The Optical Magic Lantern Journal (June 1890)

8 The Optical Magio Lantern Journal and Photographic Enlarger. BRECHIN PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION. — Mr. D. Ferrier, F.C.S., president of the Montrose Photographic Association, gave a lecture and demonstration of the autotype process on 7th May. The Autotype Company sent down a selection of their work for exhibition. Mr. Ferrier referred to the beauties of lantern slides by the carbon process as exemplified by Woodbury slides. The making of enlarged jegatives for carbon enlargements was fully described, anda few autotypes were developed by the lecturer, and greatly admired by a large audience. It was intimated that the Public Lantern Exhibition of the 5th March was very successful financially, the funds of the association having benefited to the amount of £2 16s. 6d. HoLporn CAMERA CLUB.—On May 9, 1890, Mr. T. C. Hepworth delivered a lecture, illustrated by lantern slides, on photographs as applied to illustrated journalism, as exemplified by the Daily Graphic. He first showed a copy of a portrait published in a newspaper in 1679. Rolls of paper which were delivered at the office of the Daily Graphic were 34 miles in length. Transparencies were exhibited showing the way type and illustrations were set up on a flat surface, and the way paper moulds were made from the same. Crude and indistinct sketches of photos were, he explained, elaborated by a staff ofartists; they were then photographed, and a zinco-etching was made from the negative so obtained, the whole process being completed in a few hours. GLOUCESTERSHIRE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY.—At the annual meeting the president, vice-president, treasurer and committee of last year were re-elected; Mr. A. H. Cluich was elected hon. secretary; the retiring secretary (F. H. Burr) and the Rev. Mowbray Trotter were added to the committee, A lantern outht, consisting of a pair of mahogany lanterns, with cylinders, regulators, jets, &c., was on view, and it was decided to purchase same for the use of members. The Triennial Exhibition (open) will be held in October or November, and prospectuses in accord with recently expressed ideas will shortly be issued. CAMERA CLUB.—On May 8th there was a special lantern slide exhibition at the Camera Club, photographs taken on recent tours in Egypt being shown by Messrs. Rodgers, Collins, and Major Nott. Amongst the transparencies were many of excellent quality, and the collection contained a great variety of interesting illustrations of present life and manners in Egypt, with orginal views of the pyramids and | other remains and public buildings. Mr. Elder exhibited a large number of photographs recently taken in Madeira and Teneriffe ; Mr. Andrew some interesting views of volcanoes in action and other subjects ; Mr. Ferrers, landscapes taken on club excursions ; and Mr. Crookes some charming pictures of Ightham Moat-house. Other slides by Messrs. Fitz-Payne, Carnell, and Sands were exhibited. : PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF IRELAND. —On the 22nd May this society concluded the winter session by a public lantern exhibition in the theatre of the Royal College of Science. There was a large attendance. During the evening two hundred and twenty slides were passed through the lanterns by Mr. J. Carson, C.E.; they were described by the ‘secretary, in the absence through illness of Professor J. Alfred Scott. A larxe number of the slides were made from negatives used in hand cameras, those causing most amusement having reference to street life in Dublin, particularly in some of the slums of the city. : 20: «© Sport Cuts.”—The promoters of this new and highly successtul weekly paper are offering a prize which will increase the ranks of amateur photographers by at least one recruit. A complete photographic set (by Messrs. Mawson and Swan) is to be competed for, and the competition is open to novice and adept alike. This remarkable paper is sold at a halfperny, and its contributors incluce the leading men of the clay in all sections of society. Notes and Queries. Robert Lacy.—Perhaps the most useful lens for you to obtain for your lantern would be one of Sin. or 6in. focus. Amateur.—(1) Push the light nearer to the condenser ; you will find this explained in our last issue; (2) The nambers of this Journal from last August may be obtained at the usual price. Cornus! asks if anyone can make lantern slides for sale from Stanley’s new book on Africa. The illustrations being copyright, permission must first be obtained, but we do not know the cost. Write to Sampson Low and Co., Fetterlane, London, E.C. Baphamet writes: ‘I bave just bought an old camera, which I cannot close sufficiently to give a focus with my lens ; is there any easy way of making the affair work ? Ifit could be closed about an inch more it would do.”” -Ansver.—The simplest way is to make a sunk front. If you give us more particulars of the nature of the camera we may be able further to assist you. C. Sparks.—(1) Soaking the negative in alcohol for a few minutes will cause it to dry readily ; (2) The gelatine would melt ; (3) The firm you mention would send you the lens on trial if you so wished. It is a rectilinear; (4) Dissolve a small piece of zinc in muriatic acid, then apply a small quantity to the part you want to solder ; (5) An admixture of bismuthand solder will melt more readily ; (6) Give the lantern a coating of lampblack and lacquer, and when dry, a coating of varnish ; this will not give the offensive smell you complain of ; (7) The binding cases are now ready. Binder.—-Flour paste is much better than gum or glue for binding. Wm. C. Chappel.—The pictures sent are very good of their kind, but we do not think they would “ take ” with the public. We have returned them as requested. Operator.—We are glad to hear that you can now easily find the focus of a lens. G. H. Price (Chicago).— We will be pleased to receive a description of the Graphiscioptricon lantern. Tilliott Clymer Co.— Block and particulars received. S. W. Gardner.—Thanks for your friendly letter. Reports should be sent not later than the 23rd. L. k. L.—Some makers use chloride of gold and others chloride of platinum for toning wet plate lantern transparencies. J. B. Colt and Co. (New York).—Box, per International News Company, to hand. Probably in August issue. LE. Davis writes: ‘‘ Would any of your readers please inform me how it would be possible for me to reflect the front exterior of my public camera-obscura building on the table ? When a boy, about thirty years ago, J visited the then camera obscura in Birkenhead Park, and after the man attendant had shown us all the views he moved something, and all of a sudden the picture left the table; and there sure enough on the table we saw the three front sides of the building we stood in. Then one of our number went out and walked up and down the footpath in front of the camera for those insicle to see him on the table ; then the attendant opened the door and made motions to the party outsideto come in. Ile then closed the door, ancl we could see the person walk up the path, then mount the steps and actually knock at the door, and see him openit. You may be sure | was very anxious to know at the time how the illusion was produced; but the old man acted soft and would not divulge the secret. Since then I have been there, but no camera is there now. Noone knew how it was done, and the old man died and would not tell a living soul the secret, not even any of hisown relatives. As I have a public camera obscura on the Folkestone beach, Lam very anxious to find out how to do it.” M, Hedley.—Report came too late for full insertion in this issue. In future we would like Society reports on or before the 24th of each month.