[net.video] Photos from VHS videotapes

ron@brl-tgr.ARPA (Ron Natalie <ron>) (09/20/84)

I remember back when I was taking photos of the first Man on the
moon, plus some things from the National Geographic special on the
human body, I can tell you some things about photographing the tube.
The best camera to use is one with a variable shutter speed and a
leaf type shutter.  This lets out most SLR's which have a focal
plane shutter.  Most 35mm rangefinders are OK.  Set the shutter
speed to 1/30.  This means a tripod or some other method of holding
the camera and using a remote shutter release.  Darken the room
to avoid glare.  Unless you freeze frame is really stable (and most
are not, I would suggest just shooting the picture while the player
is running.

-Ron

alan@sdcrdcf.UUCP (09/20/84)

>> What I'm wondering is if there isn't a way to derive decent 
>> photographs from the videotape. 

I have heard that the Japanese can buy a unit which attaches to a TV and
makes a paper copy of the image on the screen.

	sdcrdcf!alan

george@sysvis.UUCP (10/01/84)

<line>

Since television receivers post about 30 frames per second to the TV screen,
a camera shutter speed of 1/30 sec is too FAST to properly capture pictures
with a focal plane shutter.  Leaf shutters MAY not record one entire sweep at
this speed if they start halfway through a picture trace (raster return
timing).  Most pro recommendations for shooting from TV screen (using 35mm
focal plane shutter camera, normally sold by all mfrs.) are as follows:

	1/8 sec shutter at f8 aperture using ISO/ASA 400 color film.

Obviously, brightness of TV image can affect this setup, but be sure to go to
the overexposure rather than the underexposure side if unsure (The final print
will be properly adjusted by the printer).  If you are shooting Black & White
(Tri-X 400 ASA) use a red filter to compensate for color sensitivity of B&W 
film (CC40R filter).   A tripod is required for this setup and unless the
action is extremely fast, shoot from running picture frames, NOT FREEZE FRAME.

Lens used should be between 100mm and 200 mm on 35mm camera.  This will give
best perspective rendition.  The room should indeed be darkened so that there
are NO REFLECTIONS on the TV screen that can make their way into the picture.
Be sure to set the tripod up SQUARELY in front of the TV picture tube to keep
distortions out.   I have used this method and have been very pleased with
the final results.   Good luck.