Home Movies (Jan-Dec 1940)

PAGE 12 HOME MOVIES FOR JANUARY Authored by Chas. W. Herbert g,oo a. h ome movied • If you've never used a cine camera before, it's a wise idea first to practice loading and unloading it, according to Charles Herbert. This chop seems to be having a little difficulty — obviously too much loop! The first rule for the successful use of your camera is to have confidence in its ability to make pictures you want. It is just about safe to say that any narrow gauge camera which is offered for sale by any reputable concern today is capable of making perfect pictures — that is, if you learn its operation, treat it well and give it a chance to click in front of worth-while subjects while it is properly adjusted. Without question, this same rule applies to professionals entrusted with the most complicated, delicate or important work. No production cameraman, newsman or commercial photographer would think of starting a job with a new camera without first trying it out. Just as a hunter learns the feel of his gun or an aviator senses how a plane responds to the controls, you should learn Photo by G. IV. Cushman the feel of your camera. You must know just how to load it, just where to set the focus, just when and where to change the speed, just what touch to use on the trigger and just how it sounds in true operation. If you have never used a camera before, it is a wise idea to spend enough time practicing how to load and unload it, how to set the focus, how to set the exposure and speed, and how to hold and operate the camera. Use a blank strip of film to practice loading and make all kinds of imaginary set-ups and scenes before you put in a load of real film. Make a general view, follow it with medium shots and close-ups and try to work out a sequence of shots that tell a story. Two hours spent in this manner will be of immeasurable value to you after you actually start to make pictures. A serious-minded aviator-to-be would not be allowed to, nor would he want to, take a plane into the air until he had practice on the ground. Don’t take off on a picture taking spree until you are sure of your controls and know when, what and where to do and what not to do. A plane can be cracked up by one false move, and a camera can be ruined with mistreatment in loading and operating. Besides, a lot of film can be spoiled, time and effort lost merely by making the wrong settings on your camera dials. Loading the camera and setting the control dials is purely mechanical and can be mastered easily. Practice until you can load with ease and put your fingers on the right place without fumbling. If the camera is loaded properly, it has a definite, recognizable sound in operation. When trouble develops, due to some mistake on your • Continued, on page 44 A WINTER SCENE in which an Aero-2 filter was wisely used to render proper tonal values in sky, snow, and ice-covered lake. This makes a nice main-title background for any winter-filmed home movie. Photo by Ross W. Madden