International photographer (Jan-Dec 1934)

Twelve The INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER August, 1934 Miniature Camera Photography By Augustus Wolfman Converting Roll-Film Cameras to Accommodate Cine Film IECENTLY I received a letter from a reader of this department requesting that I write an article on how to adapt a roll-film miniature camera to accommodate 35 mm. motion picture film, claiming that it would be of interest not only to him, but to many of his fellow miniature camera enthusiasts as well. Before going further let me refer you to an article by Paul R. Harmer in the May International Photographer. Actually, when considering general amateur photography, little advantage is gained in the adoption of cine film in preference to roll-film. The market today offers roll-film of all types, including orthochromatic, panchromatic, superspeed, extreme fine-grain, etc. The various types of roll-film available were listed in a former issue, but I shall again include them below together with their general characteristics. The photographer will notice that with perhaps one exception (infra-red sensitive film) a suitable type of roll film is available for the work at hand. Roll-Films Agfa Fine-Grain Plenachrome — orthochromatic, extreme fine-grain. Agfa Superpan — superspeed panchromatic. Eastman Verichrome — orthochromatic. Eastman Panatomic — panchromatic, extreme fine-grain. Eastman Supersensitive Panchromatic — superspeed panchromatic. Gevaert Orthochromatic — orthochromatic. Gevaert Superchrome Express — superspeed, orthochromatic, extreme fine-grain. Perutz Orthochromatic — orthochromatic, grain. Perutz Persensofine-grain. Voigtlander — superspeed, orthochromatic. Despite the number of roll-films mentioned above, there is no doubt that there is a greater variety of cine films; and also, the latter when purchased in bulk is more economical. In converting a roll-film camera to an efficient cine film type it is best to have film magazines in which to load the film, so that the latter can be inserted into the camera in daylight. Roll-film is provided with a protective paper covering which enables it to be inserted into the camera and removed from the latter in daylight. Since 35 mm. film is not packed in this manner, it is necessary to load it into light proof magazines. Either two magazines are used, the film being rolled from one into the other, or one magazine is provided and the mechanism of the camera altered to allow the film to be rolled back into the magazine after it has been completely exposed. The red windows for counting the exposures would be useless due to the absence of the protective paper covering upon which the exposure guide numbers are printed. Some means of guiding the photographer when rolling the film after each exposure will be necessary. This can be simply provided by placing marks on both the winding knob and the body of the camera around the knob, the number of turns of the knob to bring a fresh portion of film in place for exposure being ascertained. Cine film has a tendency to buckle and when the winding knob is turned, instead of moving, the film may merely extreme fine -superspeed, orthochromatic, extreme tighten in the magazine. To eliminate this a sprocket is installed in the camera. The teeth of the sprocket will engage in the perforations along the edges of the cine film and move the latter along. Few miniature photographers have either the equipment or the mechanical skill with which to effect the changes mentioned above. The expense necessary to have a skilled technician alter a roll film camera to accommodate cine film may equal if not exceed the cost of a cinefilm miniature camera, so that even though possible, it doesn't seem advisable to convert a roll-film camera. However, simple means can be devised whereby motion picture film can be used in a roll-film camera without radically changing the mechanism. It will still remain a roll-film miniature. I have experimented with a Foth Derby camera and found a method of successfully using 35 mm. film in it. First of all it is necessary to mask out the aperture to the size of the motion picture film. Stiff cardboard or thin sheet metal will serve the purpose. After cutting the mask it will be necessary to blacken it so that it will not reflect light. The mask can be secured over the camera aperture with small strips of adhesive tape. Use as little of the tape as is necessary and paste the edges down flat, for if there are any upturned corners the tape is liable to catch onto the film while it is being moved in the camera, resulting in the mask shifting or being entirely ripped off. The cine film is inserted into the camera in the same manner as roll-film. After you have exposed and developed a roll-film save the black paper covering. Cut a suitably sized strip of cine film and attach it to the black paper in the same manner as the roll film was secured using gummed paper instead of adhesive tape, for the lat New York Skyline. Taken with a Leica camera, Agfa Superpan film; 1/200 sec, at f:6.3 with Leica No. 1 filter. ter is apt to stick to the camera as the film is being moved, and may rip off. At three or four points along the length of the film, strips of gummed paper are applied Please mention The International Photographer when corresponding with advertisers.