Movie cameras & projectors
Keystone Movie Model A-7 User manual
User manual for Keystone Movie Model A-7. 38 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Keystone
- Model / document
- Keystone Movie Model A-7
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 38
- File size
- 4.1 MB
- Category
- Movie cameras & projectors
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
www.butkus.us 40-Care and Operation be used, a smaller opening gives underexposure. The lens cap must be off when the exposure is made. OVER EXPOSED pictures are too light and the highlights lack details, this is CAUSED by too much light falling on the film. CORRECTION, the lens opening recommended on the exposure guide should be used, a larger opening gives over exposure. The spring motor must not be allowed to run down com- pletely when exposure is being made. UNSTEADY OR TILTED pictures are not pleas- ing to look at, they are CAUSED by the camera not being held steady and level when the picture is taken. CORRECTION, hold the camera firm and steady, stand still, and check the image in the view finder to see that the camera is level. OUT OF FOCUS pictures are bluned and not sharp, this is CAUSED by the lens not being prop- erly fitted or set. CORRECTION, the lens should be screwed in tight, focusing lens must be set to the correct distance from the object. Universal lens should not be used at distances closer than those recommended for various diaphragm openings - and distant shots with Universal Focus Lenses - will not be sharp with openings larger than 18. Panoraming is not recommended and should only be done by one thoroughly experienced in using a camera. FILM SCRATCHES are perpendicular lines run- ning through the picture, CAUSED by an accumula- tion of emulsion or dirt in the film sate. CORREC-View original page 3
Page 5 · Read text
4-Care and Operation
TABLE OF PARTS
PART E(FL;\NATION
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Rtguhl*r 1f ig. ,t, pagtr ll|View original page 5Page 6 · Read text
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38-Care and Ooeration
Titling
You can have your films titled by your movie
camera dealer for a small cost or you can purchase a
titling outfit and do this work yourself. Titling adds
continuity and interest to the picture and makes the
sudden change from one scene to another less
abrupt.
Splicing
General practice is to splice your 100-ft. lengths
of 16 m.m. film together, making one 400-ft. reel,
which the average projector is equipped to car-ry.
You can purchase splicing equipment from your
dealer or you can have this work done by him for
a small charge.
Accessories for Keystone Cameras
The Keystone Camera is so designed, that, as the
amateur progresses, he may add accessory equip-
ment for achieving more advanced results in photog-
raphy and so increase the versatility of his original
equipment. The telephoto lens and the /1.5 speed
lens are instantly interchangeable with the standard
f.2.5 lens. Other useful accessories available are:
Portrait attachments for getting sharp close-ups,
color filters for special effects, tripods, editing out-
fits, and many other. Write to the Keystone Mfg.
Co., Boston, Mass, for the special Camera Acces-
sories Catalosue.View original page 6Page 7 · Read text
6-Care and Operation
Frg.2
be done with weak light and under no circumstances
should the operation be performed in direct sun-
light. If no shade place is available when film
is being loaded, work in shadow cast by placing
your body betrveen the sun and the camera.
Place camera on flat surface and open by turn-
ing lock button" Fig. 2, and lifting cover off camera.
Compare the working parts on page 4 with those
in the illustration in Fig. 1. and become thoroughly
familiar with their names.View original page 7Page 10 · Read text
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31-Care and Operation
range the lights so that the rays come from difl'erent
angles-this breaks up the shadows giving clear de-
tail to the picture. In most scenes some lieht should
Fig. l0
fall in the back, or, a light colored screen may be
used at the rear to brighten up the back. It should
be quite close to the subject.
Window shades should be drawn down to prevent
reflection from the glass. All bright reflections from
glass doors, picture frames or glossy surfaces should
be eliminated. The lamps and stands should be so
located that they will not show in the picture. Cloth
or parchment shades have very little reflecting
power; when used with photoflood lamps see that
they are placed far enough away to withstand the
excess heat given off by these lamps.
The lens stop to use depends upon the distance
from the lamp to the object and not the location
of the camera, except, we suggest that the minimum
distance for each stop by maintained, as shown in
the bottom line of the chart on page 36.View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
l1-Care and Operation
Run the mechanism fbr six or eight inches to
be sure that the film has been properly threaded
and is running smoothly. When assured that the
film is running smoothly through the sprocket and
film gate and that THE LOOP IS MAINTAINED.
the cover is replaced and locked. The camera is
now ready for action.
Fig. 5
Winding the Camera
The Footage Indicator
Turn the winding handle, Fig. 4, clockwise
until the spring motor is entirely wound.
Each full winding is sufficient to run off approximately
twenty feet of film. but it is better to rewind the
motor after every few shots. If the motor soundsView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
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32-Care and Ooeration
The adjustment of the diaphragm of the fixed
focus mount is the same as the f.2.7. The micro-
meter or adjustable mount requires the same setting
for distance as the/.5. lens.
The view finder is designed for a one-inch lens.
When using a wide angle lens we suggest centering
the scene in the view finder, allowing the picture to
extend beyond the edge shown in the view finder.
General Information for Making
Good Pictures
Before replacing the camera cover, always test
for correctness of threading by first running
through a foot or so of film.
It will be your tendency at first to direct your
movie camera at posed subjects. This type of pic-
ture should be left for the still camera, for a movie
camera is primarily an instrument for recording
action. Your first pictures will probably be of
family and friends. The best scenes will very
likely be those made when the subjects are not con-
scious of being filmed, or when you can get them
so preoccupied with a bit of action that they forget
all about the camera.
Plan your pictures to tell a little story of some
kind. In amateur motion pictures they story element
is achieved by adding a planned bit of action which
turns what otherwise might be a dull and uninterest-
ing film into one that is vivid and interesting. For
instance, your little girl holding her doll will make
an attractive picture but there will be not story ele-
ment in it. Show her giving her pet doll a birthday
party, tucking napkins under rag necks, pouringView original page 12Page 13 · Read text
I2-Care and Operation
lock button forward and at the same time pressing
the lock button, Fig. 4, upward which locks it in
position; then step into the picture area. To stop
the motor, step out of the picture are4 return to the
camera and push down the lock button. In this
service the camera must be mounted on a tripod.
When the camera is empty and not in use, avoid
unnecessary tension on the spring by letting the
motor run down.
The lens must be screwed tightly into the lens
holder to be in proper focus. Loose lens will cause
picture to be blurred or out of focus.
Audible Signal
A very useful and patented feature of the new
Keystone camera is the audible film register with
which it is equipped. Each time about one and one-
half feet of film becomes used a soft signal rings and
reminds the operator to shoot the proper film foot-
age for the scene. This precludes the necessity of
stopping the camera to see how much fi lm has been
used on the scene.
For Computing Exposure with a Meter
The angle of opening in the shutter is 160.. The
length of exposure for the various speeds is approxi-
mately
for l0 frames l/22 second
l6 r/36
24 r/54
32 l/72
40 t/90
48 l/108
64 t/144View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
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30-Cqre and Operetion
other outdoor sports, the favorite can be photo-
graphed to appear in larger proportions when pro-
jected on the screen.
The Telephoto lens is interchangeable with the
f.2.5 or f.1.5 lens. Merely unscrew the lens on
the camera fiom the aluminum lens plate and re-
place with the telephoto lens. Be sure to screw it
up tight. After the lens is securely fastened to the
camera, the indicator controlling the diaphragm
and distance setting can be placed at the most con-
venient position for reading by simply turning the
front lens hood to the right using a little force.
When using the Telephoto Lens, very accurate
focusing for distance is necessary. This is espe-
cially true at the shortest distance. The focusing
Fig. 9
scale on the Telephoto Lens is engraved for 3, 4, 5,
6,'/,8, 10, 15, 20,30,50 feet, and INF. (lnfinity-
which is this case can be understood to mean any
distance over fifty feet). To set the focus, the collar
on the lens barrel must be turned until the fisureView original page 14Page 15 · Read text
I4-Care and Operation
Variable Speed Regulator
The Keystone A-7 Camera is equipped with a
variable speed regulator, Fig. 4o so that it may
be operated at seven different speeds for various
purposss. These speeds are marked as "Low",
"Normal", four "Intermediate" speeds, and "Slow
Motion". Each of these speeds has a particular use
as described in the following paragraphs.
l. "Normal". At this speed the film runs
through the camera at 16 frames per second. All
exposure guides are calibrated for this speed. In
practically all cases the camera should be set at
"Normal" as this results in the most economical
use of film consistent with steady, flickerless pro -
jection.
2. "Low". Use this adjustment (a) when light
is very pooa @) when film is running low and it
is desired to use it as economically as possible, (c)
when comedy effects of speed-up motion is de-
sired.
At this adjustment the film runs through the
camera at l0 frames per second. This results in
longer exposure so that the lens diaphragm should
be set at one-half stop smaller than normal. (See
page 17 for setting lens diaphragm). However, ac-
tion becomes correspondingly speeded up on projec-
tion. The "Low" adjustment should be used only
when necessary, and the subjects cautioned to move
slowly and deliberately. It is very important to hold
the camera steadily, or jerky pictures will result.
3. "lntermediate". There are four adjust-
ments under this marking with speeds of approxi-
mately 24, 32,40 and 48 frames per second. TheseView original page 15Page 16 · Read text
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28-Care and Ooeration
In general one-stop larger opening may be used
for 2x Filters and two stops larger opening for 4x
Filters.
A yellow filter is the only one recommended for
use with orthochromatic film.
The general practice is to have the filter as close
to the lens as possible. Hoods which can be un-
screwed from the lens should be removed and the
filter screwed into place, the hood can be replaced
on to the filter. The hood on a f.1.5 lens is not
removable. To remove the hood on other lens, grip
the front end with the rubber cap and turn
counter clockwise.
Yellow Filter
Penetrates haze, fog and mist.
Reduces glare from the sun on sand or water and
gives better detail.
Improves detail in shaded structures, such as
archways, doorways, stairs, etc.
Gives detail in scenes where creamy or yellow
tone predominates.
Red Filter
Cuts out blue and violet haze, fog and mist, and
glare of sun on the water.
Improves detail in dark colors, purple, dark red,
and deep shadows, also snow scenes, tan or shaded
faces. Darkens the sky with good details of clouds
and gives a lighter foreground. Over exposing will
lighten the sky.View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
l6-Care and Operation
changing, more than five f-eet may be required to
tell the story. Start the camera iust before the
acl"ion. and stop just after the action.
Fig.7
Focusing the f.l.5 Lens
When using the I1.5 lens, accurate focusing is
very necessary in the making of good pictures. The
fbcusing scale on the f.1.5 lens barrel is engraved
for 2,3.4,6,8, 12, 18,25 fbet and INF. ilnhnitv-
which can be understood to mean any distan." ou..
twenty-five f-eet). To set the focus the collar 2g.
Fig.7. on the lens barrel must be turned until the
figure that agrees nearest to the estimated distance
fiom the camera to the sub.iect is at the line on the
lens barrel. When conditions warrant using the
diaphragm stop /5.6, f.8., -f.l l. or .f.16., the diitance
can be set at eighteen fbet and all objects beyond
the following distances, for each lens stop. will be
in fbcus.View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
www.butkus.us 26-Care and Operation their distinction, two different colors may appear in the picture to be just one block or shape with no difference in tone or shade, lacking any detail. Black and violent will be shown as black, green and blue will be registered as dark grey yellow and orange as a light grey; white appearing in its true color. Much of the value of the picture will be lost due to the lack of contrast between the colors. With the use of the proper filters, colors which would appear in the picture as the same shade will be reproduced in different tones, changing what might be a dull monotone photograph into one full of contrast giving the picture much of its original color value. The effects of the filer on each color much be understood before selecting the one to be used. Observe closely the colors which are to be photo- graphed, then choose the filer which will be most effective in giving contrast to the picture. In a scene where foliage predominates a green filter is required to give contrast to the foliage. A scene of dark colors such as black, purple and dark red, requires a red filter to lighten up these colors and give sufficient contrast to the picture so that each color can be readily distinguished. The filters most generally used to give contrast are yellow, red and green, the following table show the shades in which each color is rendered when using panochromatic fi lm. A haze filter is often used with Kodachrome film to clear up haze which very often appears when taking distance scenes or scenes in high altitudes.View original page 18
Page 19 · Read text
I8-Care and Operation
By the "diaphragm stop" we mean the acfual size
of the aperture in the diaphragm through which
light may pass and reach the film.
Ooooooo.' 116 "d1"5 /:1.e "f2.8 f.4 "f5.6 18 tt.r
-f.2.7
f2.s
The term f.1.5 signifies the largest diaphragm
opening, f.1.9 is slightly smaller than f.1.5, f.2.8 is
smaller than f,1.9, and so on to f.1.16., which is the
smallest diaphragm opening. The term f.2.8 in-
dicates the largest opening of the /2.8 lens. The
higher the number the smaller the opening. The
size of the opening to use depends upon the quantity
of light on the subject - the more light the smaller
the opening; the less light the larger the opening.
To change the size of the diaphragm opening, turn
the diaphragm ring until the number stamped on it,
corresponding to the required opening, comes oppo-
site the gauge mark on the base of the lens. Each
consecutive larger diaphragm opening gives ap-
proximately twice as much exposure as the preced-
ing opening.
The exposure guide on the front of the camera
and the exposure chart on page 21, are given as
guides to correct exposure under various conditionsView original page 19Page 21 · Read text
of the Kevstone Movie Camera-|9
for use with either f.3.5, f.2.5 or f.1.5 lens. Any
exposure larger than 13.5 refers only to lens which
have those stops.
It will be well to acquire the habit of inspecting
1 the diaphragm stop before taking each scene. In
this way one never forgets to change the diaphragm
I stop for different exposure conditions.
The f.2.5 lens on this camera is known as a uni-
versal focus lens, the mount requiring no adjust-
ment for distance. With each diaphragm opening
we would recommend that the object be no closer
than the following distance.
DlaphraBm !.2.5 t 2.8 1.4 t s.6 f.8 t11
Distance I ).t ft" 7t4ft" 6}{ft. 5 ft. 4ft. 3ft.
Panoramic Pictures
Panoraming is taking pictures while swinging the
body around. The camera is in operation while be-
ing moved through an arc, thus obtaining a pano-
jumpy results generally in a This ramic scene.t motion unsteady and the uneven picture due to
of the camera while in operation. This practice is I not recommended and should only be attempted by
one thoroughly experienced in using a motion pic-
ture camera. Panoraming in any case should be
done by moving camera very slowlY.View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
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of the Keystone Movie Camera-2|
Unloading the Camera
When the register disc indicates that all the film
has been used, continue to run the camera until you
are sure the end of the film is all wound on the lower
spool so as to prevent the film from being light it
struck when removing it from the camera. With a I little experience one can tell the moment the last
of the trailer passes through the film gate and on
to the take-up reel.
Open the camera in subdued light and remove
the spool of film as quickly as possible placing it
in its original container.
Replace the reel which originally contained the
unexposed film on the take-up spindle. This will
serve as the take-up reel for the next film. Keeping
it in the cirmera will protect it from being bent of
mislaid.
Place the metal case containing the exposed roll
of film in the cardboard container and print your
name and address plainly in the spaces provided
for them. All the cartons contain the name and
address of the manufacturer to whom it is to be
returned for processing. Do not seal the carton
unless you wish to pay first class postage rates on
it. The purchase price of the film also includes the
cost ofprocessing and return postage.
Use of Color Filters
Scenes which often contain a color combination
that is very pleasing to the eye become pictures
registered in black and white or shades of black
and white when photographed. The colors loseView original page 22Page 23 · Read text
of the Keystone Movie Camera-|7
f .s.6 f.8 f .rr f .16
5% 4 3 2%
The location seen through the view finder for
close-ups will differ slightly from the picture taken
by the lens. See page 13.
Use of the Diaphragm
Probably the most important factor in produc-
ing motion pictures is correct exposure.
Distant scenes which appear clear in the view-
finder are often blurred on the film, due to haze.
This can be corrected by using a yellow filter with
black and white film and a haze filter with Koda-
chrome. In order to increase the depth of fiend in
views over 50 feet away when using a universal
and focus lens, it is recommended that stops of / .8
smaller be used.
On the Keystone Model A-7 camera, exposures
are govemed by the diaphragm located between the
two lenses which compose the lens system shown in
Fig. 8. This is a dcvice
I which controls thc amount
of light passing through
I thc lcns by cithcr increasc-
ing or dccrcasing ths sizc
of the opcning through
which light may pass.
This is opcratcd by turn-
ing thc diaphragm ring
on which arc stampcd thc
Fig. 8 diaphragm stop numbcr.View original page 23Page 24 · Read text
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of the Keystone Movie Camera-27
SUBJECT FILTER C.'OLORS
[:OLOR (lREEN YEt-t_()w RED
Shadcs rcnt.lcrecl trv the filrrr
bluck trlack blsck black
yiulet rlnrk grcy vr-ry durk grc1, hlack
blue grey dorh grey very dark grey
gfccn vcry light grc1. grsy dark glcy
1'c Iltlrr' light grev verv light grey g rc]"
(}ronue grey Irght grcy liglrt grsy
red dork grcy rlnrk grcy vcry light grcy
A neutral density filter is used when photograph-
ing under extremely bright lighting conditions, to
cut down the exposure.
The exposure required to form an image on the
film depends upon the amount of light passing
through the diaphragm, it is necessary to open the
diaphragm enough to compensate for the light re-
traded by the filter. Each diaphragm stop approxi-
mately doubles the exposure. By adiusting the
diaphragm the coffect exposure may be obtained
when using a filter with ordinary lighting condi-
tions.
The amount of light absorbed by a filter depends
upon the color being photographed and the light
source. Various films have different degrees of
color sensitiveness. The exposure depends upon the i
intensity and type of light source and the color sen- I
sitivity of the film. It is, therefore, impossible to Ij
give a filter factor which can be applied to all con-
ditions, and any value given would only be an
approximate guide.View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
of the Key*one Camera' | 5
speeds vary, where accurate work is required
threea test should be made first. Use the first
speeds for slowing down very rapid action, and
the 48 frames per second for a semi-slow motion.
Open the lens diaphragm from one to one and a
half stops longer than normal when using inter-
mediate speeds.
4. "Slow Motion". This speed is extremely
useful in slowing down action and, therefore, finds
aits greatest value in analyzing motion, such as
golfer's stroke, a tennis serve, or a runner's form.
producingIt may also be used to advantage in
comedy effects.
the At "Slow Motion" the film runs through
camera at 64 frames per second or four times the
normal speed. For this reason the lens diaphragm
should always be opened two stops larger than
normal. The camera should not be run without film
at high speed.
Length of Scenes
Some beginners make the mistake of using too
much film in taking one scene This is both un-
economical and unnecessary, for when the film is
projected, the picture becomes tiresome before the
scene changes. The other extreme is also to be
avoided, for cutting a scene too short also gives an
undesirable effect; the scenes flash on and off the
screen before the eyes of the audience can grasp
the image.
For any continuous action or scene that doesn't
change its nature, for instance, close-up of people,
scenics, a water fall, etc., experience has shown that
about five feet of film is suffi cient. If action isView original page 25Page 26 · Read text
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of the Keystone Movie Camerq-29
Light Yellow Green Filter
Improves the detail of foliage on any green
scenes and reduces the halo caused by reflected
green light. Darkens scenes of red, yellow and blue.
Gives a dark sky.
Color Film Filter
Daylight Color Film Filter is used with daylight
film and Tungsten light.
Type A Color Film Filter is used with Type A
film and sunlight.
Color Film Haze Filter is used to penetrate haze
and light mist.
, Instructions for Using the
Telephoto Lens
A telephoto lens on your movie camera gives the
effect that a telescope does to the human eye. It
magnifies, brings in the distance and permits close-
ups to be made of nearby or far off objects.
The Keystone 14. Telephoto Lens has a three-
inch focal length, and since a telephoto lens mag-
nifies the equivalent of its focal length, this lens
magnifies objects three times larger than would the
regular one-inch lens. In this way it records on the
film distant objects that would appear practically
indistinguishable were they made with a lens of
short focus. The advantage is therefore obvious.
It makes possible the photography of timid and wild
animals, birds and other creatures from a distance
in their natural haunts. In making movies of sur-
gical operations, it eliminates the necessity of work-
ing too close to the subject. In races, games andView original page 26From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
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