A New Color Attenuation System for Motion-Picture Printing

The use of subtractive color filters immersed in a suitable liquid is described for use as light attenuators in motion-picture printing. This system results in greater availability of light, and, by immersing gelatin filters in a liquid, all their surface-generated detrimental effects are efficiently eliminated. Surface scratches, inter-reflections, and other surface defects no longer have any noticeable effect. A filter pack can be made up with a greater number of filters than heretofore possible, as long as all filter surfaces are separated by liquid layers. The use of the liquid also makes it possible to apply precise matrix coefficient computation for the transformation of additive printer-light points for any given color balance into corresponding immersed filter packs having a very high degree of precision. The use of this light attenuation system is particularly attractive for application in optical-effects printers, but it can be applied, in principle, to any subtractive printer lamphouse. Automated and computerized versions of this system are in preparation.

Print ISSN

0036-1682

Published

1978-10

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J16660