Amateur Photographer & Cinematographer (1935)

The AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER n 6 CINEMATOGRAPHER o ‘Deciders' Questions A. ANSWERED General. — All communications for the Editor should be addressed : “ The Editor, The Amateur Photographer and Cinematographer, Dorset House, Stamford Street, London, S.E.i,” and in every case, without exception, must give the name and address of the writer. Contributions. — The Editor is glad to consider original, up-to-date manuscripts on photographic subjects. All contributions must be typewritten, or in very legible handwriting on one side of the paper only. Letters or communications arising out of matters already appearing in the paper are not paid for. The Editor disclaims legal responsibility for the safety of matter submitted to him, but he will endeavour to return rejected manuscripts, etc., when a stamped addressed envelope is enclosed. MSS. or prints that are not actually accompanied by a stamped wrapper or envelope can in no case be returned. Reproduction fees for prints are only paid by arrange¬ ment beforehand. The sending of.a print, without any condition stated, will be taken as permission to reproduce it without fee. Kn y u Iriks and Criticism. — Advice, Criticism and Information are freely given, but the following conditions should be read carefully before applying, as any communication which does not comply with the rules must be ignored. (i) See “ General ” above. (2) Every question and every print for criticism must be sent separately through the post, and must be accompanied by a separate stamped addressed envelope. No exception can be made in any case to this rule, except so far as enquiries or prints from Overseas are concerned! (3) Neither enquiries nor prints for criticism must be enclosed with competition prints. (4) On the back of each print sent for criticism, in addition to the name and address of the sender, must be the title (if any), and the criticism coupon from the current issue. (5) Enquiries should be clearly written, on one side of the paper only, and should be specific and not general. Such enquiries as " How can 1 take interiors ? ” or “ Can you give me some hints on outdoor portraiture ? ” are too general to be dealt with in this section. (6) All envelopes should be distinctly marked “ Query ” or “ Criticism," as the case may be. (7) Prints are sent for advice or criticism on the distinct understanding that by so doing per¬ mission is given for their reproduction without fee. We endeavour to deal promptly with enquiries, but cannot undertake to answer by return of post, nor can we give precedence to any enquiry. A selection of those replies is printed each week, but all questions are answered by post. Enquiries from abroad must contain a coupon also, but it need not be from the current number, and should be cut from the latest issue to reach the enquirer. Pyro Stain. Will you tell me how to remove the yeliow stain from pyro-developed negatives ? G. H. (Bradford.) Many methods for removing yellow pyro stain have been advocated, but the problem is a somewhat difficult one, especially when the negatives are old. You might try the following : Water . . . . . . 2 oz. Hypo . . . . . . 2 drms. • Thiocarbamide . . . . 20 grs. Sodium bisulphite . . .. 1 drm. You must remember that the image itself is partly composed of stain, so that the character of the negative may be considerably affected when it is removed. Retouching. Can you supply me with the instructions and materials for retouching prints, etc. ? 1 under¬ stand it is not advisable to interfere with the negative before printing. J. H. (Greenford.) The question you put is really un¬ answerable, as it is quite impossible with¬ in the limits of a reply to tell you all about retouching, and, of course, we do not supply materials. We do not know where you got the information that nothing should be done to a nega¬ tive before printing, but wherever it came from it is absurd. The only way to acquire such knowledge as you require is to consult a suitable textbook, or to see a demonstration. Obtaining Dark Slides. I have a 9 X 12 cm. camera for plates ; where can I obtain extra dark slides ? What would they cost ? G. H. (Leytonstone.) We do not think that this camera is now made, and in such a case we can only suggest that you write to one or two of the large dealers in second-hand apparatus, and see if they can supply you with further slides. We cannot, naturally, say anything as to their probable cost. Photographing Silver. I photographed the silver articles, shown in enclosed print, by the light of gas-filled lamps. Do you think this has been over-exposed ? B. C. C. (Edinburgh.) judging from the print we do not think that the negative was over-exposed, but, naturally, there was very strong reflected light from the silver, so that the result is very much like what ap¬ peared to the eye. You would probably get a better result by using diffused daylight, giving a full exposure, and cutting down development. You should light the objects more from one side, and not so full in front. Copyright. I have some photographs of which I have parted with the copyright ; are these ineligible for vour competitions ? E. W. (Belfast.) The question of copyright in photo¬ graphs is not considered in prints en¬ tered for our competitions. You have to remember, however, that we may at any time possibly reproduce a print so entered, and this would be an infringe¬ ment of copyright for which you yourself would be responsible. Showing Slides. I give full particulars of the method by which I exhibit lantern slides at home with excellent results. When I showed some on a larger sheet the results were very different. Is there any standard for density and contrast ? C. S. (Quebec.) We quite appreciate the difficulty you describe in your long and interesting letter, but it is difficult to reply to you usefully. You are yourself showing the slides under what are apparently excel¬ lent conditions, far better than those which obtain in the ordinary lecture room. It is quite impossible to make slides that will look equally well under, both good and bad conditions of pro¬ jection. It is really a question of compromise, and the best slide-makers generally keep in mind a condition of 72 January 16th, 1935 reasonably good projection, such as would obtain in a first-rate photo¬ graphic society. In cases where light and screen are not up to standard the slides will necessarily suffer, some much more than others. Time of Fixing. Do you concur in the view of Mr. Shaw in his letter on December 19th, that fixing of prints is complete in 30 seconds or less ? D. J . S. (Lausanne.) As you will see from our correspondence page, we always disclaim responsibility for the opinions expressed therein. Theoretically, and in certain conditions, the clym made as to the time of fixing may be correct, but it is evident that even Mr. Shaw has not the courage of his convictions, for he himself gives six times the theoretical time stated. In practice the fixing bath is not always fresh and of a given strength for each print. Temperature plays its part, and so also does the amount of unaffected silver to be removed. . We consider, therefore, it is good practice to keep well on the safe side, and not rely on labora¬ tory tests made under special conditions which do not obtain in ordinary work. Tank Development. Your correspondence columns show that there is considerable difference of opinion about tank development. Do you think that a film tank is perfectly reliable ? F. H. O. (Seven Kings.) The point you put cannot be settled by a definite yes or no. For one thing, tanks differ. Hundreds of photographers develop all their films and plates in tanks without any trouble whatever, while others apparently working in the same way meet with difficulty. If you get a good tank and use it properly we know of no reason why you should not meet with complete success, as we do ourselves. Infra-red Work. Is there a handbook on infra-red photography ? If so, what is the cost ? D. St. G. W. (Wallasey.) There is a very good handbook on infra-red photography by Rawlings, published at 3s. 6d., and costing qd. for postage. You can get a copy from Messrs. Sands Hunter & Co., Ltd., 37, Bedford Street, Strand, London, W.C.2, or from The Fountain Press, 19, Cursitor Street, London, E.C.4, or a local dealer can order it for you. Miniature Work. What book would you recommend dealing with various aspects of work with a miniature camera ? F. J. E. (Eastbourne). There are several books on miniature camera work, and we do not care to recommend one in preference to all the others. If you write to the Fountain Press, 19, Cursitor Street, London, E.C.4, they will send you their list, which contains ten books on the subject you mention. Lens for Enlarger. What advantages are there in the use of an anastigmat over an R.R. lens in an enlarger ? J. R. T. (Hoylake.) An R.R. lens has a curved field, and therefore must be stopped down to give a sharp image all over a plane surface. An anastigmat lens will do this even at full aperture. % 24