The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-09-21
81 70 4' r IS 70 80 Il, ',- s,'
In. AZ l35 $50 26 l23 II 10 l1742l16
SIG. 501a AZ So 1872 20 l25 % I2l f19
-. 80 so AS SO "a $50 81 % i23
61s. ITU12 50 80 IA l39 IS SO 291227
- 81 IS I5g 81 las Al SO IA 3l
THE DETECTIVE"

camera is set Tor that distance.
1.-THE DETECTIVE"
These seem like rather dry details, but
they should be understood by those who
wish to succeed with the detective camera.
1t is very necessary, to work with this sort
of camera, to learn at the outset what it will
not do. 1t will EOt make pictures without
light any more than trirod camera will
make pictures without light. In fact, the
portable camera, used with quick shut
ter" generally requires the most light, for
the camera set no on legs can take its time,
when the hand camera can not. If this ne
cesSity for light is kept in mind there will be
great saving in plates.
Naturally the greatest amount Of light is
required where objects in view of the lens
are in rapid motion, and the shutter must
move faster in proportion as the object be-
comes nearer the camera. The difference
between movement near at hand and move
ment at distance is well illustrated in a
glance from the window of railway car.
The hills on the horizon seem to move past
US at a snaiPs race, while the telegraph
poles near the track 60 whzzing by, as the
joker remarked, like the uprghts in
picket fence" Yet both are passing us at
exactly the same rate. In the same man.
ner if we are standing on a curbstone and
q line of military are passing through the
street it will be easier to accurately photo
graph the soldiers near the opposite curb
than those who pass Us close at hand.
MOVEMENTS.
1t is very necessary to remember that
movement in the object to be photographed
and movement in the camera are very dlf-
ferent matters. A slight movement in the
camera has the same effect as a considerable
movement in the object at which it is aimed.
Slow, steady movements naturally have
much less effect in the case of a hand cam
era, or any camera working with a shutter,
than jarring motions Of any kind. Thus
you may stand up in q rocking row-boat
and, If a little dexterOus, catch picture of
a passing yacht without blur. But it
would not be safe to place the camera on the
rail of steamer whose paddle heels were
giving throbbing motion to the vessel. AL
ways hold the camera in the hands and free
from the body where there is much motion
in the vessel or vehicle upon which you are
standing. This will help soften the move
ment of the camera. Usually, however, the
instrument may be held against the body.
These difficulties give dash of excitement
and uncertainty to the amateurs adventures
with the detective. The shots from the rig
ging, from canoes during a bont-race, from
the train window or in the midst of run
ming crowd, are made under conditions that
demand as much precision as Buffalo BilPs
marksmen are compelled to exercise. The
operator has often to decide very quickly
what speed and focus he may employ, and
Furthermore he must decide how near he
dare get to his subject in order to bring it
properly within the limits of the plate, and
also. if the object be in motion, how near he
dare get to secure the image without per-
ceptble blur. The expert shoots without
looking in the ''finder." just as the marks
man shoots without glancing at the sight"
1t would rot be wise. however, for the ANA
teur TO decide too early in his career that lie
is an expert.
l have met people who rather thought
photography in general was bore. but |
have never stumbled over any oae who did
not think they might like to have little fun
with detective" The hand camera Is
certainly receiving good deal Of fattering
attention.