International photographer (Jan-Dec 1934)

September, 1934 The INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPH E R Sevt u ELEMENTARY PHOTOMICROGRAPHY By Karl A. Barleben, Jr., F.R.P.S. Ill) you know that any camera can easily be used to make photomicrographs? Yes indeed, all you need is a camera and a microscope — plus a little common sense — and photographs through the microscope become an accomplished fact. All you have to do is to set the lens of the camera for infinityfocus, place the camera directly over the microscope, the camera lens close to the eye-piece of the microscope, and there you are. Photomicrography is rare among amateur photographers, possibly because it all seems so tremendously technical and complicated. It is when considered from the laboratory or research standpoint, but the amateur seeking a bit of diversion with his camera need not fear complications, for as far as he is concerned, the work is delightful and simple. Assuming a camera is available, the first consideration is naturally a microscope. There are numerous models, types and makes available, and it is a pity that more Americans don't take up microscopy as a hobby, for it has a certain fascination all its own. In Europe a microscope in the home is almost as common as a camera — but we started out to discuss photomicrography. Any microscope will do for amateur purposes, but obviously the better its objectives the more can be done in photography. Simple compound microscopes which may be had within a price range of ten to twenty-five dollars are to be seen in various optical and department stores and come from the factories of well-known firms such as Bausch and Lomb and Wollensak. Jumping up the price scale a bit we come to standard laboratory and routine outfits like Bausch and Lomb, Leitz, Spencer, and Zeiss. These may be had for from approximately somewhat more than one hundred dollars on to what you may be able to afford. Less expensive standard microscopes may be had for considerably less, but these do not possess the refinements of the more expensive outfits. For example, Leitz offers several models of precision microscopes equipped with the standard "society thread" which accommodates standard objectives. These 'scopes cost between fifteen and twenty-five dollars and are a worthy investment because of their standardized features. Now as to the camera. As has already been mentioned, any camera may be used. True, there are special and expensive cameras for this sort of work available — but these are for the laboratories and the amateur need not think that he must have similar equipment in order to produce good photomicrographs. Two methods are open to the amateur photographer. He can remove the lens from his camera and the eye-piece of the microscope and make his exposures with the limited optical equipment, or, if his camera does not permit the removal of its lens, he can set the latter at the infinity mark and place it directly over the eye-piece of the microscope. In both cases, results can be expected. It is interesting to note that in several instances there is special equipment available to facilitate the work and broaden the scope. Owners of the Leica and Contax cameras, for example, can purchase special equipment which makes a definite connection between camera and 'scope. With these accessories, the camera lens and microscope eye-piece are dispensed with, the accessories taking their place. Beam-splitters, focusing tubes, and special shutters are incorporated in the accessories so that not only can the owner photograph inanimate specimens, but living ones as well, for the focus can be carefully adjusted as occasion demands by means of the focusing tube and beam-splitter. At the precise moment the focus and position of the living specimen is favorable, the shutter is released — this is done at the same time the beamsplitter is automatically moved aside for the full intensity of light to pass through onto the film (or plate) in the camera. A few examples of photomicrographs made with the Leica camera and Micro Ibso attachment. Leitz microscope used. Photos Courtesy E. Leitz, Inc. Barleben. Only recently the Bausch and Lomb Company announced a simple, effective, yet inexpensive outfit complete, including camera and microscope. The microscope is their new model R, and the camera, a special boxdevice which is entirely practical for amateur purposes. In short, this new outfit can be purchased complete, ready to use, as all the necessary connections are either built in the instruments or included with the outfit. I predict that this outfit is going to make a good many young amateur photographers and microscopists happy, for its price is well within the reach of all. When using the simple camera and microscope, the hook-up will depend upon the type of instruments used. The principle involved consists of supporting the camera directly over the microscope. This must be done substantially, for vibration should not be permitted to exist at any part of the unit. Some workers who do not indulge sufficiently in photomicography to make the purchase of special devices practical use an ordinary "ringstand" such as is used by chemists. It is a metal platform from which stands a metal rod. A clamp is easilymade that will screw into the tripod-socket of the camera and also clamp firmly to the upright of the "ring-stand," thus supporting the camera at the proper height over the 'scope. A temporary stand for the camera — yet one that is not at all recommended — can be produced by piling books, one upon the other until the front of the camera can be laid upon the uppermost in such a fashion that the lens contacts the draw-tube of the scope. Such an arrangement is decidedly unsteady, and hence Please mention The International Photographer when corresponding with advertisers.