of Hollywood studios are now using a new type A still camera which makes pictures from action scenes. Backers of the project are said to include Mervyn LeRoy, Louis J. Selznick, John McCormick and William K. Howard. The camera is also being sold on a royalty basis to photographers outside of the film industry. SCHNEIDER for Quality Performance under all Conditions. XENON LENSES Extreme Speed Without Sacrifice of Definition. SERIES Your The Xenon f:1.3 combines unusual corrections with unusual speed, being 12 times faster than f:4.5. It reacts ideally under conditions of adverse light and is well-adapted for use with filters. In two focal lengths, 20 and 25 mm. Price $75. As a general purpose lens, the Xenon f:2 is unrivalled. Stopped down, this lens affords exquisite definition to the extreme field margin. Evenness, depth and absence of flare characterize this high-speed motion picture lens. In 20, 25, 35, and 50 mm. foci. Price range $37.50 to $55. Dealer has been instructed to grant you a free trial of these lenses. Send for Catalog describing a complete line of lenses. BURLEIGH BROOKS Sole American Distributors 127 West 42 Street New York