International photographer (Jan-Dec 1935)

Twenty-two 7 he INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER April, 193L More About the Crosene Color Process The March issue of International Photographer announced to the motion picture industry the final development of a new method of color reproduction on the screen. The article described in a somewhat general way the Crosene Four-Component Additive system in its application to color cinematography. Some further information concerning the Crosene Process may be of interest to our readers at this time. It was pointed out in the previous article that this new color system exists as a four-component process for the reproduction of all colors within the visible spectral range. These four color components are derived from an original two color negative separation recorded on a specially treated bi-pack film. A bi-pack negative, as is well known, will separate spectral light into two ranges: one, the orange-red, or lower end of the spectrum ; and the blue-green, or upper end. Crosene has devised a method whereby each of these original monochrom separations may be separated further into precise derivatives of specific color value. That is to say, after the bi-pack negative has split the spectral light into two wave-length ranges (400 to 580 and 580 to 700), Mr. Moreno, the inventor of the Crosene Process, has worked out a method whereby any wavelength which falls within either of these two ranges may be precisely selected in the laboratory for reproduction on the screen, provided such bi-pack film has been treated by the Crosene Process before exposure. This explains to Mime extent the remarkable latitude possessed by the system for the reproduction of any color within the visible spectral range. The Crosene Process is not limited to four components, but because a four-component system lends itself most readily to the conventional practices of motion picture reproduction today, Crosene has adopted it. With the exception of lenticular base film and similar additive processes, the color components of any additive system must be at once both identic and isomorphous if perfect registration is to be achieved on the screen ; and in addition, each component must be reoresented within the area of a normal frame if multiple frame advancement is to be eliminated and a normal film speed maintained. The Crosene Process does not depend on a specialized positive film base for its color By Silvio del Sarto values. The four components of the Crosene Process are represented by four identic isomorphous frames of different color value within the area normally occupied by a single frame, and each of these reduced frames passes light through its corresponding color filter during projection. The four frames represent color values derived from the red, yellow, blue and green sections of the spectrum. In addition to the practical advantage which this arrangement offers, there is also a physiological advantage which cannot be overlooked. The more color sensations the retina of the eye receives, the less fatigue will be felt by the observer. Hence a three color process is less tiring than a two, and a four less than a three. Although there are four reduced frames within the area of a conventional black and white frame, actually the image itself has been reduced but one-half. It might seem that such a reduction must give rise to "grain" trouble when the image is increased to normal screen size. Such, however, is not the case. When the images from the original negatives are optically reduced so also is the negative "grain"; and when the final release prints are obtained, the positive "grain" which normally might be expected to be present, is so small a factor as to be negligible because the four frames are superimposed on the screen and the location of the emulsion particles of each frame varies to give an even smoother effect than normally. The Crosene Process possesses three very great advantages, which are expected to completely revolutionize current practice in color cinematography. The first of these is the precision with which any color within the visible spectral range may be faithfully and consistently reproduced on the screen ; the second is the economy with which this may be done ; and the third is the time element in production, including the making of release prints, which compares favorably with conventional monochrome practice. The Crosene Process is now able to give to the producer a greater latitude of color rendition on the screen and, which is of the utmost importance, at exactly the same cost for his release prints as he would normally pay for black and white. Res ipsa loquitur. (In subsequent issues Crosene will publish other articles concerning the Crosene Process with specific references to camera and projection technique, application to other branches of photography, and laboratory technique in the production of Crosene Color. — Editor's Note.) THE 1935 ROLLEIFLEX SALON An exhibition of photographic prints made by Rolleifiex photographers will be shown on May 15, at the new enlarged display and show rooms of Burleigh Brooks, 127 W. 42nd St., New York. Col. Edward Steichen, internationally renowned authority and recognized as one of the world's leading photographers, will constitute a one-man jury to judge the prints submitted to the 1935 Rolleiflex Salon. A number of awards will be made to contestants whose work is adjudged outstanding by Col. Steichen. These awards will be comprised of cameras, and other photographic materials and successful participants may select any type of camera or photographic accessory which they desire. All in all, there will be approximately 45 awards amounting to $300 in value. The first award will be a first class, eighteen-day Caribbean sea cruise, fully paid on the beautiful S. S. Pastores, of the Colombian Steamship Lines, Inc.; the second, $50; the third, $25, and a number of smaller awards, all in merchandise. Contestants will be limited to four prints each. Sizes of mounts must not exceed 16x20 inches. Prints need not necessarily be enlarged. The exhibition is open to everybody. Further details, labels, etc., from your dealer or write to Burleigh Brooks, 127 W. 42nd Street, New York. Please mention The International Photographer when corresponding with advertisers.