The entire Daguerreotype process is comprised in seven distinct
operations; viz:
1.--Cleaning and polishing the plate.
2.--Applying the sensitive coating.
3--Submitting the plate to the action of light in the camera.
4.--Bringing out the picture; in other words rendering it visible.
5.--Fixing the image, or making it permanent--so that the light may no
longer act upon it.
6.--Gilding: or covering the picture with a thin film of gold--which
not only protects it, but greatly improves its distinctness and tone of
color.
7.--Coloring the picture.
For these various operations the following articles--which make up the
entire apparatus of a Daguerrean artist--must be procured
1.--THE CAMERA.--(Fig. 5.). The Camera Obscura of the Italian
philosophers, although highly appreciated, on account of the magical
character of the pictures it produced, remained little other than a
scientific toy, until the discovery of M. Daguerre. The value of this
instrument is now great, and the interest of the process which it so
essentially aids, universally admitted. A full description of it will
therefore be interesting.
[Illustration: Fig. 5 (hipho_5.gif)]
The camera is a dark box (a), having a tube with lenses (b) placed in
one end of it, through which the radiations from external objects pass,
and form a diminished picture upon the ground glass (g) placed at the
proper distance in the box to receive it; the cap c covering the lenses
at b until the plate is ready to receive the image of the object to be
copied.
Thus a (fig. 6.) representing the lens, and b the object desired to be
represented, the rays (c, c) proceeding from it fall upon the lens, and
are transmitted to a point, which varies with the curvature of the
glass, where an inverted image (d) of b is very accurately formed. At
this point, termed the focus, the sensitive photographic material is
placed for the purpose of obtaining the required picture.
[Illustration: Fig. 5 (hipho_6.gif)]
The great desideratum in a photographic camera is perfect lenses. They
should be achromatic, and the utmost transparency should be obtained;
and under the closest inspection of the glass not the slightest wavy
appearance, or dark spot should be detected; and a curvature which as
much as possible prevents spherical aberration should be secured. The
effect produced by this last defect is a convergence of perpendiculars,
as for instance; two towers of any building, would be represented as
leaning towards each other; and in a portrait the features would seem
contracted, distorted and mingled together, so as to throw the picture
out of drawing and make it look more like a caricature than a likeness.
If the lens be not achromatic, a chromatic aberration takes place,
which produces an indistinct, hazy appearance around the edges of the
picture, arising from the blending of the rays.
The diameter and focal length of a lens must depend in a great measure
on the distance of the object, and also on the superficies of the plate
or paper to be covered. For portraits one of 1 1/2 inches diameter,
and from 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 inches focus may be used; but for distant
views, one from 2 inches to 3 inches diameter, and from 8 to 12 inches
focal length will answer much better. For single lenses, the aperture
in front should be placed at a distance from it, corresponding to the
diameter, and of a size not more than one third of the same. A variety
of movable diaphragms or caps, to cover the aperture in front, are very
useful, as the intensity of the light may be modified by them and more
or less distinctness and clearness of delineation obtained. These caps
alway come with Voitlander instruments and should be secured by the
purchaser.
Though the single acromatic lens answers very well for copying
engravings; taking views from nature or art, for portraits the double
should always be used. The extensive manufacture of the most approved
cameras, both in Europe and in this country, obviates all necessity for
any one attempting to construct one for their own use. Lenses are now
made so perfect by some artisans that, what is called the "quick
working camera" will take a picture in one second, while the ordinary
cameras require from eight to sixty.
The camera in most general use is that manufactured by Voitlander and
Son of Germany. Their small size consists of two seperate acromatic
lenses; the first, or external one, has a free aperture of 1 1/2
inches; the second, or internal, 1 5/8 inches; and both have the same
focus, viz: 5 3/4 inches. The larger size differs from the smaller.
The inner lens is an achromatic 3 1/4 inches diameter, its focal length
being 30 inches. The outer lens is a meniscus--that is bounded by a
concave and convex spherical surface which meet--having a focal length
of 18 inches. For every distant view, the aperture in front is
contracted by a diaphram to 1/8 of an inch. By this means the light is
reflected with considerable intensity and the clearness and correctness
of the pictures are truly surprising.
THE AMERICA instruments are constructed on the same principle and many
of them are equally perfect. Mr. Edward Anthony of 205 Broadway, New
York city, has constructed, and sold cameras fully equal to the German
and for which Voitlander instruments have been refused in exchange by
the purchaser.
The ordinary camera box (see fig. 5, a) varies in size to suit the
tube, and is termed medium, half, or whole. Within the box is a slide
to assist in regulating the focus, and in enlarging or diminishing the
picture. In one end of this slide is a springed groove into which the
ground-glass spectrum (g fig. 5) is slid, for the purpose of more
conveniently arranging the focus. After the plate is prepared it is
placed in the holder--partly seen at e, fig. 5, and covered with the
dark slide f, fig. 5; the spectrum is then withdrawn and the holder
takes its place, and the lids d, d, are closed after removing the dark
slide f. The plate is now ready to receive the image, and the cap c
may be removed to admit the light into the box.
A camera constructed by Voitlander is thus described by Mr. Fisher.
"It is made entirely of brass, so that variations of climate has no
effect upon it. It is very portable and when packed in its box, with
all the necessary apparatus and materials for practising the
Daguerreotype art, occupies but very little space. It is not, however,
well adapted for the Calotype process."
[Illustration: Fig. 7 (hipho_7.gif)]
"The brass foot A (fig. 7.), is placed on a table, or other firm
support, and the pillar B. screwed into it; the body of the camera, C,
C is laid into the double forked bearing D. D. The instrument is now
properly adjusted by means of the set screws, e, e, e, in the brass
foot, or it may be raised, lowered, or moved, by the telescope stand,
and when correct, fixed by the screw b. The landscape to be delineated
is viewed either through the small lens, g, or with the naked eye on
the ground glass plate H, the focus being adjusted by the screw I. The
optical part of the instrument consist of the small set of achromatic
lenses already described. When the portrait or view is deliniated on
the ground glass to the entire satisfaction of the operator, the brass
cap L is placed over the lens, and the entire body is removed away into
the dark, taking care not to disturb the position of the stand. The
body is now detached at the part H, and the prepared paper or plate
enclosed in the brass frame work introduced in its place; the whole is
again placed upon the pedestal, the brass cap L is removed, by which
the paper or plate is exposed to the full influence of the light, after
which the cap is again replaced.
Mr. Woodbridge, of this city, has constructed an instrument for taking
full length portraits on plates 10 by 13 inches, which is worthy of
some notice. It is a double camera, consisting of two boxes, placed in
a frame, one above the other, and so arranged as to slide easily up and
down. After the focus has been adjusted, on the object, in both
cameras, the plate is put into the upper box, in the manner already
described, until the superior portion of the figure is complete; it is
then placed in the second box and the lower extremities obtained. The
adjustment of the instrument is so complete that a perfect union of the
parts is effected in the picture without the least possible line of
demarkation being visible. Fig. 8 gives a front view of this
instrument.
[Illustration: Fig. 8 (hipho_8.gif)]
Fig. 9 represents Talbot's Calotype Camera,--a very beautiful
instrument.
The copying camera box has an extra slide in the back end, by which it
may be considerably lengthened at pleasure.
II.--CAMERA STAND.--The best constructed stands are made of maple or
black walnut wood, having a cast iron socket (a, Fig. 12,) through
which the sliding rod b passes, and into which the legs c, c, with iron
screw ferules are inserted. The platform d is made of two pieces,
hinged together, as at e, and having a thumb screw for the purpose of
elevating or depressing the instrument.
[Illustration: Fig. 9 (hipho_9.gif)]
III. MERCURY BATH.--Fig. 13 gives a front view of the mercury bath now
in general use in this country for mercurializing and bringing out the
picture. It is quite an improvement on those first used. To make it
more portable it is in three pieces, a b and c; having a groove e on
one side to receive the thermometre tube and scale by which the proper
degree of heating the mercury is ascertained. Into the top are nicely
fitted two or three iron frames, with shoulders, for the plate to rest
in, suitable for the different sizes of plates. The bath is heated by
means of a spirit lamp placed under it. From two to four ounces of
highly purified mercury are put into the bath at a time.
IV. PLATE BLOCKS AND VICES.--There are several kinds of this article in
use; I shall describe the two best only.
[Illustration: Fig. 10 (hipho_10.gif)]
Fig. 10 gives an idea of the improvement on the English hand block.
The top a is perfectly flat and smooth--a little smaller than the
plate, so as to permit the latter to project a very little all
around--having at opposite angles c c two clasps, one fixed the other
moveable, but capable of being fastened by the thumb screw d, so as to
secure the plate tightly upon the block. This block turns upon a
swivle, b, which is attached to the table by the screw c, This block is
only used for holding the plate while undergoing the first operation in
cleaning.
[Illustration: Fig. 11 (hipho_11.gif)]
Fig. 11, shows the form of Lewis' newly patented plate vice, which for
durability, simplicity and utility is preferable to all others. It
consists of a simple platform and arm of cast iron, the former, a,
having a groove, d, in the centre for fixing the different sizes of
plate beds, e--and the latter supporting the leaves, e f. On this vice
which is secured to a table, or bench, the plate receives its finishing
polish with rouge, or prepared lampblack. Mr. Lewis gives the
following directions for its use. "As the cam wears tighten it with
the adjusting screw (g) so as to allow the lever (f) to fall back into
a horizontal position; the plate being in its place at the time. Oil
the wearing parts occasionally."
Some Daguerreotypists, however, use a foot lathe with buff wheels of
various forms; but this vice is sufficient for all ordinary purposes.
[Illustration: Fig. 12 (hipho_12.gif)]
[Illustration: Fig. 13 (hipho_13.gif)]
V. COATING BOXES.--The usual form for iodine and bromine boxes is see,
at figs. 14 and 15. They are far superior to those in use with the
English operators. Each consists of a wooden box (a,) having firmly
embeded within it a stout glass jar (c), the edges of which are ground.
Over this is placed the sliding cover b, double the length of the box,
one half occupied by a piece of ground glass (e), tightly pressed upon
the glass pot by a spring (i) beneath the cross bar g, and fits the pot
so accurately that it effectually prevents the escape of the vapor of
the iodine, bromine or other accelerating liquid contained therein.
The other half of the lid is cut through, shoulders being left at the
four angles for the different sizes of frames, designed to recieve the
plate while undergoing the coating process. When the plate is put into
the frame, the cover b is shoved under the second lid h and when coated
to the proper degree, it resumes its former position and the plate is
placed in the holder of the camera box. To test the tightness of the
box, light a piece of paper, put it into the pot and cover it with the
sliding lid. The burning paper expels the air from the pot, and if it
be perfectly tight you may raise the whole box by the lid.
VI. GLASS FUNNELS.--Are a necessary article to the Daguerreotypist, for
filtering water, solutions, &c.
[Illustration: Fig. 14 (hipho_14.gif)]
VII. GILDING STAND.--For nervous persons the gilding stand is a useful
article. It is adjusted to a perfect level by thumb screws placed in
its base.
VIII. SPIRIT LAMPS.--The most useful and economical of those made are
the Britania, as they are less liable to break; and the tube for the
wick being fastened to the body by a screw renders it less liable to
get out of order or explode. Glass is the cheapest, and for an amateur
will do very well, but for a professed artist the Britania should
always be obtained.
IX. COLOR BOX.--These are generally found on sale at the shops, and
usually contain eight colors, four brushes and a gold cup. The artist
would, however, do well to obtain, all the colors mentioned in the last
chapter of this work, and be sure to get the very best, as there are
various qualities of the same color, particularly carmine, which is
very expensive, and the cupidity of some may induce them to sell a poor
article for the sake of larger profits.
[Illustration: Fig. 15 (hipho_15.gif)]
STILL.--Daguerreotypists should always use distilled water for
solutions, and washing the plate, as common water holds various
substances in solution which detract very materially from the
excellence of a photograph, and often gives much trouble, quite
unaccountable to many. For the purpose of distilling water the
apparatus represented at Fig. 16 is both convenient and economical.
It may be either wholly of good stout tin, or of sheet iron tinned on
the inside, and may be used over a common fire, or on a stove. A is
the body, which may be made to hold from one to four gallons of water,
which is introduced at the opening b, which is then stopped by a cork.
The tube d connects the neck a of the still with the worm tub, or
refrigerator B, at e, which is kept filled with cold water by means of
the funnel c, and drawn off as fast as it becomes warm by the cock f.
The distilled water is condensed in the worm--and passes off at the
cock b, under which a bottle, or other vessel, should be placed to
receive it. The different joints are rendered tight by lute, or in its
absence, some stiff paste spread upon a piece of linen and wrapped
around them will answer very well; an addition of sealing wax over all
will make them doubly secure.
[Illustration: Fig. 16 (hipho_16.gif)]
HYGROMETER.--This is an instrument never to be found, I believe, in the
rooms of our operators, although it would be of much use to them, for
ascertaining the quantity of moisture floating about the room; and as
it is necessary to have the atmosphere as dry as possible to prevent an
undue absorption of this watery vapor by the iodine &c., and to procure
good pictures,--its detection becomes a matter of importance. Mason's
hygrometer, manufactured by Mr. Roach and sold by Mr. Anthony, 205
Broadway, New York is the best in use.
It consists of two thermometre tubes placed, side by side, on a metalic
scale, which is graduated equally to both tubes. The bulb of one of
these tubes communicates, by means of a net-work of cotton, with a
glass reservoir of water attached to the back of the scale. Fig. 17
and 18 represent a front and back view of this instrument.
Fig. 17 is the front view, showing the tubes with their respective
scales; the bulb b being covered with the network of cotton
communicating with the reservoir c fig. 18, at d.
[Illustration: Fig. 17 (hipho_17.gif)]
[Illustration: Fig. 18 (hipho_18.gif)]
The evaporation of the water from this bulb decreases the temperature
of the mercury in the tube b in proportion to the dryness of the
atmosphere, and the number of degrees the tube b indicates below that
of the other, shows the real state of the atmosphere in the room; for
instance, if b stands at forty and a at sixty-one the room is in a
state of extreme dryness, the difference of twenty-one degrees between
the thermometers--let a stand at any one point--gives this result. If
they do not differ, or there is only four or five degrees variation,
the atmosphere of the room is very moist and means should be taken to
expel the superfluous quantity.
HEAD RESTS.--The button head rest with chair back clip, A fig. 19--is
much the best for travelling artists, as it can be taken apart, into
several pieces and closely packed; is easily and firmly fixed to the
back of a chair by the clamp and screw a and b, and is readily adjusted
to the head, as the buttons c, c and arms d, d are movable.
Sometimes the button rest is fixed to a pole, which is screwed to the
chair; but this method is not so secure and solid as the clip and
occupies more room in packing. Both the pole and clip, are furnished
in some cases with brass band rests instead of the button; but the only
recommendation these can possibly possess in the eyes of any artist, is
their cheapness.
[Illustration: Fig. 19 (hipho_19.gif)]
For a Daguerreotypist permanently located the independent iron
head-rest, B fig. 19, is the most preferable, principally on account of
its solidity. It is entirely of iron, is supported by a tripod (a) of
the same metal and can be elevated by means of a rod (b) passing
through the body of the tripod, to a height sufficient for a person,
standing, to rest against.
[Illustration: Fig. 20 (hipho_20.gif)]
GALVANIC BATTERY.--This article is used for the purpose of giving to
imperfectly coated plates a thicker covering of silver. The form of
battery now most universally employed for electrotype, and other
galvanic purposes, is Smee's--Fig. 20. It consists of a piece of
platinized silver, A, on the top of which is fixed a beam of wood, B,
to prevent contact with the silver. A binding screw C is soldered on
to the silver plate to connect it with any desired object, by means of
the copper wire, e. A plate of amalgamated zinc, D, varying with the
fancy of the operator from one half to the entire width of the silver
is placed on each side of the wood. This is set into a glass vessel,
P,--the extreme ends of the wood resting upon its edge--on which the
acid with which it is charged has no effect. The jar is charged with
sulphuric acid, (common oil of vitriol) diluted in eight parts its bulk
of water. The zinc plates of the battery have been amalgamated with
quicksilver, and when the battery is set into the jar of acid there
should be no action percieved upon them when the poles F, G, are not in
contact. Should any action be percieved, it indicates imperfect
amalgamation; this can be easily remedied by pouring a little mercury
upon them immediately after removing them from the acid, taking care to
get none upon the centre plate A.
Directions for use.--A sheet of silver must be attached to the wire
connected with the centre plate A of the battery, and placed in the
silver solution--prepared as directed below. The plate to be silvered
is first cleaned with diluted sulphuric acid, and then attached to the
wire, G, proceeding from the zinc plates D, D, and placed in the silver
solution, opposite the silver plate attached to the pole F, and about
half an inch from it. A slight effervescence will now be percieved
from the battery, and the silver will be deposited upon the
Daguerreotype plate, while at the same time a portion of the silver
plate is dissolved.
To prepare the solution of silver.--Dissolve one ounce of chloride of
silver in a solution of two ounces of cyanide of potassium, previously
dissolved in one quart of water. The oxide of silver may be used
instead of the chloride. This solution is put into a tumbler, or other
vessel.
[Illustration: Fig. 21 (hipho_21.gif)]
[Illustration: Fig. 22 (hipho_22.gif)]
This battery with the necessary articles for using it may be obtained
of E. Anthony, 205 Broadway, New York city.
The other articles required by every operator may be simply enumerated,
viz:
Sticking, or sealing paper.
A pair of pliers, or forceps.
Porcelain pans or dishes, for applying the hyposulphite of soda and
washing after the imagine is fixed, something in form like fig. 23.
A support for holding the plate while being washed, like fig. 24.
[Updater's note: Figures 23 and 24 were missing from the image set.]
[Illustration: Fig. 25 (hipho_25.gif)]
BUFF STICKS.--Fig. 25.--These are usually from one to three feet in
length, and about three inches wide--some think two and a half
sufficient. The underside, which is convex, is covered with a strip of
finely prepared buckskin, or velvet, well padded with cotton or tow.
All the articles enumerated in this chapter may be obtained, of the
very best quality and at the most reasonable rates, of Mr. E. Anthony,
205, Broadway, New York.