The last significant additive screen process to be introduced was a modification of the original Dufay dioptichrome process from before WWI. First released as a motion picture film in 1932, it was introduced for still photography in 1935 in roll, sheet, and film pack forms. A very fine screen structure, increased sensitivity, and simple reversal processing kept it in use into the 1950s for still photography.
Its use in motion pictures was short lived, though long enough to produce a number of feature-length films in the 1930s. Although not present on this sample from the Eastman House Film Technology Collection, a variable density soundtrack could be printed successfully into the image area.
I found your page very interesting. Your statement that there were several feature movies made in Dufaycolor is interesting as I understood that Sons Of The Sea (Britain 1939) was the only feature photographed or released in this process. I know there were a number of short films made (of which we have several examples as well as the feature mentioned)so I would be very interested to learn the titles and details of the other feature films
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Ronald! I have no doubt that you are correct, and that only one feature film was made. I wrote the text several years ago, and was sure I found several at the time, but clearly I was mistaken!
ReplyDeleteAh, but Dufay, AND Autochrome could be used for moving subjects as can be seen on some of the images I have posted on my own website www.vintage-images.co.uk from my own collection. I have lots more early intersting colour from 1909 onwards (not just flowers and gardens etc that are the usual subjects!)
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