Professional Motion Picture Equipment
Rental - Sales - Service

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News From NAB!

Having returned from NAB with aching feet and a raspy voice, I am painfully reminded of the size and scope of this show. Upon arriving, our cab driver spoke of 65,000 people coming to town just for this convention. Upon leaving, our cab driver spoke of 100,000 people in town just for the convention. The manufacturers' reps I spoke with were unable to give an accurate figure on attendance. However, one comment was "there seemed to be people everywhere." I know while we were there, the aisles were packed and just trying to sit down to eat was a nightmare. (You wanted to sit just to rest those aching feet! Forget about your stomach.)

Everyone walks away from NAB with a different perspective of the show, based on area of interest. A novice is delighted to see so much high end equipment, while people like Man-Sung are always on the watch for new and better devices to make our job, and yours, easier.

While we only had time to take in a fraction of what was being presented, I'll try to point out a few items of interest.

HDTV was everywhere. Ten years ago they said it was just around the corner. Five years ago they said it was almost here. Well, it is coming. Exactly when? Good question! Everyone seems to be getting ready. It will, of course, start with major broadcast studios and filter down. However, companies are busy making equipment to fit into the scope of things. When HDTV will be on our doorstep is still anyone's guess. Talk to five people and you'll get five different answers. The only thing everyone does agree on is that it is coming.

Following note on HDTV, Super 16 is climbing the ladder in popularity. Man-Sung has been talking about Super 16 for the last 20 years. (He is always ahead of his time.) Now it is definitely here to stay. More and more film projects are turning into Super 16 projects.

ANGENIEUX (a leader in film lenses) showed a genuine Super 16 Design: Wide Angle (83 degrees) and 11.5X Zoom Range - 7-81mm High Resolution T2.4 lens. This lens is a welcome addition to the Aaton camera.

Speaking of AATON, they have come out with the 800' Magazine for the Prod. Additionally, KODAK has introduced 800 foot lengths for Kodak Vision, Kodak Primetime and Eastman EXR Super 16mm Color Negative Films to accommodate this magazine.

For video, ANGENIEUX has transferred its know how and expertise in the design and manufacturing of film lenses (optics which have made the standard of excellence in Hollywood) into producing a new generation of portable lenses for ENG-EFP applications. This new breed of lenses, are produced to meet the highest standards of digital cameras. New glass and advanced Electron Beam coatings are increasing the resolution and reducing, dramatically, flare and ghosting which enhance contrast and give perfect color accuracy.

ANGENIEUX'S AIF (Assisted Internal Focus) for ENG lenses is the talk of the town. Wide Angle Focusing: Normally you have to zoom in to focus and then zoom out again. Now, after focusing, you just push a button and it goes back to whatever focal length you previously had it set. You don't have to manually zoom out again.

The MICRO DOLLY and DUOPOD had strong showings again this year. Both of these items are available through SMS - Sales and Rental.

TIFFEN showed their new WATER WHITE PREMIUM FILTERS. To support the most discerning camera people in the motion picture and television industry, they have developed a line of specific filters using water white glass. Although their standard line far exceeds all necessary specifications in optics, these filters go one step further.

TIFFEN also showed their new UTILITY BAG. Originally designed as a promo, a heavy request turned it into a line item. Designed for heavy usage, the construction is made of water repellent black heavy duty padded nylon. Looking like a small soft sided tripod bag, it works as a catch all bag. Economically priced and well received.

TIFFEN also has a new Diffusion filter which softens the picture. DIFFUSION F/X is not as heavy as Soft F/X and won't flare as much as a Soft F/X. Taking it another step further ... you have the new ULTRA POL. It polarizes more of the reflected light, lightens up the viewfinder when using a video tap and creates deep blue skies and clouds as white as cotton.

Rounding out the new items for TIFFEN is the Steady Stick. Perfect for Professional TV Fieldwork and Videographers. Supports cameras up to 30 lbs. Instead of resting that camera on your shoulder and trying to get those shots above the crowd, etc., you can now attach the Steady Stick Removes the weight from your shoulder and allows you to pan low or hold the camera high above the crowd. Attaches to a camera and your pants belt. Can be used with Sony, Ikegami, Panasonic, DVC Pro and industrial cameras. Filter Wheels were on display at NAB and SMS. Most of the support and lighting manufacturers were present and accounted for. Again, their items may be purchased through SMS.

ARRIFLEX introduced their new 150W Fresnel as well as various other kits. They are also actively promoting their new line of Shirts (T, Polo & Denim button down with long sleeves), grip gloves, hats and even the Mini Mag Lite with the Arri logo.

LTM has removed their Blue & Yellow Pepper Paks from the product line.

SENNHEISER had quite a display with their new shotgun mics and headphones. When it comes to sound, they are a leader in the industry. These product lines may be purchased and rented from SMS.

CHROSZIEL has a wide angle matte box and sunshade for the Fujinon 10 X 4.8 mm lens. Their matte boxes and follow-focus units are still the industry standards and can be rented and/or purchased from SMS.

The reason I point out that so many items can be purchased from SMS is as follows. At least 2-3 times per week I hear the following statements. "I didn't know you sold it." "Why didn't you tell me?" I have been telling you. Yes, we sell IT. IT applies to thousands of items - equipment and accessories.

The computer/post production field is so heavy, I feel like you need a Ph.D. to understand it all. There is so much to say about NAB, I could write a book instead of a newsletter. However, I will just end it here. I'm sure many of our readers also attended NAB and came away with a different perspective or notes on other items of interest. If you would like to share your thoughts with us, I will publish them next time around.

Fax, write, or e-mail your comments.

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School!

In my last newsletter, I mentioned that based on a high demand for filmmaking instruction SMS had decided to set up a school. Calls, faxes and letters flooded my desk in response to this notice. I am happy to report that the school is now in place.

We have already given private lessons and now have a full professional staff in place to cover all aspects of filmmaking:

• The Art of Filmmaking
• Budgeting
• Cinematography
• Camera Assistant
• Lighting
• Audio
• Props/Set Decorator
• Directing
• Video/Film
• Media Law

and much more...

Every one of our teachers has a long list of credits and awards. Intensive, hands on instruction will add to the knowledge already learned from college classes or assist the working filmmaker. Classes will be held evenings and weekends in order to accommodate work schedules. Daytime scheduling will he by appointment.

For those of you who previously responded, we will be contacting you shortly with more information.

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New Suppliers!

Since our last newsletter, SMS has added two more suppliers to our already lengthy list. They are LEE GELS and SEKONIC light meters. Now we have ROSCO and LEE Gels in stock.

SMS is stocking the SEKONIC L-398M and the new SEKONIC L-508 Zoom Master. The L-398M is the standard meter of choice for schools, students and even professionals. The L-508 Zoom Master is cleaning up anything that stands in its way. Now a favorite of professionals and the meter of choice for aspiring filmmakers.

The L-508 is the only light meter you'll ever need. It functions as an incident meter - a zoom spot meter and a flash meter - all combined into one rugged, compact all weather instrument. The L-508 is a zoom spot meter that measures both reflected ambient and reflected flash, as well as mixed lighting. It can be switched from incident to spot instantly and effortlessly. (WITH A 1 DEGREE TO 4 DEGREE ZOOM)

You have to see it to believe it. Everyone instantly falls in love with this meter. (In fact, as I'm typing, one of our out-of-town clients called to say how happy he is with his L-508.)

More Back Issues of our Online Newsletter:

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