Theatre Design & Technology - May 1967 - 5

Spectrophotometric Comparison of Effects of Light
on Expendable Color Media
GARY W. GAISER, Indiana University, and
MINOR ROOTES, Gorham State College

I.R. Code: engineering/lighting color experiment

Publication of spectrophotometric studies of transparent
TABLE 1. MATERIALS AND CONDITIONS
gelatine and plastic color media for use in the theatre
has apparently been limited to the Kliegl Brothers' Bulle- Table 1.1. Color Media Used in All Three Trials (Except
tin SM-1.1 This bulletin graphs the spectral transmittance as Noted)
CUNe of forth-six hues of the Cinemoid plastic color media.
Amber
These readings were taken from new stock and conseBrigham gelatin (BG) No. 57 Light amber
quently represent the color medium's performance under
Rasco gelatine (RG)
No. 213(9) Medium amber
ideal conditions. However, no published study has been
Roscolene (RU
No. 7 (old series) Pale ammade of the effective duration of color of Cinemoid,
ber, Trial 1
or of competing products. The present report offers an exNO.9 (old seriesl Light amamination and an evaluation of the color stability of plastic
ber, Trial 2
and gelatine color media under normal conditions of full
No. 81 5 Golden amber, Trial
2
illumination
The experiment was conducted in three trials,
3
the first two of which were largely exploratory (summer,
Cinabex (CX)
NO.4
Medium amber, Trial 1
1958, and spring, 1961).3 The third trial was conducted
No. 1 Light amber, Trial 2
in the fall of 1964 4
No. 33 Deep amber, Trial 3
Nature and Purpose of the Experiment. Samples of color
Cinemoid (CM)
No.4 Medium amber, Trials
media, purchased at the time of each trial, were selected
1 and 2
from the five major media trade types used in the United
NO.2 Light amber, Trial 3
States: Brigham gelatine, Rosco gelatine, Roscolene, CinaLavender
bex, Cinemoid. The experiment was limited to three color
Brigham gelatine (BG) No.17 Special lavender
areas: amber, lavender, and dark blue. These colors were
Rosco gelatine (RG)
No. 242 (120) Special lavchosen on the basis of high frequency in use, on the basis
ender
of an apparently wide range of color stability under normal
Roscolene (RLl
No. 842 (120) Special lavexposure to stage lighting, and on the basis of their repreender
sentative coverage of the visible color spectrum. Though
Cinabex (CX)
No. 36 Pale lavender
the original spectrophotometric profiles of the new stock of
Cinemoid (CM)
No. 36 Pale lavender
each manufacturer's sample within a color group were found
to vary slightly, they are similar enough to allow compariBlue
son. Some changes in available colors were made in the
Brigham gelatine (BG) No. 37 Dark blue
second and third trials, particularly in the more stable amber
Rosco gelatine (RG) No. 264 (35) Urban blue
area.
Roscolene (RL)
No. 863 (135l Medium
In Table 1 below, the number, use and conditions of the
blue, Trials 1 and 3
materials and instruments are outlined for each of the three
No. 866 (37) Dark urban
trials. It should be emphasized that Trials 1 and 2 were
blue, Trial 2
largely exploratory to provide a surer approach to the final
No. 19 Dark blue
Cinabex (CXl
spectrophotometric examination of color stability.5
Cinemoid (CM)
No. 19 Dark blue

Trial 1
Table 1.2.
Chronology
of Trials

Trial 2

Trial 3

Summer 1958

Spring 1961

Fall 1964

Spherical reflector fresnel
lens, 500 w.,
6" spotlight
(Code SR. 56)

5 units (SF.56 Cl.
Century No. 500, repeated over 3 colors GE 500T20 lamp

1 5 units (SF. 56 C)
Century No. 500. all
colors at same time.
GE 500T20 new lamp

15 new units, (SF.
56 K), Kliegl No. 43N6E
all colors at once.
GE 500T20/64 new
lamps

Ellipsoidal
reflector,
plano-convex
lens 750 w.,
8" spotlight
(Code: EP.781

5 units (EP. 78 Cl,
Century No. 1575, repeated over 3 colors,
GE 750T 12/9 lamp

15 units (EP. 78 Cl
Century No. 1575, all
colors at once.
New GE 750T12/9
lamps

Not used

Table 1.3.
Light Sources
Used

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Theatre Design & Technology - May 1967