Movie Makers (Jan-Dec 1948)

103 SIXTEEN? Eight meets my budget, and fine for family films, say eleven able amateurs in this unique forum on filming's keenest question. The manufacturers agree. To sum it all up, I am of the opinion that the 8mm. system is entirely adequate for the most ardent hobbyist and is the size to be desired for a starter whether he can afford larger or not. Al Morton, FACL Salt Lake City BETTER WHEN LIMITED ... It is my impression that 8mm. movies are better when planned scenes are limited to closeups, medium close and, occasionally, medium long shots of the principal objects (people or things). The usual long shot is invariably a risk. It is likely to fall short of the desirable sharp definition of outline, form and color ordinarily obtained in shorter distance shots. The users of 8mm. film should bear in mind that this width is for projection in the home. Projection of this size film is optimal within the limits imposed by a screen size approximating 35 by 50 inches and when using a bulb of 500 or 750 watts. I continue to use 8mm. because at present I cannot afford the investment required to switch entirely to 16mm. In other words, when economy must be observed, I favor 8mm. I want ultimately to switch to 16mm. because (1) it can successfully be shown to larger audiences and (2) for commercial purposes, 16mm. can be enlarged to 35mm., whereas with 8mm. this is not feasible. Dr. W. Lynwood Heaver, ACL New York City NO GREATER INTEREST ... I also agree that there is no question of greater interest to the amateur firmer today than the choice between 8mm. and 16mm. movies. I have this question asked me at least once a week by some customer at my place of business. I answer with questions of my own. Are you going to use your movie camera to supplement the snapshots Courtesy Bell & Howell Company IDEAL for all home filming, easy on the pocketbook and at its best in medium shot or closeup are the enthusiastic votes on Eight, of able amateurs. you take with your box camera — the children at Christmas, birthdays and the like? Are the pictures to be shown just to family, relatives and friends? Is 8mm. equipment all you can afford? If the answer to these questions is yes, I tell them that by all means 8mm. is for them. Now, after a three year start with 8mm. camera and projector, we have switched to Sixteen. We did this primarily because we now put so much time, effort and money into our pictures that the difference in cost of 8mm. and 16mm. film is no longer of such great importance. Our switch was due also to the fact that we show our pictures so often and to such large audiences. Still another reason for our change was because we plan to take some travel pictures in the future and the long shots are so much sharper in Sixteen. But if only 16mm. film had been available when we got started, we never would have felt we could afford this wonderful hobby. Ryne Zimmerman, ACL Milwaukee THREE THINGS TO DECIDE ... I think there are three maj or things to decide before buying a movie camera. (1) The expense. How much do you want to spend for equipment and how much for upkeep? When one is just starting out to make movies, many mistakes are made and a good deal of film is wasted. If you use 8mm., you won't mind using the scissors as much as you would with the more expensive film. (2) The purpose. What is the purpose for which your camera will be used? 8mm. is very good for family pictures, especially where there are children. Closeups and medium shots are what you will want mostly with them, and that is where 8mm. is at its best. There is no doubt that 16mm. is sharper in the long shots and that the 8mm. projection field is limited to a certain point. So, it really depends upon the type of movies a filmer wants to make. (3) The weight. All of the 8mm. equipment is much lighter in weight than the 16mm., is easier to handle and easier to carry around. It is also easier to store. But again, it depends upon what kind of movies the filmer wants to make, whether this factor would enter into one's decision. I shoot both 8mm. and 16mm., and this is the way I feel about them. Mildred J. Caldwell, ACL Long Beach, Calif. REASONS OF ECONOMY . . . When I began taking movies in 1938, the decision on the use of 8mm. was entirely for reasons of economy. And when I speak of economy, I want to emphasize the cost of film rather than the equipment to be used. Now, when one can afford only 8mm. films there are limitations on screenings — to smaller audiences on smaller screens. Filming plans are limited to the kind of family and vacation pictures which will serve as [Continued on page 118]