Home Movies (1949)

Labeling Reels 1\bor-savixg ideas for the legible J labeling of reels and cans are suggested by R. S. Croom, of Norfolk, Va. Scotch tape is used, but an angle that may not have occurred to some is the use of printed numerals and titles in connection with the tape. If transparent tape of suitable width is used, numbers clipped from old calendars may be stuck to the under side, face up, leaving a margin around it to adhere to cans or reels. If librarv films have been purchased, there will usually be a folder or catalog with the title in bold display type, which mav be clipped and fastened on with tape. Typewritten titles mav be clipped and fastened in the same way. If you have occasion to lend films to others, it is a good idea to have your name and address on them. If you don't have a typewriter, just clip your name and address from typewritten envelopes which you receive in the mail. If hand-lettered labels are preferred, opaque tape should be used. Yellow gift wrap tape and India ink, applied with a small Speedball pen, make a good combination. Time Lapse Mechanism A time lapse device, which will take single frames at widely spaced intervals, makes it easy to film such things as the opening of a flower, growth of a plant and the like. Many of the schemes are of an almost unbelievable degree of complication, and it is a pleasure to encounter one which is relatively simple and inexpensive. Frank J. Knaus, of Los Angeles, Calif., constructed it with a few tools at a cost of less than five dollars. (See diagram below.) As constructed, the device fits the Bolex, but any camera with a single frame release could be fitted. The heart of the device is one of the small 1 r.p.m. synchronous electric motors obtainable from most hardware and electrical supply houses. Surplus supply stores have such motors at extremely moderate prices. When a suitable motor has been THE CINE found, only two other parts are required, a bracket and a cam, as shown in the sketch. The bracket, made of yi" sheet aluminum, supports the motor and cam. Exact dimensions depend upon the motor. The bracket may be attached to the tripod head or to a rack-over. The cam is also of yi" aluminum, and in the case of Mr. Knaus' unit was Ifyi" in diameter. A small hub is riveted or otherwise fastened to the cam, with a set screw to hold it securely on the motor shaft. When the device is in its working position, the camera crank is lifted out of the way and the cam set close to the camera body so that it rests solidlv against the single frame release button. The profile of the cam will have to be worked out to fit each case, taking into account three factors: the speed of the motor actually obtained, the desired interval between exposures, and whether instantaneous or time exposures are desired. The one shown in Mr. Knaus' sketches is for a 1 r.p.m. motor, and holds the shutter open for liyi seconds at the rate of three frames per minute. The same device may be used to turn the lights off and on at the same intervals by placing a micro switch so that it will be actuated by the same cam, or by the front camera button. Portable Light Kit The inconvenience of lugging lighting equipment to a particular location for indoor shots may be considerablv reduced by building a stout carrying case into which lamps, reflectors, stands and cables fit neatly, it is pointed out by M. E. Terita, of Bridgeport, Conn. The kit, shown in the photograph, includes a long, narrow case for the tripods, and a capacious double case for everything else. The outfit includes reflectors, diffusers, spotlight, adapters, dimmer, plugs, sockets, exten ■ CASES FORlUGHTS AND TRIPOD COMPARTMENTS SEPARATE UNITS CONTENTS OF ABOVE CASE sions, cords, clamp-on units, screwdriver and pliers. It would be pointless to give constructional details, since no two outfits will be alike, but the idea merits consideration by every one who does any extensive indoor shooting. The outfit could be made even more compact by using the flood and spot lamps with built-in reflector. I0-4-9 518