British Kinematography (1950)

20 BRITISH KINEMATOGRAPHY Vol. 16, No. 1 is in it. His advice on matters of operation is useful and important, but I find that in many cases we are inclined to accept his viewpoint, which is naturally limited, and is generally based on what he, as an individual, prefers, whereas I contend that the question should be examined in a much broader light of what is considered general opinion. Anglo-American Co-operation We should all examine carefully what other people do throughout the world, and the aim should be standardisation on this basis. I think it will be agreed that we have accepted foreign practices which are contrary to our own British practice, but this does not say that they are wrong, and it is not all one-sided. If we refer to the question of spool spindle sizes, I believe that in view of the introduction of the standard 2,000 ft. reel, the Americans prefer our | in. standard spindle to their & in., and I look forward to our agreeing with the Americans on a satisfactory standard for spindle sizes which could become known as an international standard. Again, unfortunately, we have British manufacturers who have departed from what is generally referred to as the British standard | in. spindle, which only results in further complications. I believe very thoroughly in the practice of unit construction, and if this can be linked with international standards then it does mean that any part of any equipment could be used anywhere in the world with any part which could be supplied by any country. I am referring particularly to projectors, arc lamps, stands, etc., as complete units, as I appreciate that components which go to make up these various units are matters for the particular designer, whose opinions naturally vary in different countries. B.S.I. Mark The British Standards Institution mark is respected as well as any other mark in all countries throughout the world, and the more that we can get equipment manufactured to agreed standards and specifications the easier will be the problem of the manufacturer and the result must be a cheaper article for the consumer. I would like to place on record our appreciation of the splendid work of the B.S.I, and with special reference to the kinematograph equipment industry, my only criticism being that we as an industry do not make sufficient use of the facilities which the B.S.I, offer in providing the medium for round-table discussion and the setting up of standards acceptable to all concerned. STANDARDISATION COMBATS FILM MUTILATION R. Howard Cricks, F.B.K.S., F.R.P.S. IT is now nearly forty years since Arthur S. Newman (later to be Vice-president of this Society) initiated his campaign for standardisation — the first proposal of its nature in our industry. His chief concern was to ensure that any film, whatever its origin, should run upon any piece of equipment. It may be remembered that even in comparatively recent years this was not always the case. Continental negative stock, made to a width of 35 mm., sometimes caused trouble in running through equipment the gates of which were made to the British and American standard of 1 f in. Discrepancies between the pitch of perforation and the diameter of sprockets caused strained perforations. Newman's work formed the basis of the standards prepared in this country by the Kinematograph Manufacturers' Association. When the Society of Motion Picture Engineers was formed in America, one of its first activities was the adoption of these standards with only minor amendments.