Amateur Photographer & Cinematographer (1933)

October 25th, 1933 14. — Most rotary shutters on cheap cameras have a trigger which is pressed in one direction for one exposure, and in the opposite direction for the next. Some beginners are under the impression that after an exposure has been made, the trigger should be moved back to its original position ; consequently they open the shutter twice and get an effect like the above. A rather similar effect is also got with more expensive shutters if they are set at “ B ” when the camera is held in the hand. Prevention. — With rotary shutters, press once only for snapshots. When “ Brief ” or “ B ” exposures are given, always have the camera on a firm support. The AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER 6 CINEMATOGRAPHER a WENT WRONG ? Some Beginners’ Faults Illustrated FOURTH SERIES. 15. — These distorted figures were produced by an over-warm developing solution. Though it was not hot enough to melt the film, it caused it to swell badly. The gelatine was distorted when dried, and turned the figures into caricatures. Prevention. — Always check the tem¬ perature of developing solutions with a thermometer, and adjust to between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 16. — The streak, with denser round patches, on the edge of this picture was caused by active light reaching a roll film through the red window at the back of the camera. The film was wound up in the full glare of powerful sunlight. Though the window was not faulty, rays penetrated the thin backing paper and fogged the film. Prevention. — Hold the camera in the shadow of the body when winding the film. When fast panchromatic films (sensitive to red) are used, stick a piece of black adhesive tape over the window between windings. 17. — When the front of a folding film camera is being opened or closed, care should be taken not to press the trigger acciden¬ tally. It happened in this example, and the round patch was caused by the light which the shutter then admitted. Because the bellows were closed at the time, only the part of the film immediately behind the lens was affected. Prevention. — Handle the camera carefully when opening or closing, and always pull out or push in the front by holding the knob or catches provided for that purpose. 18. — This is the penalty of undueLhaste. An interior time exposure was made with the camera placed on a convenient projecting stone above eye-level. At the end of the exposure the photographer was in a hurry, and did not remember to close the shutter until he had reached down the camera. Although the shatter was then closed immediately, the image of the corner of a latticed window was recorded on the plate. Prevention. — Always make sure that the shutter is closed before disturbing the camera after a long interior exposure. 374 19