Amateur Photographer & Cinematographer (1933)

February 22nd, 1933 th[ amateur photographer 6 CIHEMATOGRAPHER q The fact is that years ago we all of us did high-speed work with plates and lenses so slow that they would be sneered at by the high-speed workers of to-day. Of course, we now take advantage of modern improvements — -the wonderfully fast and excellent sensitive material, and the superb optical instruments at our disposal. But the beginner may be misled into supposing that such things will remove all his difficulties, whereas their use demands knowledge and skill which he does not yet command. He should make haste slowly. For example, many a beginner has considered him¬ self more thoroughly equipped by getting a shutter which will give exposures of one-thousandth of a second. The chances are that he never takes a subject that demands anything like so rapid an exposure. He would do better to learn when to give longer exposures. It is really the same sort of thing as a novice trying to copy an ordinary photograph on a Process plate. He may possibly succeed, but he is far more likely to succeed with a more suitable plate. In considering materi¬ als and apparatus the beginner should also consider his own ability and knowledge. W. L. F. W. The troul)le of washing enlargements can be solved by the simple arrangement shown in Fig. i. It consists of a 9 X f in. board about 4 ft. long. Along the edge is screwed with brass screws some i|:-in. strips, and across it, at convenient dis¬ tances, more strips | X J in., with a line of small holes drilled near the bottom. A trough at the top allows it to be placed under the bath tap and some hinged legs keep it at an angle. When not re¬ quired, the legs may be folded and the whole kept in a convenient corner. A second type of washer as shown in Fig. 2 is recommended for larger prints. This con¬ sists of a framework of i X | in. so arranged that a convenient number of loose trays may be supported by it at an angle. Every other tray is " stag¬ gered” and a row of holes is drilled in the end of each so that the water from the one above flows into the one below. w ASHERS for ENLARGEMENTS The trays can be easily constructed of T-in. plywood with -T X f in. sides. There is no need for the trays to be water-tight as the}'' are only needed to guide the water over the prints. But it is recom¬ mended that the whole is given at least a couple of coats of good acid-proof cellulose paint, and that brass screws are used. No definite dimensions are given, as the sizes will depend on the largest print it is required to wash. These washers cost little to make, and either type can be constructed in a few hours. In the case of the second type of washer (Fig. 2) the trays are, of course, remo\ able, and it is a good plan to turn the prints over once or twice during the washing and also to reverse the order of the trays from bottom t® top at least once. Tests have shown that five 10X8 prints can be washed free from hypo in twenty minutes with either type. ^‘The A.P.’’ Monthly Competitions. PRIZES AND RULES. To encourage pictorial outlook and good technique in the photographic ■work of our readers in all parts of the world. (I) For Advanced Workers. This class is open to all amateur photographers. First Prize. — One guinea in cash or “ A.P.’* silver plaque (optional). Second Prize. — Half a guinea in cash or “ A.P.” bronze plaque (optional). Third Prize. — Five shillings in cash. A special prize of five shillings in cash for the best mounted picture. Certificates of Merit. In addition to the general rules (see below), the following conditions apply : — (1) All prints must be accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope or wrapper if they are to be returned. Prints receiving an award will be retained. (2) Prints must be mounted, but not framed. (3) Returnable prints in the Advanced Section will be sent back with a typed criticism, and classified according to merit. (4) Fhints may be of any size and by any process, and must be the competitor’s own work throughout. (5) The award of a prize or certificate in the Ad¬ vanced Workers* Competition or any other competition orexhibition will not debarthe competitor from entering again on future occasions and winning further prizeSi (ir) For Intermediate Workers. This class is to encourage those readers who have passed the “ beginner ’* stage and may have won an award in the Beginners* Competition, but have not progressed sufficiently to enter in the Advanced Competition, First Prize. — Half a guinea in cash. Second Prize.— Five shillings in cash. Certificates of Merit. In addition to the general rules (see below), the following conditions apply : — (1) No print must be larger than 10x8 in., and can be by contact or enlargement by any process, and may be mounted. (2) The whole of the work (exposure, development, printing, etc.) must be carried out by the competitor. (3) Prints entered in the Intermediate Section will be criticised and returned if accompanied by stamped addressed envelope or wrapper. Prints receiving an award will be retained. (4) The award of a prize or certificate in the Inter¬ mediate Competition debars the competitor from entering this competition again, but he is then eligible for the Advanced Workers’ Section. (Ill) For Beginners. This class is open to those who have never won an award in any photographic competition or exhibition. First Prize. — Half a guinea in cash. Second Prize. — Five shillings in cash. Certificates of Merit. In addition to the general rules (see below), the following conditions apply : — (1) No print must be larger than 6x4 in. Contact prints or small enlargements up to this size are eligible, but must be unmounted. (2) The exposure -must have been made by the competitor, but developing and printing may be the work of others. (3) No prints can be criticised or returned. (4) The award of a prize or certificate in the Begin¬ ners* Competition debars the competitor from entering this section again. General Rules. (i) Any number of prints may be entered, but each print must have on the back the appropriate coupon 171 (see advertisement pages) the date of which must be within five weeks of the closing date of the competition. Overseas readers may use the most recent coupons to hand. (2) Each print must have on the back the name and address of the competitor, and the title, (3) All entries must be addressed to The Editor, The Amateur Photographer, Dorset House, Tudor Street, London, E.C.4, and the package must be marked on the outside “ Beginners,” “ Intermediate ” or “ Ad¬ vanced,” as the case may be. (4) No packages will be received on which there are postage charges to be paid. (5) No communication on other matters should be enclosed with competition prints. No correspondence in connection with the competitions can be undertaken. (6) The entry of a print will be regarded as a declara¬ tion that it is eligible under the rules, and that the competitor agrees thereto. (7) No responsibility is taken for the safety of prints, and the Editor’s decision on all points connected with the competitions is final. (8) The publishers of The Amateur Photographer shall have the right to reproduce without^ payment any print entered, or to allow its reproduction in any other paper quoting from The Amateur Photographer. (g) The closing date of each competition is the last weekday of the month. Prints arrivine late will be entered for the next month’s competition. (10) The cash prizes awarded in these competitions are dispatched on the fifteenth nf the month following the announcement of the awards. The closing date for the current Competitions is Tuesday, February 28th, and for March Competitions, Friday, March 31st. 1 9