David Schwartz

To clarify that a bit, the T and I positions control how the shutter operates during single frame filming. In the I position, the shutter opens and closes instantaneously when you move the side release to the P position. In the T position, the shutter will stay open as long as you hold the side release in the P position and closes when you let it go. As Don said, it's useful in poor lighting conditions, and it also allows animators to work at smaller apertures for greater depth of field without having to light their miniature sets to levels that will start melting everything. It's also great for achieving streaky/blurry effects, especially with night exteriors.

Hey, I'm late to the party on this thread but there's another possible explanation for the "ruined" film. Back in the 80's "Blow Out" was filmed in Philadelphia. There was a big flap over some "stolen" rolls of film that necessitated a re-shoot of a pivotal car chase. I knew some people that were working in the production office and they said that the story was bogus. It turns out that they were simply not happy with the footage that they got and wanted to do a re-shoot. The details are hazy in my memory (like so many other things from the 80's) but they either did it for the insurance money or they needed a way to get the city to let them stage the gag again. So, here's a high profile, controversial film produced by/starring a high profile, controversial individual, dealing with very sensitive subject matter in some locations that are extremely hard to access. Perhaps they weren't happy with the results that they got and wanted more time at these sensitive locations. Blame the lab first, of course, but the conspiracy-minded might find it extra-interesting to consider how convenient it would be to blame this particular lab, which might be disinclined to muster a vehement defense due to issues stated in previous posts. Whatever happens should be interesting, at least. Nazis, Scientologists, it's a tabloid extravaganza. Personally, I'm pulling for Brian Singer to come out of this with something worthwhile. Gotta go study "Apt Pupil" for clues.... :lol: