FILM TAKEN IN THE DARK

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18255, 25 November 1933, Page 14

FILM TAKEN IN THE DARK

INFRA-RED RAYS Hi PICTURES A SECOND LONDON, Oct. 10. For the first time iu history a cincimiograph film was made in the dark lust night. This achievement was made possible by the use ol' the infra-red rays,- which have proved so successful in still photography, and at a demonstration arranged ny the Kinematograph Society, in London, it was shown tnat, with the aid of these potent invisible rays, almost as clear a film can be made as with the powerful are lamps of the studio. A gathering of film technicians and experts watched the experiment, and a little card-sharping drama was staged for their benefit. Iho theatre was quite dark, save for a slight, red glow from the infra-red lamps, and a camera was focussed on two men playing cards at a (able. It was just possible for the onlookers to gather from a commotion which arose during the play that someone had sadly departed from Portland Club ethics. When the film had been rushed to the developing room it was put through the projector, and one saw a perfectly clear picture of the play, including a card in the sleeve of one of the players. llis opponent dramatically drew a knife, and as the other man seized his' wrist it was noticed that in his sleeve, too, reposed a card. Infra-red rays are those which come next to the visible red rays in the spectrum, and the secret lies iu the production of a film emulsion so sensitive that it reacts to these rays, which have the power of heat, but not of light. Photographs were shown of a cup taken in darkness by the aid of infra-red rays given off by an electric fiat iron. The film made at the demonstration was taken at the normal speed of 16 pictures per second. Although a small amount of red light was used, it is quite possible to take pictures in complete darkness, but a somewhat longer exposure is necessary.