Movie Makers (Jan-Dec 1949)

MOVIE MAKERS and faster means of securing the same results. In trying to ascertain how composition affects exposure, let us first ask, "What is good color exposure?" Do we want to obtain the same exposure for the same objects under the same light conditions? No! Good color density is that neutral gray which can be achieved by rapidly rewinding a film and watching it against transmitted light. Changes in scene densities are immediately apparent. To obtain good color throughout a film, then, we must establish a common denominator, reduce the whites to that denominator and build up the blacks. Let us now see how this can cause exposure variations even with the same subject and light conditions. In Diagram 1, we find a figure in front of a black and white split background. To film the subject head-on from camera position B would be unwise. The picture densities concerned — //ll, //8 and f/5.6 — are too widespread to make good exposure possible. Again, if we shot two scenes from positions A and C and exposed both at //8, the two resulting densities will not intercut well when editing. Thus, from position A let us compensate slightly for the black background and expose at //6.3. And. from position C let us reduce the white background somewhat by exposing at f/9. These two scenes will now intercut perfectly. And yet, the subject matter and light conditions were identical. The backgrounds alone changed. And f/9 and //6.3 are a full stop apart! Let U6 use Diagram 2 to illustrate the same point in a different way. Scenes D, E and F show the same picture elements of sky, snow and men under exactly the same light conditions. The only change is that in composition, or area covered. Note the correct exposures. Scene D exposes for the snow at //10 and almost neglects the men. Scene E tends to balance the elements at //8. Scene F, largely disregarding the background, is almost the reverse of Scene D and exposes correctly at //6.3. Once again, these scenes will intercut perfectly. Composition and background do affect exposures. A quick survey of various meter reading systems may help us to correct our faults in using them. The user of a reflected light meter who takes highlight and shadow readings and always exposes for their difference may be wrong on a major count. For, as we have seen, the important elements of a scene may be above or below scene average. In Fig. 5, the important element is lighter than average; in Fig. 6, on the other hand, it is darker than average. And yet note the correct exposures. The General Electric meter possesses a directional hood with approximately FIRST IN 1941, BEST TODAY! An improved Auricon 16 mm Blimp with follow focus, for silenced "double-system" sound recording with E-K Cine Special Camera, $295 plus tax. Complete professional unit including Blimp, Studio Finder and SynchronousMotor Drive, $645 plus tax. See your dealer or write for free illustrated information. BERNDT-BACH, IllC, 7383 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles 36, Calif. MANUFACTURERS OF SOUND-ON-FILM RECORDING EQUIPMENT SINCE 1931 "EMCEE" (Master of Ceremonies) Announcer System Can be used with regular Movie-Mite 10" Auxiliary Speaker Commentator can adjust his own tone and volume Perfect for your Slides or Silent Film ... a simple, foolproof announcer system for many uses ... in school rooms, business and women's clubs, sales meetings, outdoor gatherings, the nursery, sports tournaments, and above all . . . to help you put a professional touch to your silent movies and 2x2 slides. It even has a plug-in for a turntable. All in one case, amplifier and microphone fit in back of speaker case . . . weighs only 16 pounds . . . has the famous Movie-Mite fourwatt, miniature tube amplifier . . . attached microphone . . . tone and volume control . . . ten-inch speaker ... all cables included . . . beautiful alligator, brown leatherette covering. Write for literature. ... See your photographic dealer today for a demonstration. 'KEEP YOUR FYFS AND PARS ON MOVIE -MITE" MOVIE-MITE CORPORATION „_#r 1105 EAST 15th ST. KANSAS CITY 6, MISSOURI