The advance of photography : its history and modern applications (1911)

142 THE ADVANCE OF PHOTOGRAPHY distance from the camera than that for which the principal lens was suitable. The better-class hand cameras are no longer of this " fixed focus " type, and, owing to the care with which they are constructed, one can scarcely admit they have lost much in rigidity b}T the change. On the other hand, any form of collapsible camera must necessarily be less bulky when closed, than one of the box type adapted to lenses of equal focal length. So much movement is indeed now desired, that the Sanderson hand camera possesses the same patent universal swing front as previously described. Another point which has to be considered in the construction of the hand camera is the ease with which it can be manipulated. Much snap-shot work is done by means of these cameras, and it is apparent that many of the best pictures would be lost if preliminary setting-up arrangements took up any considerable length of time. Should a hand camera be made so that it can be extended b}' means of bellows, it is important to ensure that the front can be made perfectly rigid. Then, of course, some arrangement should be attached hy means of which it is possible to see at a glance the exact extent of the picture which would appear on a developed plate if exposure is made at any instant. If the camera is adapted only for the use of plates, then the carriers should be made as light as possible, and at the same time the process of filling the carriers should be made so simple that if necessary they can be loaded in the dark. Then, again, some detachable arrangement might be provided by means of which a dozen slides, or perhaps twentyfour films, can be loaded at one time. When this is done the process of changing the slides or films after exposure offers no difficult}7, even to a mere beginner. For snap-shot and other rapid work it is necessary that some form of shutter should be supplied, and for very