Home Movies (1942)

HOME MOVIES FOR JUNE PAGE 239 CIH WORKSHOP Film Storage Photos show a method I use for storing odd shots and scenes for possible future use. I purchased a quantity of round cardboard pill boxes 2^" in diameter and i" in height. On panels of rigid corrugated board i6'/2"xi4" I cemented the boxes in rows, 30 to a panel. Each box is numbered and in a card file I have ^"xS" cards with corresponding numbers on which is written a description of the contents of films placed in the boxes. I have found these pill boxes keep the film in very good condition and have some pieces that have been so stored for eight years. Left photo shows how boxes are arranged on corrugated board and photo at right shows method of storing the panels, stacked one upon the other in numerical order. —W. J. Mitchell, Ithaca, N. Y. Stop-Motion Fades Shown here is a means for improving the Baia Transito, Jr. fading device to facilitate making smooth fades in single frame or stop-motion sequences where fades are made by diminishing exposure for each frame exposed. A paper strip Ys" wide and 10" long is cemented to the rim of the fader, as shown. After inking in the calibrations and numbering same, the strip is then covered with a strip of transparent cellophane tape. The circumference being exactly 10" will divide into 80 Ys" divisions — numbered from i to 40 twice. Forty divisions were chosen because there are 40 frames to a single foot of 1 6mm. film which is the maximum length of a slow fade. The pointer A is made to slip-fit the fader hub so that it may be removed during the interval between 34 and 6, when it would be directly in line with the lens. But beyond these points, it may be left in place. To make the fade, the pointer is set at one of the divisions and then moved one or two points at a time, depending upon length of fade required, the frame exposed, and the procedure repeated until the full cycle of the fade is completed. — G. Hanson, Los Angeles, Calif. HOME MADE REFIECTORS ^JXH' FOIL Ctt^CHT^tO ON eOARb. IN ROWS Reflectors Sunlight reflectors are essential for best results in outdoor photography. They're simple and easy for any amateur to make, too. Required is a piece of wallboard or plywood, 24"x36". The surface is covered with tin foil squares from discarded cigarette wrappers. Lacking these, other materials may be used such as sheet aluminum or tin foil where still be procurable, or a coating of aluminum or chrome enamel. The latter is best as it has a higher lustre than aluminum paint. Where wallboard is used, cut through panel at the center from the back, as shown, bend double, and apply a strip of wide adhesive tape on the uncoated side. This provides a hinge; permits folding reflector to facilitate carrying. Carrying handles may be formed of short lengths of rope inserted in holes at either end. — Wm. H. Dietz, Reading, Penna. Stirring Rod If you've been using glass stirring rods in mixing solutions for home processing of film, you'll appreciate a substitute that eliminates the possibility of breakage inherent in glass. I discovered g.adg.et^y tricks ^ ^Uortcut^ contributedby. Cinebug.^ the plastic iced tea spoons, for sale at five and ten cent stores, excellent for this purpose. They are available in a variety of colors and are unbreakable. By acquiring several — all different colors— one can be used for developer, one for bleach, one for hardener, etc. — Frisco Roberts, Corpus Chrisli, Tex. Lens Cap A good substitute for a rubber lens cap is an ordinary cork trimmed to fit snugly inside rim of the lens. In many instances corks may be found that will fit a lens without any trimming except for length. Corks, being cut tapered, afford a variation of diameters. A cork lens caps also acts as a buffer — safeguarding lens from damage should one accidentally bump camera against a rock or other hard surface when filming in the mountains or afield. — Edgar Robyn, San Diego, Calif. Cable Attachment Many devices have been designed to permit use of a cable release for operating starting button of the Filmo eight. Mine provides for two positions for the cable release, as shown in accompanying photo — one for continuous running and one for single frame exposure. • Continued on Page 2J4