International photographer (Jan-Dec 1934)

Any itst, 1934 Th INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Seven to shoot. Try that with any other camera ! The Graflex is a bit bulky at times, and for that reason the Speed Graphic is preferred by a good percentage of "lens hounds." It incorporates the same features of the Graflex but dispenses with the reflecting mirror, hence lacks the size and bulk of the Graflex. Both cameras are noted for their sturdiness, and have been known to function for over a period of eighteen years. The Zeiss Orix (4x6 in. negatives) is used a great deal by New York photographers for it is light in weight, and possesses all the desirable features save a focal plane shutter — which is not, after all, so terribly important except in rare instances. The free-lance may easily overlook the ruggedness in his camera, for his will in all probability be an easier path than the staff newspaper photographer's. Therefore any convenient camera with suitable lens and shutter equipment may easily be placed in service. A little-known (unfortunately) camera which I personally believe a most favorable camera for the purpose under consideration is the Plaubel Makina. The Makina is, admittedly, somewhat costly, but in defense of its price I should like to point out that to the photographer who wants the best, it is well worth every penny of its cost. It is small, folds surprisingly compact and small, is equipped with an Anticomar f:2.9 lens, has an interchange-lens feature, uses plates, cut film, film pack, or roll film. Focus is established either by ground glass or automatic range finder. In Europe it is a popular press camera. Since the introduction of the miniature camera, many press photographers have turned to it as a "second" camera, and it is even being used as the "one and only" in a great many cases. As a second camera it is unrivaled, especially for those hasty, hard-to-get shots. As the candid camera it is the only thing, as anyone who has followed the type of news picture of today will recognize. The Leica and Contax are the chief cameras employed for press and candid work. They are so well-known that a description of them would be superfluous. They are particularly valuable when equipped with a speed lens (such as the Hektor 73 mm. f:1.9 or Summar 50 mm. f :2 for the Leica, and the Sonnar 50 mm. f :1.5 for the Contax). Once in a while I am asked if one of these miniature cameras will do for serious free-lance press photography. The answer is obviously in the affirmative. It is true that they require a bit more careful technique, but that is as it should be. The day of the careless hit-or-miss photographer is definitely over. The new school (miniature camera photography) has changed all that. So you see that it matters little what camera you use. It is important how you use it, however. That's the big point that one should not overlook — and too many do, much to their regret later. The negative size used to be a matter of importance in press photography. The usual standard in the United States always has been — and still is in a measure — 4x5 inches. The Graflex and Speed Graphic of this size are favored. In Europe, no standard seems to be in effect. They lean towards smaller sizes, however, and a 9x12 cm. (3l/2 x \y2 in.) is considered a big negative for press work. Today, all over the world, thanks to the Leica and Contax cameras, negative sizes run down -as small as 1x1 3/2 inches. Due to the increasnig popularity of fine grain development, negative size is no longer a factor of importance. The feeling is that if the same results can be produced with smaller negatives, why not take advantage of the saving thus effected? Surely smaller negatives cost less than larger ones, and besides, equipment is smaller and less bulky. Results can be made the same — this has time and again been proven. If one is a bit afraid of the miniature size negative, let him consider the 2^x3^4 and 3j4x4}4 ^ncn s'zes The Plaubel Makina, previously mentioned, accommodates 2j4x^/4 incn negative areas, and turns out work which is not only comparable, but often superior to that produced with larger negative cameras. I have made, and also seen, pictures from tiny Leica negatives which were in every way comparable to 8x10 contact prints. So negative size need not bother anyone in these days. In the old days, and even today in some laboratories, I guess, developing technique consisted of dumping a handful of metol, sulphite, carbonate, and a few pinches of hydroquinone into a tank of water. That was the "soup" or developer. At any rate, it worked sufficiently accurate for the purpose of the newspaper. Today things are much Coaling at Watsonville, Calif. 99928 Leica D. Henry Washburn, 106 Front St., Santa Cruz, Calif. Hektor 73 mm. f.3. 1/30. Dupont Superior P. Diamine. Eastman New Bromide. different, just as the quality of pictures seen in print are different from what they used to be. Since the introduction of the miniature camera, all eyes have been turned towards fine grain developing. While fine grain formulas were brought forth primarily for users of the miniature camera, owners of larger cameras, too, became interested. Today, then, we might say that everyone uses a fine grain developer, regardless of whether for small or large negatives. A new sense of cleanliness prevails. Gone are the sloppy darkroom and careless habits. The "new deal" formulas should in any event be used. They undoubtedly produce better results in the long run if everything is taken into consideration. The free-lance may not be in a position to equip a darkroom to work in, hence finds it decidedly inconvenient to mix chemicals. Again, others may be too lazy to do this (as is yours truly). For occasional developing, and even when it becomes necessary to do so frequently, the prepared chemicals will be found most satisfactory. Liquid developers such as Rodinal, Micrograin-85, M.P.G., and others are excellent. If one prefers powder which is simply dissolved in the required amount of water, Boratol, Hauff's Glycin, Perutz Fine Grain, Agfa Fine Grain, Nograin, and D-76 will fill the bill. The Burroughs Wellcome Rytol and Tancol are recommended — little pellets or tablets which are crushed and dissolved in water make splendid developing solutions. News men have always adhered to glass plates, mainly because such a variety of emulsions is available and the glass plate can be enlarged from while still wet. However, film has definite advantages over plates as far as the free-lance is concerned, and he is advised therefore to use it. Contrary to the usual opinion, film negatives may be printed and enlarged wet as easily as glass plates if speed is of importance, which might be considered rare from the free-lance's standpoint. The type of print which meets with approval of editors is one which is needle-sharp with a good deal of snap and contrast. Glossy ferrotyped prints are preferred, and (Turn to Page 23) Please mention The International Photographer when corresponding with advertisers.