Movie Makers (Jan-Dec 1931)

MOVIE MAKERS 593 The clinic RUSSELL C. HOLSLAC To reflect ■ By association of ideas, "to reflect" has also come to mean "to consider." Both the original meaning of the term and its important associate should be retained by the amateur cinematographer who would capture reflected images on film. A definite recurrence of interest in the effects to be gained by this novel form of cinematic activity prompts further comment on the subject. The first problem is that of focus, since, when images in curved reflecting surfaces are recorded, the curvature of the surface will affect the focusing of the lens. Hence, the best method for gaining accuracy of focus involves the use of one of the visual focusing devices which have lately appeared. Distorted images in motion, as seen in a curved, silvered surface such as a "garden crystal," give mysterious and intriguing effects on the screen and the solution of the interesting technical problems involved is, in itself, worthy of an amateur's mettle. Lacking a visual focus device, the camera may be set up on a tripod, unthreaded, in the operating position, and a small mirror or one of the gate prisms, sold for the purpose, may be used for visual focusing. The camera is then threaded without altering its position. As to exposure, a good meter will give the correct value or, in estimating, it must be remembered that the reflecting surface will absorb a certain amount of light and the lens must be opened accordingly a half stop over the estimated exposure. Curved reflecting surfaces are apt to concentrate the light areas, so it is best not to have too much sky reflected. The illustration shows an interesting effect produced by Mrs. L. S. (Nella R.) Galvin of Lima, Ohio, using an ordinary garden crystal. The disdistorted pattern of the pergola is particularly striking and it is almost impossible to locate, in the reflection, the camera which took the picture. Technical reviews for the amateur cinematographer ^lf< Movies can mirror magical reflections in a garden globe pencil form and may be bought at art or stationery stores. The marking made with this cravon is heavy and black, stands out well on the metal and is fairly permanent, although it may be scrubbed off if desired. The crayon is also useful for writing the film title on the usual matt film leader, as it is plainly readable. Do not accept the soft, black, wax crayons as a substitute, since these are not satisfactory with metal. ■ An ordinary, small paper clip will serve to hold the outer end of the film on a roll in a very satisfactory manner. Slip the clip over the end of the film and slide it around the roll for one turn. It will then be in a position so that the outer, loose end of the film can be tucked underneath and held securely. ■ A little book of lens cleaning tissues which may be bought for ten cents from photographic stores is a great convenience for keeping lenses and filters clean (as well as the camera owner's glasses if he wears them). The tissue book takes up no extra room as it will tuck in flat in any convenient space. This will prevent a fingermarked or fogged lens or or clarity of a picture. Nella R. Galvin filter which may easily ruin the "snap' Conveniences For making good black markings on metal film cans for labeling and identification purposes, use lithographers' crayon, which comes in g For rewinding and handling panchromatic film for any particular purpose (such as double exposure), a special bulb may be purchased for a small sum and this bulb is in itself a darkroom lamp. It is coated with a special composition which shows as a dim, green light when the bulb is lit and gives surprisingly good visibility in a dark room after the eye has become accustomed to it. In rewinding or examining unexposed film, perform the operation in as short a time as possible, make sure the room is otherwise dark and do not bring the green light too near the film. ■ In default of a picture [Continued on page 621]