International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1936)

18 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST August 1936 making it dangerous to immediately thread another reel into the projector. If the film comes into contact with the cooling plate in the process, a fire is almost certain to ensue. The moral is that an asbestos cooling plate is better than a top magazine full of ashes. S. Cooley Manchester, N. H. The moral is, too, that the film should not come in contact with the cooling plate. If the film gets pig-headed and insists upon so doing, then an asbestos plate is a swell idea. Incidentally, we thought that those Boston fellers once ran some tests designed to show the heat-retention characteristics of mechanisms after running film with Suprex arcs. We never really hoped to lay both Cooley and the Boston fellers in the aisles in one breath. More 'Conversion' Data; A Distinguished Visitor Relative to your editorial in I. P. on the conversion of low-intensity lamps by substituting larger reflectors ("An 80% Increase in Light for Only $30," — June, 1936, p. 19) : we have installed them here and find that they are a great improvement. Naturally, the light is not increased by 80%, but the process does enable us to increase the light, with a clear, white, even light over the entire screen. I would say that this is money well spent, although the results are not comparable with Suprex. We were visited recently by the celebrated F. H. Richardson, who gave us a lecture (or sumpthin). After leaving he proceeded to give us a "riteup" (by Gad) regarding the distance of our screen from the front row of seats. Having been in the picture business since 1913 (dad bing it) I fail to see where projectionists can rebuild the theatres in which they happen to work to suit themselves. Incidentally, "Father" Richardson's lecture started, proceeded and ended with the phrase, "I am ashamed of you." Frank J. McInrow Warners' Majestic Theatre Mansfield, Ohio. As previously stated, this "conversion" process will be discussed in detail next month. In passing, it might be mentioned that whether more or less light be obtained from a low-intensity lamp, the quality of the light remains the same. Also, new reflectors are available any time to those who desire to purchase them. More about this in I. P. for Sept. Deficiencies in Model S.M.P.E. Room Layouts I have just had occasion to consult the model projection room layouts, prepared by the Projection Practice Committee of the S.M.P.E. and published in your Sept., 1935, issue, p. 16, and I note what appear to be deficiencies therein. Witness: 1. No light has been provided upon entry into the room. This light should be located in the center of the room, controlled by a pair of three-way switches, one at each of the two entrances. According to the layout — or, rather, the omissions therein — one would have to grope in the dark for a string to pull. 2. No outlet has been provided for an electric clock, no longer a luxury but a projection room necessity. 3. A lighting panel should be provided, containing branch circuit fuses, for the projection room outlets only. While these are personal opinions, I ^Regular' Simplex Off Market, Replaced By rSuper' Head MOTION PICTURE projection history was written on August 1 when the Regular Simplex rear and front-shutter projector mechanisms were withdrawn from the market, as a result of the marked preference of the trade for the Super Simplex mechanism. The latter is now the only type of projector mechanism being marketed by International Projector Corp. At the same time, and to further encourage more widespread use of modern projector heads, the list price of the Super Simplex mechanism was reduced to S650, which figure reflects a reduction of almost $200 since this mechanism was introduced. The new price approximates that of the old Regular rearshutter mechanism. Among the improvements of the Super Simplex over the old Regular mechanism are: a heavy main frame, hardened intermittent, burnished bearings, hardened shafts, built-in rear shutter, heavy cast iron film trap, removable gate, substantial lens mount, heavier and larger enclosing covers, etc. Greater ease of operation, reduced maintenance costs and improved dependability as a result of these improvements are counted upon by the manufacturer to more than offset the moderate additional cost of the Super mechanism. The old Regular Simplex mechanism, like so many projectionists still active in the field, sort of "growed up" with the motion picture business, having been a projection standby for more than 26 years. Now it is considered to have outlived its usefulness; but for nearly three decades it ground out countless billions of feet of film on projection firing lines throughout the world. Many projectionists will recall the Titanic struggle between Simplex and Powers for dominance in the projection field, the former finally emerging the victor. think they will find agreement among the craft generally. George A. Bishop, Jr. Fall River, Mass. Considering these comments in order: (1) Of course there should be three-way switches at entrances. The drawings referred to don't show these switches, although there is nothing about the layout to prevent their inclusion in any room. (2) The idea about the room clock is a good one. Specifications show no outlet for same because positioning is largely a matter of personal preference. (3) A panel is shown in the specs., although not fused as Mr. Bishop suggests. Although I. P. is not authorized to speak for the Projection Practice Committee, it should be mentioned, in fairness to this group, that these room layouts were intended only as temporary specs, to fill an urgent need at the time, two projector manufacturers having filed notices of intention to so alter, their designs as to necessitate a radical revision of layouts in the near future. Unquestionably the Committee will make available shortly permanent specifications which will include these changes. Insulation, Gear Lubrication, Film Cleaning, S.M.P.E. Reports Could you answer the following questions for a new subscriber who appreciates greatly the wealth of information in each issue of I. P.: (1) What is the best insulation to be placed between projector bases and a concrete floor? (2) Do you approve of the use of graphite on gears in projector mechanisms? (3) What is the most practical method for projectionists to clean film, and does a lot of cleaning injure the emulsion? (4) Relative to the model S.M.P.E. projection room layouts, which type is the new Super Simplex stand? (5) What is the best of the aforementioned layouts for a room 10' x 10' x 18', with room for two projectors and an effect machine? (6) To whom are the S.M.P.E. reports available? Joseph W. Spradling Bancroft, Iowa. Answering the foregoing queries in order: (1) None. Projectors should not be mounted on a base having even slight resiliency. (2) No. Graphite has a tendency to lump up and may cause trouble in gears. Use a medium-heavy grade of automobile oil. (3) It is the function of the exchange, not the projectionist, to clean film, which should be delivered clean. However, a little carbon tetrachloride solution will answer the purpose. Excessive cleaning eventually will affect the emulsion; but this is hardly a projectionist's concern. A clean mechanism is the best insurance for clean film. (4) A new stand for the Super Simplex is now in work and will be ready shortly. (5) On the basis of always aiming high, the medium-size layout. (6) S.M.P.E. reports are printed in the Journal which is mailed monthly to all members. Attractive is associate membership at $5 annually.