CAMERA--ARRANGEMENT OF LENSES--CAMERA TUBES--CAMERA-BOXES, BELLOWS, AND
COPYING--CAMERA STANDS--HEAD RESTS--CLEANING VICE--NITRATE BATH--LEVELING
STANDS--PRINTING FRAMES--COLLODION VIALS.
Babtista Porta, when he saw for the first time, on the walls of his dark
chamber, the images of external nature, pictured by a sunbeam which found
its way through only a small hole, little thought of the importance which
would be attached to the instrument he was, from this cause, led to
invent. The camera obscura of this Italian philosopher remained as a mere
scientific toy for years, and it was not until Daguerre's discovery that
its true value was estimated. It now plays a very important part in giving
employment to at least _ten thousand persons_ in this country alone.
It is of the utmost importance, in selecting a set of apparatus, to secure
a good camera; for without such no one can obtain fine pictures. In
testing it, see that it gives the pupil of the eye and lineaments of the
features sharp and distinct; and that the whole image on the ground glass
has a fine pearly hue. Look also to the field, and observe that the focus
is good at the centre and extreme edges of the ground glass, at the same
time. A poor camera generally gives a misty image, with the lights and
shades apparently running together. The best American cameras are fully
equal to those imported, while they cost much less; but there are great
numbers sold which are not worth using.
[Sidenote: CAMERA TUBES AND LENSES.]
If a lens gives a well defined image on the ground glass, it should do the
same on the plate. Many a valuable lens has been condemned for failing
in this, merely in consequence of the plate-holder not being in focus
with the ground-glass. In case of deficiency in this, put a glass into
the holder, lay a rule across the face, and measure the distance between
them very exactly; measure the ground-glass in the same way, and make
the distance agree perfectly, by moving the ground-glass either back or
forward in the frame, as the case may be, so that the surface of the
glass plate shall occupy precisely the same position as the face of the
ground-glass when in the camera.
[Illustration: Fig. 13. Fig. 14.]
[Sidenote: POSITION OF LENSES IN THE TUBE.]
It is very desirable that the operator should understand the arrangement
of the lenses in the tube; it not unfrequently happens, that in taking
out the "glasses" to clean them, he does not return them to their proper
places, and the result is that his "camera is spoiled." A couple of
illustrations and a few remarks will be sufficient to enable any one to
replace the lenses in them properly. Fig. 13 represents the tube for
holding the lens, and Fig. 14 shows their arrangement. It will be seen
that the two back lenses have a small space between them; this separation
is kept by a small tube or ring of the same circumference as the lens.
The two front lenses are nearest together. It will be observed that the
two thick lenses are towards each other; these are made of _flint glass_
containing much oxide of lead. The other two are double convex, and are
made of _crown glass_. By noting the fact that the two cemented lenses go
in the front of the tube, the glass having the thickest edge goes inside,
and that the _thickest lens_ of the other two goes in first, from the back
of the tube, it will not be easy for the operator to make a mistake in
returning the "glasses."
"I will remark that a diaphragm diminishes both chromatic and spherical
aberration, by cutting off the outside portion of the lens. It lessens
the brilliancy of the image, but improves the distinctness by preventing
various rays from interfering with and confusing each other; it also
causes a variety of objects at different distances to be in focus at the
same time."
[Illustration: Fig. 15.]
[Sidenote: CAMERA BOXES.]
The tube containing the lenses is to be mounted on a box (camera-box)
as in Fig. 15. For this purpose there are several patterns of boxes,
from among which I have made two selections of the most approved, and
represent them by cuts, Figs. 16, 17, 18.
[Illustration: Fig. 16.]
[Illustration: Fig. 17.]
Figs. 16 and 17 represent a bellows-box which is probably more in use than
all the other patterns together. They serve both for copying and taking
portraits from life. A is the base; B is the back and _sliding_-box;
C, bellows, which admits of extension or contraction; D is the opening
to receive the carriage A, Fig. 17; E is a thumb screw to hold the
sliding-box at any required distance. Fig. 17 represents the plate-holder
and ground glass frame.
A, carriage to pass through D, Fig. 16; B, frame for ground-glass, which
may be turned in a horizontal or perpendicular position; C, a movable
plate-holder held in place by means of springs; D, reducing holder, with
bottom and plate to hold the glass plate: any size of reducing frame can
be put in frame C; E E, spring bottom to keep frame D in place; F, slide;
G, thumb-screw, when the carriage is to be put in or taken out of the box,
Fig 16; H H, spring bottom to hold B in place.
Bellows-boxes can be obtained which receive the plate-holder from the
top, the same as in the copying-box, Figs. 15 and 18. The common wood, or
"copying-box," is represented by Fig. 18.
[Illustration: Fig 18.]
A, being the main or outside box, is made of wood veneered with rosewood;
B is another box which fits into A, sliding in and out as required. The
ground glass and plate-holders fit grooves made in the inside box.
In regard to plate-holders or tablets for holding the glass plates, it
need only be said that the camera-boxes are accompanied with a complete
set, so arranged that the light is wholly excluded from the plate while
drawing out or pushing in the slide, for shutting off the light while
the holder is out of the box. Should any one be desirous of using the
same camera, for taking both glass and daguerreotype pictures, it will be
necessary for him to be provided with two sets of tablets for his box, one
for each process.
[Illustration: Fig. 19.]
Camera Stands.
[Sidenote: CAMERA STANDS, ARM STANDS.]
There are several patterns of these; almost every dealer has some
particular style, which, if not for beauty, for his interest, suits
his purposes best. Among the assortment, I will present only two
illustrations. The first, Fig. 19, represents one which has an advantage
over many others; it is made of cast iron, and of an ornamental
pattern:--A, base on castors; B, fluted hollow column, which admits the
iron tube C, which has on one side a hollow tooth rack to receive a spiral
thread on the inner face of wheel D; this wheel, when turned, elevates or
lowers the tube C to any desired height; E, thumb wheel attached to a
screw which sets against tube C, to hold it in position, F, a pinion by
which the camera can be directed; G G, thumb screws to hold the two plates
together when in position. It is quite heavy, stands _firm_ and _solid_,
and is not liable to be moved by the jar from walking over the floor.
For permanently located operators these are the most desirable; but for
those who are moving about from place to place, and those who wish to take
views, a lighter article would be more convenient, such as one represented
at Fig. 20. This stand is made principally of wood, and can be readily
taken apart, so as to be packed in an ordinary sized trunk.
[Illustration: Fig. 20.]
[Illustration: Fig. 21.]
Fig. 21 represents a small "Jenny Lind Stand," and is a very convenient
article for the sitter to lean a hand or arm upon while sitting for a
portrait; It is fixed with a rod for raising or lowering the top, and can
be adjusted to any required height.
Head Rests.
[Sidenote: HEAD RESTS.]
There are several patterns of head supports, or, as they are commonly
called, head rests, in use by the profession. I give two illustrations
(Figs. 22 and 23). The first is an independent iron rest, known as the
"Jenny Lind Rest;" and the other is for fastening to the back of a
chair, as seen in the cut. For general use, I would recommend the iron
independent rest as far more advisable than any other.
[Illustration: Fig. 22.]
[Illustration: Fig. 23.]
Vices for Holding Glass.
[Sidenote: PLATE-HOLDERS, BATH, DIPPING RODS.]
The article used for holding the glass, during the process of cleaning,
is called a vice; and, of the numerous styles recently introduced, I find
none that I would prefer to the old one known in market as "Peck's Vice;"
it is simple and easy in operation, and at the same time is effectual.
Fig. 24 represents this vice, which is to be firmly secured to a bench;
the small piece of wood attached to the bottom is of no use. A A are the
grooved for receiving the daguerreotype plate-block; but as they are too
deep for the glass, I pin on a small strip of wood, so that the upper edge
of the glass will be a little above the projection of the vice.
[Illustration: Fig. 24.]
[Illustration: Fig. 25.]
[Illustration: Fig. 26.]
[Illustration: Fig. 27.]
Nitrate Baths and Dipping Rods.
The accompanying illustration, Fig. 25, _a_, represents a bath for holding
the nitrate of silver solution. This shape is of my own suggestion, and
the best adapted to the wants of the photographer. It will be seen that
the front side is rounding, with a curve extending from side to side. By
this shape, the _face_ of the glass is protected from coming in contact
with the side of the bath--both edges of it turning so as to prevent
injury. There is a small projection on the top, at the opposite side of
the oval; this is to allow the solution to flow over and wash off any dust
that may have gathered upon the surface of the solution. This wash runs
out of a small tube, as is shown in the cut. Any convenient vessel can be
placed under it to receive the liquid. This can be filtered and returned
as often as required. I am not in the practice of filling my baths full of
solution, but always keep them filtered and clean; hence saving an excess
of solution.
_b_ represents a little support, which is secured at its base Upon
the shelf, to hold the bath in a slightly inclined position, which is
preferable to having it stand perpendicularly.
[Illustration: Fig. 28.]
[Illustration: Fig. 29.]
[Illustration: Fig. 30.]
Leveling Stands.
[Sidenote: LEVELING STANDS.]
Persons oftentimes require a rest or place to put their glass during
development or washing the picture. Either of the stands represented by
the annexed cut will answer the purpose.
Fig. 30 is known to the daguerreotype operator as a "gilding stand," and
is the one best adapted to the wants of operators on glass. It may be
so arranged as to give the surface of the glass a water-level; D D are
thumb-screws, by means of which, when properly regulated, the frame G may
hold glass perfectly level and a large quantity of solution may be poured
over the surface.
Printing Frames.
[Sidenote: PRINTING FRAMES.]
There are numerous methods and apparatus used for holding the negative
and the paper during exposure to the light. The following illustrations
represent a convenient and economical frame for this purpose.
[Illustration: Fig. 31.]
[Illustration: Fig. 32.]
Fig. 31 represents the front of the frame. The negative glass is held upon
it by springs attached by screws to the bottom half of the frame, A, so
that they can be turned on or off, to suit the different sizes of glass.
On the other end of the spring are wooden buttons, which are placed on
the edges of the glass negative, holding it in its place, and pressing it
firmly against the paper which is placed under it. This frame is made of
two pieces of inch board, which are connected by hinges, falling over
as seen in Fig. 32, B being the half that is movable. This movable half
is secured in position by means of a wooden button, attached to A on the
back and under B, as seen in Fig. 32. The separate pieces, A and B, are
bevelled where they connect, as seen by Fig. 31. D (in Fig. 32) is one of
the springs, which can be seen in Fig. 31.
The entire bed or face of the frame, A and B, should be covered with a
thick piece of satinet cloth, which may be pasted to the lower half, A,
and extended over the entire surface of A and B. This forms a pad for the
paper.
This printing frame can be easily made by any cabinet-maker or carpenter.
The springs may be of sheet iron or brass--either will be found
sufficiently stiff for the purpose. Every operator should be provided with
from four to ten frames: the saving of time will be found to amply repay
the expenditure necessary for a good supply.
[Illustration: Fig. 33.]
Another article called a pressure frame, is represented in the
accompanying figure. This is more expensive than the first, and is by some
considered preferable.
Another cheap, convenient and equally good arrangement for holding the
negative and paper, is to take three glasses--say one a full size, being
the one having the negative upon it; and then take two glasses, each just
half the size of the negative, and have a piece of _very thick heavy_
cloth cut the size of the negative glass, which can be put between it and
the two half glasses, and then they can be held together by means of the
common spring clothes pin. The advantage of the two glasses at the back
is, that one can be entirely removed while the picture is being examined,
and afterwards returned without, in the least, moving the impression.
Collodion Vial.--Color-Boxes.
[Sidenote: COLLODION VIALS. COLOR-BOXES.]
This shaped vial is made expressly for collodion, to which purpose it
is admirably adapted. It has a wide mouth, and is so constructed that
the liquid flows clear and free. It is deep, and with a heavy protruding
base, to prevent its falling. There are two sizes made at present, one to
contain 2-1/2 ounces--the other, 1-1/2 ounce. I generally use the smaller
ones, but always keep on hand, and would not be without, a few of the
larger size.
[Illustration: Fig. 34.]
[Illustration: Fig. 35.]
Fig. 35 represents a color-box. These can be had of any dealer, completely
fitted, with color and brushes for use.
=CHEMISTRY.=
~~~~~~~~~~
PRACTICAL HINTS
ON
=PHOTOGRAPHIC CHEMISTRY.=