The Cine Technician (1939)

Oct. -Nov., 1937 THE CINE.TECHNICIAN 135 presented itself. The camera was mounted on a platform in the cabin with the lens facing a small opening which had been made for the aerial survey camera. On that day we were able to get 1000 feet exposed which I hope may prove successful. There was no difficulty in keeping the camera clean and in good condition, but when I had not used the camera for some weeks I always found — despite following instructions and using the correct paste-rust at the corners of the gate — that I had to use emery paper to get the rust off. The camera is in reasonably good condition after its long journey. Considering the fact that the film agreement was only reached and the camera provided at the eleventh hour before we sailed, and that as a result there was no opportunity for me to become familiar with the apparatus under instruction, I was surprised how easily I discovered how to work it. It is straightforward and simple, and the small book of instruction seemed to me wholly adequate. If I was asked to take the film for a similar expedition in the polar regions again and given a free hand in choosing the equipment, I should have no hesitation in selecting the same camera with a different tripod (heavier, and with rack and pinion swivel), but in addition I should choose a reasonably small and light hand-camera with clockwork motor, which could be used for taking on sledge journeys and for shooting scenes which might be difficult to reproduce unless taken as snapshots. I used to develop the tail of each film to see if the exposures were correct and the results seemed satisfactory, and I hear that 1000 feet have been developed and have given satisfaction ; but I know that some of the shots, particularly the earlier ones, art' failures. I await the pleasure of seeing the films actual!} pi" duced. The Reverend W. L. S. Fleming. [Editorial Note. — The camera used was a Vinten. I arge bobbins are a great protection against end-rub, the original bobbin can be slipped in place of the camera bobbin and the film re-wound in the magazine by turning the take up wheel. The film will be then found to be the original size to fit the tin. May we suggest that a clock-work motor could be built so that the camera could be driven automatically on jobs where electric batteries and motor are impracticable. At the time when the apparatus referred to above was taken over in 1935 we understand that a large bobbin was used for protection against end-rub. Owing to the difficulty of replacing, etc., it was decided to reduce the diameter of the bobbin to 3|-in., this size being found to give the necessary protection against end-rub and at the same time permitting the full 1000 foot roll to be replaced in its original tin.] Religious Film Studios The Religious Film Society is establishing a Studio at Norwood where a building formerly used as a cinema is being equipped for the production of films, recording commentaries, making worship films, and editing and titling film material that may be acquired or produced. THE CINEMA AS A GRAPHIC ART By VLADIMIR NILSEN Over 200 illustrations. 15s. net. For the cameraman the technique of film photography is only the necessary means of realising the film's artistic content. Technique, with such manifold pictorial possibilities at its command, cannot in story film be considered in isolation from the creative process. Every technical device has significance only in so far as it contributes to the expressive language of the film. Dissolves and fades, multiple exposure, optical combined printing, trick processes, sharp and soft focus, long-shot and closeup, tonal gradation of the image — all these are means of expressing content, the means used by cinema. The creative element is the guiding one in the cameraman's work, and technique is only the means of realising the artistic purpose. And if this be so, if his work involves elements of artistic creation, then it is clear that it will be governed not only by a technical methodology, but also by principles of an art methodology, which in this case may be termed the art of constructing cinematic portrayals. GEORGE NEWNES LIMITED Tower House, Southampton Street, Strand, London, W.C.2 RECORDING SERVICE RECORDING We need not enlarge upon our reputation in this direction, 900 films speak for themselves, we ARE the leaders in this field. RE-RECORDING We have now installed the very latest THREE CHANNEL re-recording equipment, and can offer you re-recording of the same high quality which has made Imperial what it is to-day, at very reasonable terms. MOBILE TRUCK Complete in every detail from £10 per day, or £50 per week. Imperial Sound Studios 84 Wardour Street Ger. 1963