The Optical Magic Lantern Journal (August 1890)

20 or, if necessary, a pile of stones, or anything of a kindred nature. To obtain this effect was another source of trouble owing to the magnification of the grain or atoms of various stones, but when I finally hit upon the idea of using coal for the purpose, the effect was good. A lumpof coal when photographed gives no idea as to the original dimensions, and when it is reproduced in a photograph there is no telling whether it is of a few inches across or asmany feet. The coal, if it is to form the base of the figure, must be prepared So as to be in keeping with it. After the figure is rigged up, some small foliage should be placed at the sides, and immediately in | front. Then, as a background, a large photograph . may be introduced. In lighting such a composition | care must be exercised that the figure has as little | “shine” as possible, and above all things do not le: a shadow fall upon the background. When all the | arrangements are well carried out, a pretty lantern | transparency can be thus obtained. I mentioned that care should be taken to remove all | dirt in the crevices. This reminds me that if sitters | were to wash their faces immediately previous to: having a large (head) photograph taken, there would | be less work for retouchers, and a better photograph ! would result. An interesting comparison is that of i large head photographed immediately after sponging: | the face, and another taken an hour or two afterwards. | The marks in the face in the latter case will appear ; hard compared with those in the first, for it is surprising how a lens can detect foreign matter in crevices ; but for a photographer to ask his clients to wash their faces is, indeed, a difficult matter, and great delicacy would have to be displayed, but, perhaps, two labelled prints showing the difference would answer best, if they were hung in a prominent position in a studio dressing-room. ANDREW C. COLE. 30: Mat Trimmers for Lantern Transparencies. VARIOUS methods have from time to time been advocated for cutting out masks, and with many in general use, a separate guide or die is required for each respective size and form. When it is the intention to produce mats in quantity it would seem reasonable enough that there be a-die for each size, but for the amateur who makes a few slides now and then, and wishes to mount them with a mat the size and shape which in his opinion is best suited to display the pictures to advantage, he usually Possesses himself of an assortment of mats, or else procures a die for each size and form according to his requirements. With a view to the wants of those desiring to make their own mats, Messrs. Bain and Co., of 515, Pinestreet, St. Louis, U.S.A., have introduced an Ingenious form of trimmer, with which masks of various sized openings may be made. The trimmer, which is sold for 25 cents, may be made from a sheet of brass of two and seven-eighths inches square. Across this plate two heavy lines are Tuled at right angles, thus dividing it into four equal The Optical Magio Lantern Journal and Photographic Enlarger. One corner (in the case of the one received by parts. : The right us, the lower left hand one) is left entire. hand corner of the square opposite is rounded in the form required for a cushion shape, that of the above division in a quarter circle, and the upper left hand corner in the form of a cycloid, as in the annexed cut. Parallel with the two lines mentioned, light lines are ruled one-eighth of an inch apart. To make a fullsized dome-shaped mat, the paper must be folded in two, and placed under the shape until it just touches the upright heavy line ; then a wheel cutter or knife is run around the shape. By placing the paper up to any of the fine lines the opening will be reduced by a quarter of aninch for each division, counting from the coarse line. Circles, ovals, and squares are made by folding the mat paper twice, or into a quarter its shape and size. Place it under the trimmer, two edges opposite the heavy lines which quarter the trimmer, and cut around the shape. The thick lines described will give an opening two and seven-eighth inches in diameter. To make oblongs, place one edge of the folded Paper opposite the heavy line, and the other opposite one of the small lines at right angles, keeping in mind that each fine line removed from the thick line will reduce the opening by a quarter of an inch. To obtain a clean cut, it is best to place the paper upon a sheet of glass. A little experience with this trimmer will suggest various methods of using it. 30%: Large Lenses v. Small Lenses. THERE are two advantages claimed for a large lens— first, that it will give more light ; and second, that it will give a flatter feld. I may explain by this term “flatter field ” to those who are not acquainted with it,