International photographer (Jan-Dec 1934)

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Twenty-six The INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER August, 1934 LOOKING DOWN ON THE ROOF OF THE WORLD (From Kinematograph Weekly, London) MOST interesting description of the Houston WffiOld Mount Everest Expedition was given by Lt.tSSlli Col. L. V. Stewart Blacker, O.B.E., at a Royal Photographic Society meeting. Col. Blacker's lecture was illustrated by slides of outstanding pictorial quality, several of which had been enlarged from the kinematograph films taken by the G.-B. cameramen, Bonnet and Fisher. Col. Blacker explained that the expedition had three objects — vertical photography for mapping purposes, oblique photography, and kinematography. He paid tribute to the patriotism of Lady Houston, through whom the expedition had been rendered possible. Frozen Celluloid He proceeded to outline some of the difficulties which had to be overcome, owing to the intense cold and rarefied air. Celluloid, for example, froze and became brittle at such low temperatures, and it was necessary to have internal heating elements in all the photographic apparatus, and also to surround it by heated blankets. Owing to the fierce winds encountered at high altitudes, there was considerable difficulty in allowing for drift, and the method of setting the camera in the reverse direction to the angle of drift was explained. The Williamson Eagle camera used gave 140 exposures each 5 in. x 5 in., and included also records of time, compass bearing, altitude and serial number ; the camera was entirely automatic in operation, and made exposures at pre-determined intervals, a red light appearing on the pilot's instrument board as a signal to hold the plane steady while the exposure was made. The hand camera used was also a Williamson, while for kinematography a Newman-Sinclair was chosen. Air-Driven Generator All the equipment, including camera motors and heating gear, and energized from a 1,000-watt air-driven generator, the voltage of which had to be kept constant at between 13 and 14 volts by means of a sliding resistance. Col. Blacker created some amusement by describing the complicated heated flying clothing which was necessary for both pilot and observer (although the latter's cockpit was enclosed), about 20 different connections having to be made to various parts of the aeroplane for electricity supply, telephone, oxygen, etc. Another difficulty encountered was that at high altitudes the light was found to be so actinic that it penetrated the close-fitting dark slides, which had to be carefully wrapped up when not in use. On one occasion Mr. Bonnett while using the kine. camera accidentally broke his oxygen pipe, and rapidly became unconscious. Fortunately, he fell in the cockpit near the broken end of the oxygen pipe, and recovered sufficiently to make a temporary repair. Some of the views taken at distances of 100 miles by means of infra-red photography gave a remarkable insight into the possibilities of this medium, objects which had been invisible to the naked eye appearing perfectly sharp and clear. Col. Blacker completed his most thrilling account of the expedition with interesting views of the Nepalese territory. B & L PHOTOGRAPHIC LENS EXHIBIT AT CHICAGO FAIR | HE professional photographer, or the amateur, who visits the Hall of Photography at the Century of Progress will find the Bausch & Lomb Photographic Lens Exhibit an extremely interesting contribution to the science of photography with which Bausch & Lomb has been identified since its beginning. Since 1887, when D. Edward Bausch invented the iris diaphragm shutter which made it possible, for the first time, to take snapshots, a continuous series of patents has been granted on photographic lenses and mountings. One particularly interesting lens in the group on display is the Convertible Protar type, f :6.3 which Captain A. W. Stevens of the Army Air Corps selected for use in the camera that he invented for photographing the earth automatically at regular intervals. Every minute and a half an exposure is made. Through these photographs, checked with the barometric readings, an accurate chart of altitude will be obtained. The camera, focused straight down, will show the curvature of the earth, thus permitting comparatively accurate mathematical measurements of altitude. The Convertible Protar Lens is ideal for this purpose, experiments have proven. Another lens which has won high praise from the Army Air Corps is Aero-Tessar f :6, 24 inch focus. Because of its high correction and its speed this lens has been found exceptionally useful in making precise air maps, a vital phase of national defense. In the movies the Raytar Lenses are being used in the Hollywood studios to make finer pictures, while the Cinephor lenses are equally popular in theatres for the bril liance and clarity of their projection. The news cameraman, driven to secure his snaps hurriedly, uses the Bausch Sc Lomb Tessar Series Ic. and the many excellent newspaper illustrations seen today are made with the B. & L. Process Anastigmat. Such work, in order to obtain orthoscopic effect, requires very accurate glass prisms for the reversing of the image. In industrial photography where correct records are essential, and in police work where they are equally necessary, the Tessar Series lib and the convertible Protar Series Vila lenses are widely used. The portrait photographer used the Bausch & Lomb Sigmar where fine details are desired without harsh contrast. These lenses furnish ample speed in order to record the characteristics of the human face so essential in true portraiture. The Plastigmat is also liked by the professional photographer because of the pleasing softness with which it renders natural likenesses. The increasing popularity of home movies has brought increasing calls for the B. & L. Biophor projection lenses, designed to meet the need for pictures of varied sizes in rooms of many dimensions. The Bausch & Lomb Photographic Lens Exhibit will also show the Compound Shutter, the precise construction of which makes it absolutely dependable at the various speeds indicated. A new and interesting folder on the Convertible Protar Lens is now being prepared by Bausch & Lomb which may be had on request. Please mention The International Photographer when corresponding with advertisers.