The Optical Magic Lantern Journal (February 1890)

The Optical Magio Lantern Journal and Photographio Enlarger. Editorial Table. From Messrs. Perken, Son and Rayment we have received The Magic Lantern, tts Construction and Use. This book contains, as its name implies, particulars and modes of use in connection with lanterns of different construction, and at the latter portion the prices and illustrations of this firm’s lanterns and apparatus appear. We observe that in the body of this book the greater portion of our article on the relation of lens to disc, together with the table we published in our August issue, has been reproduced. Practical Hints and Photographic Calendar, 1890, by W. Tylar, of Birmingham, is to hand. It contains, amongst other things, a very complete price list of photographic apparatus, and several humorous and instructive extracts. FROM New York we have that long established annual, Photographic Mosaics, edited by Ed. L. Wilson. This annual, unlike many others, does not partake of the form of analmanac, but isa record of photographic progress. It contains 135 pages of solid and instructive reading by some of the best writers, and is illustrated with six very pleasing and well executed photo-mechanical prints. For our editorial convenience in making entries the publishers of the Cavzera have forwarded us The Photographers’ Diary and Desk Book, which contains ruled spaces for each day of the year, interleaved with blotting paper, and also numerous formule printed in large clear type, so that if referred to in a photographic dark room, it may be easily decipherable. It is neat, comprehensive, and will be appreciated. (55, and 56, Chancery-lane, E.C.) THE Photographic Quarterly (January), edited by Ch. W. Hastings, isto hand. It is well illustrated with a Woodburytype entitled “ Harmony,” a photogravure of Jos. W. Swan and other cuts, and contains eleven articles by well known writers. Among others that by Rey. T. Perkins, on “Common Mistakes and Needless Precautions,” will be found both amusing and instructive. (Hazell, Watson and Viney, La, London.) Mr. WALTER TYLER (London) has sent us his catalogue, the first portion of which is copiously illustrated with cuts of lanterns and lantern apparatus; the second part contains lists of slides, from which even the most fastidious may make selections, as there are upwards of 160 pages of titles, and three columns to each page. The apparatus mentioned is of such a diversified nature, that as space will not permit of our going into detail, we recommend each to obtain the catalogue for himself. 10% Correspondence. CONGRATULATORY. (fo the Editor. | S1r,—I have been so busy with my new Paris Exhibition Lecture, that I have not had time to write before and thank you for your capital little journal, which I hope will prove a 7 aes grand success. I believe there is a large field of usefulness for it, and I wish your venture all success in publishing on the Ist instead of the r5th of the month. I have read most of the articles, and am pleased with the thorough and practical character of them, I have been using oxygen lately from a cylinder—simply to avoid the trouble of making it—but it does not give quite such a good light as that made fresh from chlorate of potash. We use the bags as before for effects; I find them better than -thebottles. Wishing you all the compliments of the season.— Yours, &c., B. J. MALDEN. 14, Great Coram-street, Russell-square, W.C. RELATION OF FOCUS OF CONDENSER AND: : OBJECTIVE. [Lo the Editor.) S1R,—With reference to a query by ‘‘N. N.,” in your last issue, permit me to point out that in order to get the best results the focus of the condenser should be adapted to that of the objective lens. I have condensers (two plano-convex lenses) of short focus,. that give a brilliant and evenly lighted disc when used with objectives of 6in. focus. With gin. objectives the above condensers are of no use, and I, therefore, use condensers of similar construction, but of longer focus. These will also give an evenly illuminated disc with the 6in. objective; but the light is very poor, as the radiant has to be withdrawn to a greater distance from the condenser. I ought, perhaps, to add that the objective lenses referred to are portrait combinations, the light used being the oxyhydrogen mixed jet.—Yours, &c., W. M. BAYNES. Torquay, Jan. 15, 1890. FORMATION OF A LANTERN CLUB. [To the Editor.] S1r,—Your proposal and that of Mr. Holding to form ®Lantern Association or Club will I trust meet with hearty support. Having taken great interest in the preparation, study, and exhibition of these much admired transparent photographs for very many years, and having worshipped at the shrine of MM. Ferrier and Soulier, in the Boulevard Sevastopol, I am exceedingly anxious to see, if possible, further improvement in the pictures as well as in the apparatus for exhibiting the same. The latter has certainly received during the last few years much more attention; but more can still be done. Compressed gases—ether and benzoline saturators—render the means of illumination now so perfect and easy, that we shall I hope soon be able togive softer and more of Nature's effects on the screen than has been hitherto accomplished 5. not slavishly confining ourselves to perfectly clear glass for what are termed the highest lights, and to shadowless and somewhat weak photographs (positives), sacrificing thereby many beautiful atmospheric effects and the much desired: chiaroscuro. I shall be happy to become a subscriber to and an actiye member of any club or association. —Yours, &c., SLInGsBY BETHELL, Chelsea Lodge, Chelsea Embankment, Jan. 4, 1890. [To the Editor] S1rr,—Will you permit me to call the attention of your” readers to a step which I trust now to see taken—viz., to bring. together, either by means of a club or association, in a prac-tical form, those who are interested in the work of photographic optical lanterns. I will not here detail the advantages that may possibly accrue from such an association, except to suggest—(@) the development and improvement of the lantern itself; (6) tohelp in popularising it generally ; (¢) to enable those who are, fond of so delightful and scientific an amusement to become