International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1954)

short subjects. This is essentially the idea involved in Harry Rubin's famous Magnascope lens, the judicious use of which increases the effectiveness of mob scenes and other spectacular shots, especially when photographed in natural color. Special Aperture Plofes When such a lens is used as a novelty, it is necessary to have a large screen and motor-controlled, or manually-operated, movable masking in order to expose the entire area of the large screen for the highly magnified picture. Moreover, since the bottom edge of the regular, small picture and the bottom edge of the large picture coincide, there must be some provision for raising the image somewhat when the short-focus lens is used. This may be done by inserting a special aperture plate having a slightly lower window, or else by raising the shortfocus lens so that its axis lies above and parallel to the optical axis of the projector. Because it is impossible to switch quickly from one lens to another for special scenes within a reel, even when each lens is clamped in a prefocused mount, the most that can ordinarily be done is to use the short-focus lens for selected whole reels. It is always possible, of course, to break up a long reel into several short rolls; but this procedure is bothersome to the projectionist and discountenanced by the film exchanges. All of these difficulties may be hurdled by using a "zoom" lens. This is a lens of variable focal length. When it is desired to enlarge the picture, the projectionist merely turns a knob which alters the distance separating the several elements of this specialeffects lens. Motor-controlled masking is mandatory with the zoom lens because the regular-size picture does not look pleasing on an open, oversized screen. This is a considerable expense. 'Trick' Lenses— Yes, But . . . At all events, the zoom lens should not be used for regular projection when no zoom effect is to be used. A lens can be adequately corrected optically for one definite focal length only. Change the focal length by changing the distance between the elements, and serious aberrations creep in to mar the picture. "Trick" lenses, therefore, should be reserved only for EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES fbrSV^^y Theatre /l/ee<^f NAT I occasional use, and never kept on for the projection of an entire show. It should be remembered that a large part of their effectiveness is due to the change which takes place in the size of the picture before the eyes of the audience. The cost of a zoom lens is even more shocking than that of a CinemaScope lens. Unlike all other projection lenses, zoom lenses have moving parts and are custom-built. The average theatre cannot afford them. [TO BE CONCLUDED] lA OBITUARIES James G. Campion, 66, charter member of Local 498, Kansas City, Kans., died February 11 from a heart attack. A native of Canada, he came to Kansas City in 1903 and helped to organize Local 498. He served the Local as its business representative for 30 years until 1949, when ill health forced him to resign from office. His son, Edward, was elected to that post upon his father's retirement. During World War H, Campion was a special organizer for the AF of L, and also serv ed on the Wyandotte rationing board. ' He is survived by his wife and son. Harry W. Williams, 58, president of Local 626, Nashville, Tenn., succumbed to a heart attack on February 3 as he was about to report for work at Loew's Theatre, where he had been employed for the past 30 years. "Puddy" Williams, as he was knovm to all his friends, was a charter member of the Local and was extremely popular with the membership. William F. Weisheit, 64, member of Los Angeles Local 150 since 1928 and a charter member of Hollywood Studio Projectionists Local 165, died suddenly on February 6. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, Weisheit came to California just before the turn of the century. He joined the projection department of 20th CenturyFox studios in 1928. In 1933 he was appointed projection supervisor for Fox studios, a post he held until the time of his death. Weisheit was a highly skilled technician and was active in the pioneering development of 20th Century-Fox's CinemaScope and stereophonic sound. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. Masonic services were held in Beverly HiUs, Calif., on Wednesday, February 10. Fox Restricts 'Scope Lenses Use of Japanese and German anamorphic lenses for the showing of CinemaScope pictures released by 20th CenturyFox seems to be effectively ruled out in new contract terms with exhibitors set by the film company. The contracts, it is understood, call for the use of Bausch & Lomb or Bell & Howell lenses only. How Many? Was this copy dog-eared when it came to you? How many men read it ahead of you? You would receive a clean, fresh copy if you had a personal subscription— and you wouldn't have to wait— you would be first to read it. Use coupon below. INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST, 19 WEST 44 St., New York 36, N. Y. n 1 year— 12 issues— $2.50 n 2 years-24 issues-$4.00 Enter my subscription for Foreign and Canada: Add 50c per year. Name _ Address City Zone. State. 34 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST • MARCH 1954