The motion picture projectionist (Oct 1928-Oct 1929)

January, 1929 The Motion Picture Projectionist 27 Another view of the Mechau projector 16. Timepiece. 17. Speed indicator. 21. Large film gate. 23. Film tension shoe. 55. Sector mirror. 56. Gate adjusting nob. 57. Oil Gauge. 60. Film track (adjustable) . 35. Safety catch. 34. Self-locker, shutting the light off at a speed of less than 8 pictures per second. 62. Mirror frame. 38. Upper sprockets. 37. Upper magazine. 65. Oil filter. 66. Oil reservoir. 70. Lower sprocket. minds of projectionists the operation of this machine. Turning around a main axis are eight visible mirrors. These mirrors, while revolving, are also undulating, or rocking. To this end they are connected to a curved ring on which they are guided. The movement of these mirrors must of necessity co-ordinate with the movement of the film to gain a satisfactory result, as the smallest difference produces a hazy picture and poor definition. Recently several improvements have been effected in the optical system of the Mechau projector. To improve the picture and to reduce the light losses, the rays passing the aperture are moving with the film picture by means of the rotating and rocking mirrors. Other improvements include the development of an oiling system whereby the oiling of the mechanism is accomplished from one central reservoir (shown in the illustration). Also, the ever-present danger of fire has bzeen reduced to a minimum. A long, air-tight film channel will smother any ignition of the film at the very start. An automatic fire shutter will cut the light rays at a speed of less than 40 feet per minute. Another special advantage of this type of projector is its great changeability of speed without in the least affecting the steadiness and sharpness of the picture. The speed control is similar to the one employed on the Simplex projector (American). Any type of reflector or high intensity lamp can be used on the Mechau. Application to Sound It should be mentioned that this continuous projector is especially adapted for the projection of sound film. Those acquainted with the projection of sound films know that its success depends on the easy and indistinguishable movement of the film, which must, of course, be in perfect condition. To keep a film in this perfect condition is one of the important functions of any good projector. The Mechau projector will run a film a great number of times without damaging it even to the smallest extent. For this reason alone a projector of continuousmovement type possesses a distinct advantage over the mechanical-intermittent type. The difference in the quality of picture obtained by a continuous projector and that projected by a mechanical-intermittent type is most pronounced, and many a casual observer has noticed the soothing effect of a ^=2=-^ KLIEGL SPOTLIGHT No. 1700 A N exceptionally powerful, long t/1. distance, spotlight, floodlight* and effect projector — of greatly improved design; complete — providing in a single unit everything required for white lighting, color lighting, framing, fading and spotlight attachments; having all controls centralized, and other accommodations to facilitate convenient, speedy and easy operation; 125 amperes; projects any distance up to 150 feet; gives anything required from a 4-ft. spot to a 50-ft. flood — and all colors desired. Write for full details, OTHER KLIEGL SPECIALTIES Footlights Borderlights Exit Signs Aisle Lights Dimmers Spotlights Floodlights Sciopticons Color Wheels Color Frames Color Rolls Color Boxes Music Stands Connectors Plugging Boxes Floor Pockets Scenic Effects Shutters Color Mediums Color Caps Lamp Coloring. Terminal Lugs Resistances Stage Cable m Universal Electric Stage Lighting Co., inc. 321 West 50th Street NEW YORK, N.Y. picture without knowing that the results were obtained with a Mechau. The superiority of the continuous-type projector is, however, immediately apparent to those who understand the principle of the "optical dissolve." Renewal Notice ! Subscription renewal notices are now being mailed out. Watch for yours and return it promptly, so you will not miss any issues.