The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1889-02-14
AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY.
A Few Hints for the Use Of the Be-
ginner.

RInnGFs
Starting with the advantage of pur-
chasing his sensitive plates ready for
use, neatly put up in light, tight paper
boxes, the amateur photographer of
to-day has comparatively easy time.
In apparatus all that is required is a
light, substantial camera, usually of a
size sufficiently large to take in five
by-eight plate, good lens of the rec
tilinear type, a shutter, a compact
folding tripod and stand, and half a
dozen double plate-holders, each one
holding two plates, ready for exposure
in the camera, all of which may be
purchased from manufacturers in style
and prices to suit the taste and purse
of the intending photographer.
The beginner, after having secured
suitable apparatus, should first famil-
iarize himself with its working. He
will need to learn how to focus and
place the reversed image on the ground
glass correctly, to know when to
use the rising front and swing back,
and to see that the camera stand is
properly leveled. After these points
are acquired, the question of exposure
and development should be studied.
AS regards exposure, practical expe-
rience is necessary. No general rule
can be given. The guides to be con-
sidered are the brilliancy of the image
on the ground-glass, the rapidity of
the plate, the time of day, and the SUBJ
| ject, whether it is a dark shady nook
or brilliantly illuminated sea-scape.
A few experiments will teach more than
an elaborate description in books.
There has been lately introduced an
instrument about as large as a good
sized watch, termed a "Photometre, "
for accurately determining the proper
exposure. When used it is placed in
contact with the ground-glass, and an
internal disk is rotated until three small
holes, arranged in radial line on the
disk, appear to merge together. Then
a reading is taken, which tells how
many seconds exposure should be
given. Being based on the principle
of the brilliancy of the ground-glass, il
appears to work satisfactorily in prac-
tice, Concerning the proper develop,
ment of the exposed plate, more skill
and patience are required than ordinar.
lily expected, but it is easier to learn
how to do it correctly by observing the
manipulations of skilled operator than
In any other way.
The development of the plate usually
occupies about ten or fifteen minutes
1t is frequently hard for beginners tc
tell when to stop the development. Ir
general they are apt to stop too soon
producing thereby negatives too weak
and devoid of contrast. Developers
ready for use are sold, saving the be-
ginner considerable trouble, but those
who have the time prefer to prepare
their own solutions. The manipula
tion is quite easy, Under the ruby
orange light the sensitive plate is re-
moved from the holder and laid in 6
rubber tray previously partially filled
with water. After minutes soaking
the water is poured off, and the devel
oper, consisting of water, pyro anG
potash, is poured on. In the course O
two minutes the picture appears, and
soon gradually develops out fully, when
the plate is washed and the image
fixed in hyposulphite-of-soda solution
F, c, Beach in Harper's Magazine.