Home Movies (1944)

PACE 196 HOME MOVIES FOR MAY WIRES CONNECTING LAMP WITH BASE CARDBOARD TUBE THE EXPERIMENTAL Copying Lamp Where light of reduced intensity is required in a projector used for duplicating or copying film, excellent results may be obtained by replacing regular projector bulb with a regular j^/z watt lamp built up as shown in accompanying sketch. Fitted to the base of an old discarded projector bulb is a tube of heavy cardboard or bakelite of required length. Two wires soldered to base of 7 J/2 watt bulb are extended through the tube, as shown, and soldered to projector bulb base, completing the unit. This, inserted in lamphouse in place of regular projection lamp, provides right amount of printing light for copying work. — W. G Stunden, Calgary, Alfa., Canada. Film Scorei Below is a simple film scorer that any movie fan can build for himself in a few odd hours. Material consists of 2 pieces of celluloid z"xy"xi/i6" thick (items No. 1), 2 pieces of celluloid i"x3"xi/64" thick (items No. 2), 6 small bolts 1/16" diameter x 5/16" iong, with nuts (items No. 3), and 1 Gem type razor blade (item 4). The spacer pieces (item 2) are cut larger than needed, but can be trimmed flush with item No. 1 after final adjustment. A slot is cut in one piece of item 1. This slot is J/2" long, centrally located and just wide enough to accommodate the thickness of a razor blade. This is important as too wide a slot will allow play in the blade and accuracy in scoring the film cannot be had. After assembly of items 1, 2 and 3, items No. 2 can be set the width of 16mm. film, locating each item 8mm. from slot. The distance between items No. 2 can be held accurately if a piece of 16mm. film is slipped between them. In scoring the film, it should be pulled through the scorer while holding the blade in position shown. A very light pressure should be applied to the blade. A fine line scored on the film is sufficient to break the film with a clean edge. It is important that scoring is done on the emulsion side only! In breaking the film after scoring, the film should be folded with the emulsion side outward until film snaps. After split is started in film continue pulling film through fingers until entire length is separated. Several trials with small pieces of film should be made so as to adjust centering pieces (item No. 2) to obtain finest accuracy. After adjusting, bolts should be tightened securely. — Don W. Koss, Berwyn, 111. Reference Record Since I first began taking movies, I have kept an accurate record of every shot on 3"x5" file cards. This may seem quite a bother to some, but in these days when every shot must count, I find it an invaluable aid in judging correct aperture setting for subsequent filming. It is all the more useful since good exposure meters are so difficult to obtain. Memory sometimes fails but the card always has the data. I start a new card with every roll of film, thus making it very easy to compare results with different brands of film. On each card I record the type and speed of the film; date picture was shot; time of day; aperture setting; and weather conditions. A review of the cards enables me to calculate exposures for shooting at a later date under similar conditions. — Burton Alvis, Middletawn, Calif. SUPPLY REEL FILM NOTCH . NOTCH ON fILM / /-j£j/-.TOP SPROCKET ' ON PROJECTOC 'Syncing' Record and Film Here is an idea for "sound-minded" amateurs who employ records played on turntables to provide sound for home movies. Where trouble is encountered in cueing sound with film or in starting record and film simultaneously at the right point each time, use one of the stroboscope discs which were printed in the September 1942 issue of Home Movies, placing it upon the record turntable. Place turntable next to projector so that spill light from film gate falls upon the stroboscope, and adjust projector or turntable (or both) until synchronization is indicated by stabilization of lines on the stroboscope. With projector threaded, start projector and turntable simultaneously with player needle in first groove of record. A few tests will be necessary to determine where a starting mark must be placed on film in order that scene or opening title will appear on screen simultaneously with beginning of music. In these tests, make temporary marks on edge of film with soft pencil or crayon, then when exact starting point is determined, cut notch in edge of film as shown in sketch. Notch should correspond with some particular position of film in the projector as at top of first sprocket as pictured here. Thereafter, film should be threaded in projector with notch in this position,