The Cine Technician (1935-1937)

40 The Journal of the Association of Cine-Technicians Aug. -Oct., 1936 i i Cinema Log'' By Kenneth Gordon Care of Modern Lenses. Interesting fact gleaned from the International Technical Glass Congress, which was held in London and Sheffield, dealing with optical glasses now being made in England, is that the newer glasses are prone to more ills than the older crowns and flints. Deuse Barium crown glass, which is used for the construction of modern high-class wide aperture lenses, is very difficult to manufacture in such a way that it is entirely free from colour and bubbles. It is liable to tarnish on account of its chemical composition. Lenses should be kept in a dry place, free from dust, and be capped at both ends. They should be cleaned on an old linen handkerchief which has been frequently washed. If these precautions are observed there should be no fear that damage will occur to the fragile glass components of our modern cine lenses. Mr. John Maxwell's Resignation. Regret Mr. John Maxwell's resignation from the F.B.I. If his dissatisfaction with the quota demands of the Federation are beneficial to the film industry, in which he has such a large interest, he surely should have stayed to fight his case and attempt to convince the majority of members by his forcible personality, backed with facts and figures. Developer for Miniature Negatives. The still-worker will be interested in a new chemical manufactured by the house of Johnson, under the name of "Meritol," which has a definite advantage over other agents in the production of negatives of the finest possible grade. A number of our members are using Leica cameras to produce publicity stills and this developer gives beautiful negatives from 14 mins. in the case of Kodak Panatomic, 28 mins. Kodak Supersensitive Pan, and 32 mins. Agfa Isopan. It is necessary, in all cases, to give full exposure, but no increase is necessary above common practice. The solution can be used at a temperature of 65 degrees F., and although it is not essential it is advisable to use distilled water in the making of the solution. Shortly after mixing, the solution turns to a clear, bright yellow, which gradually deepens on exposure to the air. In spite of this, the developer may be used repeatedly and will keep well if stored in well corked bottles. Negatives obtained by this developer have many of the characteristics of physical development, being brown or warm black by transmitted light and cream by reflected light, and enlargements of 20 diameters or even more may be obtained without noticeable grain. It is advisable to wash the negatives for a minute or two between development and fixing, and to keep the fixing bath at approximately the same temperature as the developer. An acid fixing bath is preferable and great care should be taken to keep the negati\e free from dust during the drying. It's to be Elstree. Now tliat the Denliani tluuider lias died down it is interesting to note tiie progress that is being made "down Elstree way." Joe Rock, supported by J. H. lies of Margate fame, is building five stages, two of which are nearing completion. The Amalgamated lot will open in September. This will be, it is claimed, the finest independent studio in the world, and the lighting is the last word in modern progress. Rumour has it that the B. & D. lot will be rebuilt by Herbert Wilcox Productions. And Tudor Films will build some stages close by. No definite word yet when B.I. P. will reconstruct their old stages. Filming in the Shetland Isles. News from John Behr of the Joe Rock Camera crew, now filming "The Edge of the World," under the direction of Michael Powell in those rugged Northern Isles. They sailed from Sunderland in the Wear Pilot Cutter "Vedra," which has been chartered by the film company to act as depot ship. She is a fine vessel, noted for her rolling, so pity the poor technicians. The good ship is loaded with camera and sound equipment, props and housing for the artists and staff ashore. They arrived at the Island of Foula, seventy miles north of the Orkneys, with a thick fog and a heavy sea running. The gear had to be landed in small boats — a very ticklish job. By the way, it's "cameraman and sailor too" on this job. They all take watches during the various voyages and the camera crew steered the ship through a fleet of herring drifts. The practice they have had "dollying" has come in very useful. The light in these northern parts, says John, is excellent, the night only being of one hour's duration. The unit is living ashore in huts, with one hutment for messing. There is only one shop on the island and strong drink is only taken by the inhabitants two or three days a year, at the New Year festival. They say that what strikes you about the island is that there are no bricks, trees or beer — all ver\annoying ! If you should be thirsty, drinking water is situated a quarter of a mile from the huts. They have had some very good shooting weather and some excellent shots have been obtained. The island of Foula has the highest cliffs in the British Isles, and the sea around is very dangerous, the scenery wild in the extreme. Hard work has to be put in getting the cameras and a sound gear to the various points for exteriors. The unit expects to be on the island for two or three months, and has been marooned for se\-eral days from the main land owing to the very rough weather. Press Photographers Organise. Fleet Street lias just held a meeting which was \-ery well attended and formed the British Press Piiotographers Association, under the chairmanship of Billy Horton of the Times. A very strong committee has been elected, repressenting Newspaper Staff, Agency and Free Lance Piiotographers. Rules are being drawn up and it is hoped a joint meeting with be held with our New.sreel Section who have so mucli in common with tlieir Press colleagues.