International photographer (Jan-Dec 1937)

PHOTOGRAPHER (Tradewinds — Cont.) NOVEMBER, 1937—11 ill.). Features of the equipment are: Complete operation from lot A.C. supply, dark room facilities, simplicity of operation, adequate storage space, comfort and appearance. The multiple-channel re-recording trailer is designed along similar lines and is a versatile unit which, with its signaling and remote control systems, permits its use with all other recording equipment to form a complete channel. The requirements for all degrees of portability on location work have been excellently met by the adaptation of a portable recording channel to a two-ton, standard-body truck. From a utility standpoint this channel incorporates many design features which make its use highly desirable for this class of service. The recording console is standard with that of the recording trailer. An internal batterymotor-generator power supply allows threeday location operation without recharging. When available, three-phase alternating current allows full channel and motor system operation for any length of time desired. Channel operation is possible on single-phase alternating current. Three-phase motor systems expedite recording. The equipment is removable from the truck for extreme, "trunk" channel, portability. Changes from one recording condition to another are accomplished by one master switch. "A Mobile Sound Recording Channel"; L. T. Goldsmith, Warner Brothers Pictures, Inc., Burbank, Calif. (15 Min.) . A location-truck recording channel is described jhat incorporates latest equipment and operating features. All the advantages and facilities of a fixed installation are retained in the unit without sacrificing its mobility or simplicity of operation. The equipment used was built for Warner Bros, by the RCA Manufacturing Company. Recordings are of either the standard bilateral or push-pull variable-width type, and are made using ultra-violet light exposure of the film. High-quality circuits are used from microphones to the recording machine. Monitoring is accomplished with high-speed volume indicators and high-fidelity headphones. Facilities are provided for operating the portable mixer case either inside of the truck or remotely at distances up to 1,000 feet. A collapsible dural microphone pole is carried, and several wind and rain screens are provided to permit recording under adverse conditions. "A Device for Cleaning the Sound-track of Motion Picture Film During Projection"; R. V. Fisher, Flower City Specialty Co., Rochester, N. Y. (Demonstration) (15 Min.). A device for cleaning the sound track or zone on which sound is recorded. Comprises a compact attachment applicable to all existing projectors without alteration of projector mechanism. It is simple and sturdy in operation. Its object is to improve reproduction of recorded sound by removing completely all dirt, dust and lint that lodges on the sound track during the process of projection, rewinding and shipping. "A Recorder for Making Buzz-Tracks"; E. W. Kellog, RCA Manufacturing Co., Inc., Camden, N. J. (10 Min.). Only requirement of a buzz track is that the track be of correct width and properly located with respect to edge of film nearest track, and that sound produced by a weave in one direction shall be readily distinguishable from that which results when film is displaced in the other direction. It is better that the buzz track film should be a direct recording rather than a print since there is less chance of inaccurate location. A simple recorder has been constructed for the sole purpose of making buzz track film. It can readily be converted for 16 mm. All possible precautions are taken to insure correct track width and location. In view of the small amount of buzz track required, it is assumed that only one such machine will be needed by a sound department. Afternoon — Sound Session. "Recording Tests on Some Recent HighResolution Experimental Emulsions"; J. 0. Baker, RCA Manufacturing Co., Inc., Camden, N. J. (20 Min.). The effect of. and conditions for, image definition in variable width sound recording are discussed in a separate paper. "Modu lated High Frequency Recording as a Means of Determining Conditions for Optimum Processing." Page 6, Column 3. ) There it is shown that present commercial sound recording emulsions have least distortion at a very low density accompanied with an undesirable amount of ground noise if used as a positive. A new experimental emulsion. Eastman Kodak Co. 0-7461-1, differs from present emulsions in that it has extremely high resolution and minimum distortion at a density of approximately 1.5. Speed of this emulsion is less than regular recording stocks, but since it is used with white light and no filter is required, sufficient densities are readily obtained with present optical systems. These characteristics offer possibilities heretofore not obtainable. Advantage of using this emulsion for direct playbacks will be realized whether recording is standard, Class "A" push-pull or Class "B" push-pull. The inherent perfection of image definition in the new emulsion means increased processing tolerances in adjusting the Class "F" system for perfect cross-over between the negative and positive half-waves. "Reduction of Loop-Length Variations in Non-Slip Printers"; E. W. Kellogg, RCA Manufacturing Co., Inc., Camden, N. J. (20 Min.). Compensation for varying degrees of film shrinkage is accomplished in the Bedford NonSlip Printer by changes in the length of a loop of film between a sprocket and the printing point. This involves an uncertainty of synchronism by the amount which the loop, as first threaded, differs in length from the final running loop. For most purposes, the present designs do not cause more change in loop length than may be readily tolerated. For certain purposes, especially if this type of printer is to be employed for 16 mm. films, there may be too much departure for synchronism. A guide roller arrangement is described by which the necessary change in angle of approach of the raw stock to the printing point is attained with a comparatively small change in loop length. HARRY SHERMAN'S GANG. Above, Stillman Donald McKenzie caught the "Hopalong Cassidy" unit at scene 659, appropriate with so many members of Local 659 grouped around camera. Seated are Gene Strong, producer; Les Selander. director; standing by Bill Boyd (on the horse) is actor Russell Hayden;; behind camera, Perry Finnerman, ass't ; Harry Merland, operative; Ray Flinsky, ass'P, and standing left to right: Jack "Buck" Adams, head grip; Harlow Stengel, ass*t; Russell Harlan, director of cinematography; Junius Stout, ass't. Right, snapped at work in the Alabama hills, left to right, Selander and assistant directors Derwin Abrahams and "Doc" Joos, Harland, Otto Pearce and Flinsky.