Motion Picture Photography

Abstract

Abstract It is not the intention of this article on motion picture photography to be all encompassing. Motion picture photography as a professional industry has many facets. In effect, this is a compendium. Subjects pertaining more closely to imaging are covered in greater detail than others not directly involving imaging. For definitions of many terms used here, consult the glossary. Motion picture photography, dating from the 1890s, is one of the oldest of modern imaging, technologies that remains current today. Motion picture theory is simple and clear‐cut. Motion film is composed of a series of still pictures. When the still pictures are projected progressively and rapidly onto a screen, the eye perceives motion, hence they become a motion picture. This is termed persistence of vision . In a conventional sound motion picture, 24 individual pictures are projected onto the screen in one second. The screen is blank (black) for 1/96th second. While picture number one is blanked out, the film moves to picture number two. The eye and mind retain the image of picture number one for that fraction of a second when the screen is black. If, for example, something in motion is being photographed, the difference between image one and image two is minute. The eye and memory record a smooth transition from picture one to picture two. This is perceived as motion. Oxygens of motion picture photography are discussed. Photographic film used for motion pictures is normally a thin strip or ribbon. The exception is wide format films, 65 mm and 70 mm used for wide‐screen shows. Composition types and properties of film are detailed. A motion picture camera is a lighttight precision instrument. All professional cameras, with a few exceptions, are operated by an electric motor. The power can be supplied by a battery in the field or ac power in the studio. Essentially, there are two types of projectors. Both operate using the same basic configuration of picture head, optics, and shutter system. The major difference is in the film supply and take‐up system.