Movie Makers (Jan-Dec 1935)

O V I E 335 MAKERS Reversal film cautions FREDERICK G. BEACH, ACL THE ease and simplicity of making satisfactory movies with 16mm. equipment are dependent in no small measure on the remarkable film and processing methods involved. Had it not been for the 16mm. reversal process developed by the film manufacturers, it is certain that amateur movies would not have gained either the popularity or the excellence which they have today. In order to place movie cameras in the hands of thousands of people who had no previous photographic experience, it was necessary to find a foolproof and efficient method of handling the great number of rolls that would be shot. Machinery for processing installed at definite, commercial centers and operated by scientifically and uniformly trained men was found to be the answer. At once, movie making was saved from the vicissitudes of attic and bathtub laboratory work. Standardized procedure has insured to the casual movie maker better film processing than even the biggest theatrical film producer enjoyed until very recently. Handling exposed 16mm. film has been reduced to an exact science. To begin with, all manufacturers of reversal film do their own processing at various plants throughout the world, and no other concerns are either equipped or authorized to handle the finishing of standard brands of film. The roll of film, upon reaching the laboratory through the mail, is examined for special instructions, return address and, most important, it is inspected to discover whether it has been exposed and whether it was made by the manufacturer to whom it was sent. It is next marked with an identifying number, and a duplicate number is stamped on the carton, the film then being ready for the actual chemical process. In the case of one manufacturer, the film is fed directly on an automatic machine which handles it straight through until it is dried and wound on a reel, while other makes are manipulated on individual racks by hand. The peculiar feature of the reversal process is that the same film that is shot in the camera is returned to the movie maker ready for projection. This involves using several solutions and baths so that the image is developed into a negative, similar to the familiar still camera negative. This negative is bleached and developed a second time, and the result is a positive that is ready for projection. As the films come from the machine or drying rack, they usually are projected and promptly mailed to the customer who may show them at once. The outstanding advantages of the reversal process carried on in film manufacturers' laboratories are clean films, free from dust and scratches, fine grained image, clear, sparkling results with good gradation and contrast and as much correction for faulty exposure as can be made. This correction is done by machinery in some cases and by operator inspection in others, but generally considerable correction is possible. Highly satisfactory reversal duplicates can be made by film manufacturers; in fact, '"dupes" scarcely can be told from the original. Of course, any imperfections in the original will show in the copy, and therefore if a duplicate is wanted it is the wisest plan to have it made as soon as the film is processed. Since the introduction of sound on film for 16mm., there has been developed a system whereby a silent film may be copied and a sound track added to the new print. However, this is only suitable if the film originally was shot at a higher speed than normal, as the sound film speed is always twenty four frames a second. Although the film itself and the processing have been made as foolproof as possible, the individual movie maker's end of the procedure — loading, exposing and sending the film to the manufacturer for processing — is far from automatic. Consultation with the laboratories which do film processing has revealed a number of unnecessary errors that amateurs sometimes make. Improper Mailing: One would be surprised at the number of persons who mail film to the laboratory minus a return address or even a name. Such films simply have to wait until the customer writes in and describes the picture accurately enough to enable the manufacturer to return it. Films are supplied in a carton which has directions for mailing. The name and address of the sender should be printed on the carton with ink. One should tie a string around the box instead of sealing it, as the latter procedure requires first class postage. Special Instructions: Sometimes a movie maker breaks a film in the camera and does not take the trouble to note this. The result is that, when the film goes through the laboratory, serious damage is likely to be done to it and perhaps to other films. Always note any such condition or other special directions that might affect the laboratory. If a note is enclosed with the film, the carton must be mailed first class, according to the postal regulations. Loading Troubles: The most common fault found is probably loss of loop ; as a rule, it is caused by loading the camera incorrectly. It is important that a good sized loop be left both above and below the gate in order to prevent the dancing blurred effect that appears on the screen when the loop has been too short. If the loops are placed correctly and the sprockets closed properly, only a defective film or camera can cause loss of loop. After threading, the cam[Continued on page 361] Cooperation from amateurs will aid film laboratories