Movies for TV - Early Television Foundation

MOVIE-MAKING EQUIPMENT 67
point on the subject. This type of finder often has a scale of feet
attached so that the distance read off on it can be set on the lens-
focussing barrel to adjust for scene focus. Others, as already men-
tioned, use the filming lens for setting up, composing the scene,
and focussing and then swing out of the way for use as a telescope
type while filming is under way.
Notes on Camera Care Every camera maker has his own book
of instructions which should be followed by the user. However,
there are certain things which must never be done and are the Ten
Commandments of cameramen. The most important is never use
anything metallic to clean the film gate or guides. Its use is bound
to scratch the highly polished surfaces and ruin subsequent films.
A toothpick can be used or any soft wooden stylus for removing
emulsion "horns" from the gate. A lead pencil will not do. Some
of the softer emulsions, such as fine-grain positives, should not be
run through the camera since the emulsion comes off and builds
up these little mounds which can ruin films if not carefully removed.
Sometimes it is necessary to place a piece of opaque material
in the film gate to check for accurate focus. Ground glass must
never be used. The edges are razor-keen and are certain to cause
scratches on the gate plating. Ground film should be used instead.
This is easily made by placing a small piece of film on a flat surface
and gently rubbing with a circular motion with finest grade sand-
paper on the emulsion side. When it is completely opaque, it performs
in the same manner as ground glass and reproduces a pic-
ture focussed on it through the lens.
SOUND RECORDING
Taking photographs which appear to move is only half the task;
the actions and
just as important is the sound which accompanies
which must be timed so that both sound and sight become appar-
ent to the observer at the same time. There are many ways of recording
sound. The first talkies made use of slow-turning, 16-inch