The Optical Magic Lantern Journal (April 1891)

100 The Optical Magio Lantern Journal and Photographio Enlarger. Tue judges for the National Photographic Exhibition (Crystal Palace) are :—Messrs. Frank Atkinson, Val Blanchard, F. P. Cembrano, F. M. Good, Frank Howard, Phillip H. Newmanly. Scientific Lanterns: G. Baker-Cresswell, T. E. Freshwater, C. E. Gladstone, R.N., E. M. Nelson, F.R.M.S. Great credit is due to Mr. S. G. Buchanan, Wollaston for his untiring efforts in connection with this exhibition. . * = _ Messrs. THEOBALD & Co., of Kensington, have, owing to the rapid increase of their business, been compelled to obtain larger premises. They intend moving on the 33th toa five-story building at 43, Farringdon-road, E.C. * 303 Fantoccini Slides. Mosr people are familiar with marionettes as used upon a miniature theatrical stage, but few have witnessed a puppet show at which the "figures have been projected with the optical lantern. We have inspected a variety of slides and figures—the invention of Mr. W. Cheffins, of Holbeach, Lincolnshire—in which the motions and gestures are excellent. The slides are of two characters: one with a set scene, such as a performing acrobat, sawyers at work, men fencing, &c., whilst the other style consists of a special form of carrier, with separate backgrounds and figures, which come and go upon the scene as desired. In the case of a figure ‘ appearing, each movement of nature is imitated as closely as possible, and the puppets do not slide, but walk into place. To describe such figures is somewhat difhcult, as each is ‘specially prepared for the performance for which it is intended. The figures are cut out of mica, painted in transparent colours, and joints are made at the neck, arms, legs, &c., so as to give as natural an aspect as possible. Levers, cams, and springs, all of delicate construction, are communicated to each joint, and so artistically is the colouring performed that the subjects are shaded in such parts where any lever or spring is situated, so as to make them unnoticeable. As an instanceof what one particular figure is capable of doing, we caused it to walk across the scene, with a walking-stick in hand, and take a seat upon a chair. Most of the movements of the figures can be performed by various movements of one prime lever. Many of the acrobatic forms of slides are worked in another manner, and we shall describe one in which a man, whilst lying on his back, pitches a barrel about in the air with his feet. In this case the surrounding scene is painted on aglass, whilst immediately in front is fastened the man, lying on a cushion (everything except the scene being made of mica). The hips and knees are jointed, and work rather loosely. As: the slide must of course be placed in the lantern upside down, the legs remain distended, and, to furnish additional weight, those parts representing the shoes are made of brass. A small hole is provided at each toe, through which fine human hairs are passed. The ends of these are fastened to the mica barrel, whilst the others are secured to the end of levers at the top of the slide frame. In order to perform, a finger is pressed upon each lever, which causes the barrel to be drawn up, and as it cannot pass beyond the toe, the leg is thus bent. By the judicious use of each lever very realistic effects can be given by the performer. The introduction of these forms of slides will be hailed with delight by the juveniles, and perhaps by many who have long since passed that stage. We understand that these slides, although somewhat complicated, can be produced at a price which will enable them to become popular with that portion of the fraternity who use the lantern: for amusement. 10: Hand Cameras for Obtaining Slides for the Lantern. “ Facile’... ... (Fallowfield) ... .. ... see March Ist, 1890. No. jab’ . (Mawson & Son) ... . ‘y» May Ist, ,, ii .... (W. H. Humphries & Co.) ,, yore Ist, 5; i. . QU. F.Shew & Co.)... «5, July Ist, ., “a a. (W.W. Rouch & Co.)... 5, Aug. Ist, ,, ‘ig . (Platinotype Co.) ... .... 5, Sept. Ist, ,, si " .. (Perken, Son & Rayment) ,, Oct. Ist, ,, 1») 7 “The Griffin” _ (Griffin & Sons, Limited) ,, Nov. Ist, 55 » & ‘The Swinden-Earp” Patent _ ws 9, Dec. Ist, 5, » 9 “Collins” (C. G. Collins) wy) Feb. Ist, 1891. » 10 “ Kodak” .. (Eastman Co.) ... ~» 9, Mar. Ist, 4, No. 11.—‘ THE GUINEA.” No one interested in hand camera work need be without a camera, when a useful instrument can be purchased for the small sum of one guinea. This. camera, which carries its price as its name, is the product of Walter Griffiths and Co. (Limited), Highgate-square, Birmingham. _ It takes }-plates, and is fitted with dark slides, achromatic lens (f.9)—ground and mounted by this. firm—and vulcanite shutter. The camera holds three double dark slides of millboard, bound with metal, the draw-out slides being made of zinc chemically stained ; they are very strong, and so rigid that they might at a glance be mistaken for wood. Upon each dark slide is stamped a number. Ona camera of this price one cannot expect to find elaborate brass lens mounts and fittings, but everything is so carried out that the optical arrangements. may be perfect without any unnecessary show, and