International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1958)

FIG. 2. Standard shutter (left) of the Showtime 8 compared with Elder's modification with openings of 4'/2 degrees, has to be phased only when set up, and then remains in phase as long as the sync generator phasing is not changed. However, we have found our manual phasing set-up quite satisfactory and inexpensive. "Our adaptation with the 900 rpm motor provides a 5 per cent application time, and the projector operates at a film speed of 15 frames per second. The original film, of course, is exposed at 16 frames per second, but the loss of 1 fps in projection is not noticeable on the air. "The projector came with the standard 1-inch lens. This was replaced by a 16-mm 2-inch lens." Note in Fig. 1 that the mounting plate for the external sync motor is also the base plate for the projector, bolted to a pedestal which in turn is bolted to the floor. The pedestal has adjusting leveling screws. The alignment of the sync motor drive shaft to the projector drive shaft is very critical. The motor is mounted in such a way to give firm support, at the same time allow the necessary rotation so it can be phased to the sync generator. (Fig. 4.) As it happens in newspaper work. it may be that the only photographic coverage of a story is from amateur sources. But 8-mm cameras, like most 16-mm operate at 16 frames per second. ■3 tfl * I'm T'Mlir ■ft * y P. 'mm ^k In ~~~ ^^*L. 'i^-OM B3 1 The fact that the film might be Kodachrome is negligible. Color film can be processed as negative black-andwhite and, by reversing the polarity in the video system, it can be transmitted with positive results. Double 8-mm Stock "Our 8-mm camera correspondents are furnished film to have ready when needed," Threfall said. "We purchase the film in bulk (16-mm black-andwhite, perforated for 8-mm) and spool the film ourselves. This is necessary since manufacturers are no longer furnishing 8-mm black-and-white film. "Since our lab processing machine is designed for 16-mm film, there is no problem in handling the double 8-mm stock. After it is processed it is slit to the 8-mm width with inex FIG. 3 Exterior view showing (1) shutter; (2) standard motor that is retained as lamphouse blower; (3) shutter control shaft to external motor shaft. FIG. 4. Control shaft to the external motor plate and control arm for phasing during beginning of the film roll. pensive equipment, then edited and made ready for transmission on the converted Showtime 8 projector." The KAKE-TV staff— Paul Elder, Ben Swart, Ed Storey, Bill Cope, Gary Hultgren, and Bill Henley — all Wichita IA Local 414 members, have also developed an opaque projector of their own design. It can be used on material 4x5 inches to 8 x 10 inches. The projector's present use is for certain news shows that are not on live camera. "The idea of building an opaque projector came up after we read an article concerning one that some small station built which did not have a telop projector," said Elder. "We felt that they had a good idea, but could stand some improvements. We did our experimenting with a wood 3-legged easel, two work bench lights, and several lenses of various focal lengths. We FIG. 5. The opaque projector showing its mounting on the multiplexer. chose a standard 2 25/32-inch diameter 8-inch E.F. lens. "The lens mount is a %-inch thick plate with 21/2-inch rods mounted lengthwise so the lens can be focused by sliding it either direction. Plans for the easel were a joint affair, and it was made at a metal shop. The easel will move in and out, and also has a screw adjustment for vertical positioning. The size of the material to be projected can be as small as 4 x 5 inches, and up to 8 x 10 inches. Two 300w RFL type lamps are used for lighting material on the easel." In response to a request from the station manager, a standard IBM clock was mounted on the wall to show time, temperature, and humidity. With the design of the easel, the clock is picked up through the opening in the center of the easel. The area covered on the clock is 18 x 24 inches. Four RSP-2 photo-spot lamps are used for it. The news room adjoins the projection room, and temperatures and humidity figures are obtained from the weather bureau. SMPTE Convenes in April The next convention of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers will take place April 21-25 at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. One of the expected highlights of the meeting will be a comprehensive exhibit of the latest industry equipment developments. Herbert E. Farmer of the cinema department of the University of Southern California will be chairman of the convention program, and Bernard D. Plakun of General Precision Laboratory heads the papers committee. They expect this 83rd semi-annual conclave to be the biggest and best to date. 12 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST • JANUARY 1958