Some Laboratory Problems in Processing 16-mm Black-and-White and Color-Films

The duplication of 16-mm films involves many relatively intricate problems not encountered in the laboratory processing of 35-mm sound-films. These problems have given rise to procedures and apparatus radically different from those in use in 35-mm. — The two major differences that are especially significant are (1) the use of reversal for original films; (2) the existence of but one row of sprocket-holes on the 16-mm sound-film. — It is interesting to note that all our present standards in 16-mm blindly assume the negative-positive method of operation, ignoring entirely the reversal and Kodachrome. At the present time even the emulsion position of the 16-mm film is standardized on the basis of a 35-mm sound negative and 35-mm picture negative as originals. As a result, our 16-mm dimensions so derived from 35-mm are inconsistent with the projector dimensions at present in use, and inconsistent with the pressing needs arising from the direct 16-mm field. — Much of the difficulty arises from the rather obvious lack of concern displayed by the 35-mm entertainment industry and the very rapid simultaneous growth of direct 16-mm in educational and industrial applications especially in connection with the duplication of sound on Kodachrome. — Some of the special processes and special apparatus features involved are described which have made possible workable solutions to the problems involved.

Print ISSN

0097-5834

Published

1941-02

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J09994