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Full text of "The Leica Manual A Manual For The Amateur And Professional Covering The Entire Field Of Leica Photography"

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CONTRIBUTOB& 



H. W. ZIELER 
J. M. LEONARD 
GLENN H. PICKET! 
JOHN T. MOSS, JR. 
KARL A. BARLEBEN, JR. 
JOHN P. GATY 
ELBERT M. LUDLAM 
MANUEL KOMROFF 
LINCOLN K. DAVIS 
A. LAURENCE DUNN, D.D.S. 
GILBERT MORGAN 
RUDOLF H. HOFFMANN 
A. L. LUGN 
ELLSWORTH C. DENT 
JOHN W. VANDERCOOK 
JAMES A. BARNES 
FRANCES W. BINKLEY 
JOHN N. HARMAN, JR. 
ROWLAND S. POTTER 




THE 
MANUAL 

A Manual for the Amateur and Professional 
Covering the Entire Field of Leica Photography. 



by 

WILLARD D v MORGAN 
HENRY M. LESTER 
and Contributors 



MORGAN & LESTER, PUBLISHERS 1 Q O *7 

100 EAST 42ND STREET, NEW YOHK JiWV// 



Fir&b 



Second Edition [ 

First Printing December 1936 



First' 'Printing/ August 1935 - 
Second Prmtiiig' ^p^emb.er J535 
Third Printing August* 



Copyright 1936 

Willard D. Morgan 
Henry M. Lester 



, - r ( 

All rights reserved in all countries. No part of this book 
may be reproduced or translated in any form without 
permission in writing from the editors and publishers. 



Printed in 0.S.A, By Wagner Printing Co., Inc., New Y< 



ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 



The Editors wish to express their appreciation to all 
those who have assisted in the compilation of this work : 

Contributors 

of chapters, and the many friends working with the 
miniature camera who have submitted photographs and 
helped to formulate the scope of this Manual 

Barbara Morgan 

for planning typographical and montage arrangement 

Bnth Lester 

for collaboration in the editing of the volume. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



Before We Press the Button 7 

by Manuel Komroff 

An Introduction to Leica Photography 17 

by Willard D. Morgan 

A New Camera for New Interpretations. Why Specialized 
Chapters? 

PART I -BASIC LEICA TECHNIQUE 

CHAPTER 1. Leica and Its Auxiliary Equipment 23 

by Willard D. Morgan 

What to Photograph with a Leica. Know Your Leica. 
Your Beginning. How to Make Your First Leica Picture* 
Models F and G Leicas. Interior Mechanism of the Leica. 
Loading the Leica Film Magazine. Earlier Leica Models. 
Leica Accessories. Vidom Universal View Finder. Wide 
Angle View Finder. Direct View Finder. Wintu Angle 
Finder. Sunshades and Their Use. Slow Timing Device. 
Rapid Winder. Protective Cases. Flashlight. Single 
Exposure Leica, and Film Holder* Summary. 

CHAPTER 2. Leica Lenses 49 

by H. W. Zieler 

The Iris Diaphragm. The Miniature vs. Larger Cameras. 
Depth of Focus and Eelative Aperture. Depth of Focus 
scale. Exposure Variations. Perspective and the Various 
Leica Lenses. The 50mm Lenses. Other Leica Lenses. 
Proper Care of Lenses. Front Lenses. 

CHAPTER 3. Color Filters 81 

by Henry M. Lester and Karl A, Barleben, Jr. 

When Filters Should be Used. Color Sensitivity Charts. 
Color Balance correction of Contrast. Making Your Own 
Filter Tests. Filter Factors. Choice of Film and Filter. 
What Filters to Use. Filter Factor Table. 



CHAPTER 4, The 35mm Film Its Selection, Exposure. 

and Development __..__ 97 

by Henry M. Lester 

Part I Film Selection 

Sensitivity to Color. Speed of Emulsion. Graininess. 
Contrast. Latitude. Panchromatic Emulsions. Ortho- 
chromatic, Special, and Color-Blind Emulsions. Reversi- 
ble and Infra-Red Films. When to Use a Certain Film. 

Part II Film Exposure 

Exposure Meters. How to Use an Exposure Meter. Ex- 
posures Without a Meter. Photoflash Exposures. 

Part III Film Developing 

Development with Relation to Exposures. Developing 
Equipment. Developers. High and Low Energy Devel- 
opers. Compromise Developers. Temperature. Agita- 
tion. Short-Stop and Fixing Bath. Washing and Drying 
the Film. Steps in Developing a Film. Reticulation. 
Newton Rings. Storage. Film Cleaner. Reducing and 
Intensifying Leica Negatives. 

CHAPTER 5, Making of Enlarged Negatives: 

Three Methods __133 

by John N. Harman, Jr. 

CHAPTER 6. Your Own Leica Darkroom 137 

by Willard D. Morgan 

The Darkroomette. A Model Darkroom. Bathtub Finish- 
ers. Stocking the Laboratory. A Two Room Laboratory. 

CHAPTER 7. Enlarging and Contact Printing 145 

by Willard D. Morgan 

Selecting the Equipment. Valoy Enlarger. Focomat 
Enlarger. Accessories. Making the Actual Enlargements. 
Estimating Print Density. Printing Control During 
Enlarging. Photoflood Bulbs. Contact Printing. 

CHAPTER 8. Enlarging Papers and Printing 163 

by Elbert M. Ludlam 

Choice of Paper Stocks and Surfaces. Tone Gradation. 
Fast and Slow Projection Papers. Contact Papers. De- 
velopment. Exposure. Short-Stop. Fixing. Hypo Test. 
Drying. Ferrotyping. Toning. Spotting. Presentation 
of the Finished Prints. Embossing Prints. 

CHAPTER 9. Copying and Close-Up Photography ___ 187 

by Willard D. Morgan Data Tables by Henry M. Lester 

Importance of Small Object Photography. Accessories. 
Sliding Focusing Copy Attachment. The Extension Tubes. 
The 135mm Lens Mount. Data Tables for Extension Tubes 
Used Directly on the Leica. Tables for Extension Tubes 
and Formulas. Avoiding Vibration During Copying. Criti- 
cal Focusing with 30x Magnifying Glass. Focusing by 
Measurement. Fixed Focusing. Illumination. Exposure 



Time. Films Used. Developing. Filters. Auxiliary 
Reproduction Devices. 250 Exposure Leica. 

CHAPTER 10. Making Leica Positives for Projection 221 

by Willard D. Morgan 

What Makes Good Positives. The Two Positive Printing 
Processes. Contact Printers. Eldia Printer Directions. 
Making the Leica Glass Positive. Projection Paper for 
Testing. Mounting the Finished Glass Slide. Film and 
Glass Slides by Projection. Combination Printer Direc- 
tions. Belun 1:1 Copy Attachment. 

CHAPTER 11. Projecting Leica Pictures 237 

by Willard D. Morgan 

Equipment Available for Projection. Table of Screen 
Distances and Areas. Titles for Films. Storage. 

CHAPTER 12. Stereoscopic Photography 249 

by Henry M. Lester 

The Stereo Equipment. Filters. Sunshades and Film. 
Stereo Color Pictures. Protecting the Stereos. Using 
Two Cameras. Making of Stereo Paper Prints. 

CHAPTER 13. Panorama Photography 1 257 

by A. L. Lugn, Ph.D. 

Equipment. Composing the Panorama. Panorama Tricks. 
Making the Pictures. Printing. Assembling and Mount- 
ing the Finished Panorama. 

CHAPTER 14. Natural Color Photography 265 

by Henry M. Lester and Rowland S. Potter 

Kodachrome. Speed and Exposure. Daylight and Arti- 
ficial Light Filters. Viewing and Projection. Stereo- 
scopic Photography in Color. Making of Paper Prints. 
Three Color Separation Negatives. Chromatone Process. 
Wash-off-Eelief Process. 

PART II LEICA IN SCIENCE AND EDUCATION 

CHAPTER 15. The Leica in Visual Education 275 

by Ellsworth C. Dent 

Educational Use of Pictures. The Leica Camera. Spe- 
cial Subjects . . . Agriculture . . . Biological Sciences . . . Lan- 
guages. . . Geography. . .History . . .Industrial Arts . . .Ar- 
chitecture. . .Physical Training. . .Physical Sciences. 

CHAPTER 16. The Leica in Historical Research 295 

by James A. Barnes* Ph.D. 

Obtaining Complete Historical Record Pictures. The 
Research Equipment. Economical and Time Saving. 

CHAPTER 17. Copying Books and Manuscripts 301 

by Frances W. BinJcley 

Actual Working Methods. Illumination. Films. Making 
and Using Film Copies... The Clerical Side. Copying 
Mistakes and Their Remedy. 



CHAPTER 18. The Miniature Camera for Miniature Monsters_._309 
by J. M. Leonard 

Catching the Insects. Equipment. Photographing in the 
Field. Selecting the Correct Photographing Angle. Bring- 
ing Home the Catch. Mounting the Insects. Lighting. 
Ultraviolet Light. Equipment for Indoor Work. Photo- 
graphing at Home. Exposure and Development. 

CHAPTER 19. Photomicrography with the Leica Camera _____ 331 
by H. W. Zieler 

When to Use the Leica for Photomicrography. How to 
Adapt the Leica to the Microscope. Photomicrography of 
Living Matter with the Micro Ibso Attachment. Gen- 
eral Photomicrography with the Sliding Focusing At- 
tachment. Obtaining Critical Focus. Amateur Photo- 
micrography. Selecting the Microscope. Illumination 
Apparatus. Magnification and Resolving Power. Light 
Sources. Filters and Films. Exposure. 



CHAPTER 20. Dental Photography and Photography of 

Small Objects ^357 

by A. Laurence Dunn, D.D.S. 

Equipment Required. Making the Photographs. Focus- 
ing. Transillumination of Teeth. Photographing Re- 
flected Images. Determining Exposures. Importance of 
Keeping Accurate Records. 

CHAPTER 21. The Leica as an Ophthalmic Camera 371 

by Henry M. Lester 

Equipment. Importance of Focusing. Illuminating the 
Eye. Flashlight Eye Exposures. Leica for Clinical Pho- 
tography. Use of the Placido Disc. Portraits of Patients. 
Smoke Box Photography. 

CHAPTER 22. Infra-Red Photography __....387 

by John P. Gaty 

Infra-Red Films. Differences in Infra-Red Values. Infra- 
Red Photography in the Field of Medical Research... 
Criminology. ..Photomicrography. Exposure and Filters. 
Hypersensitizing the Film. 

CHAPTER 23. Astronomical Photography with the Leica ..397 

by Lincoln K. Davis 

Equipment. Photographing Through a TelescoDe. 



Ill THE IN 

CHAPTEB 24. Candid Photography with a Leica 405 

by Rudolf H. Hoffmann 

The Scope of Candid Photography. Selfconsciousness. 
Candid Photographs in Industry. Candid Photography Not 
Limited to Any One Particular Field. Equipment. 

CHAPTER 25. Stage Photography 421 

by Glenn H. Picket! 

Lenses for Theatre Photography. Film and Hypersensi- 
tizing. Picture Positions in the Theatre. Judging Ex- 
posures. Slow Exposures. Developing the Negative. 
Human Interest Photos. 

CHAPTER 26. The Leica in the Hollywood Studios 431 

by Gilbert Morgan 

Location Scouting. Technical Reference Photos. Make- 
Up and Candid Photos. 

CHAPTER 27. Aerial Photography 439 

by John P. Gaty 

Aerial Compared to Ground Photography. Leica as a 
Profitable Aerial Camera. Starting Your Own Aerial 
Photo Business. Controlling Perspective by Lens Selec- 
tion. Making the Preliminary Ground Survey. Filters for 
Different Visibilities. Exposure. Infra-Bed Photography. 
Films. Preventing Vibration During Exposure. Photo- 
graphing From Transport Air Liners. Your Personal 
Airplane. Aerial Photos at Low Altitudes. Equipment. 

CHAPTER 28. Leica Photography in the Tropics 463 

by John W. Vandercook 

Equipment. A Dehydrating Method. Developing the Film. 

CHAPTER 29. Photomurals with the Leica 469 

by John T. Moss, Jr. 

Relation of Photomurals to the Architecture. Physical 
Limitations of Size. Subject Matter. Composing the 
Photomural. Grain and Viewing Distance. Technical 
Photomural Procedure. 

INDEX 482 



WE THE 



MANUEL KOMROFF 



The world is large and filled with many things. It is difficult 
to get acquainted with so much. Existence seems to be crowded. 
It is hard to feel at home in a place so full so crowded with joys 
and sorrows, dreams and hopes, as well as the multitude of objects 
that pour like an avalanche into our lives. The products of the ma- 
chine age alone form a Niagara that seems overpowering. There is 
little time for leisure, and work seems the currency of our present- 
day life. But in spite of all this, nature continues to grow and unfold 
its loveliness. 

Beauty is fearless and stands proudly beside the blast furnace or 
the dynamo. These monsters do not disturb her. She holds mys- 
teries greater than anything done by the work of man. She was 
here long before the machine intruded upon our world, and she will 
remain long after the last cogwheel stops its grinding whirl. Thes<3 
two powerful forces stand side by side. Man must bow in reverence 
before it all. It is wonderful to be able to see and know a few things 
that are around us. And it is not possible to know more than a very 
few. 

This idea has often impressed me. It is a little thing, but it is 
something I would like to record. I would like to show my friend a 
symbol of these two forces that exist side by side in the crowded 
world we live in. Somewhere I will find a little white flower growing 
beside a black factory chimney. It will be worth recording and 
I will touch a button and the hard cold and uncanny eye of the 
modern 'camera will embrace the idea. I will take home a record of 
what -has been in my mind. I will want to show it to my friend so 
that he can see at a glance what I am thinking about. 



I am thinking about the whole big world and our little lives. 
About great dynamos whose force man can control and a little white 
flower, growing beside them, which soon must wither and die, a 
force that man is unable to control I am thinking of animals and 
vegetables and minerals and how all things fall into these three 
kingdoms to form the face of society. And I am thinking that all 
these things exist only as a kind of reflection . . . and we see 
them only as something that is projected on the mirror of the mind. 
This mirror is a very mysterious and a very important thing. It 
controls imagination and it has in it something that enriches our 
lives. . 

My friend sends me a snapshot of a white horse frisking across 
a field against a dark stormy sky. Before he pressed the button 
he used the mirror of his mind. It is a fine picture indeed, and I 
compare it with the old dray horse that I once photographed in the 
streets of New York. My picture shows a poor beast heavy, worn, 
sleepy but very patient and most reliable. The pictures are different. 
But then our pictures are always different. Our minds are different, 
our eyes are different; our lives, experiences, and emotions have all 
been so very different. And even if we both photographed the same 
flowers or the same machine, our photographs would be quite different. 

Both my friend and I know something about the technical side 
of photography. We both understand that the machine we are using 
is very flexible and most adaptable. We know a few of its limita- 
tions and some of its possibilities. We have chosen this very special 
type of machine that we use because of its extreme flexibility and 
because we believe that a machine can become an instrument of 
expression. A fair amount of knowledge and a sympathetic feel ins 
can convert a mechanism into an instrument for expression. An 
artist would use a brush, but here we have chosen a machine to 
express something that is reflected on the mirror of our mind. 

I am anxious to show you some of these reflections, to show you 
what T see in an animal, in a plant, or in a metal structure. I realize 
the power of visual perception, and I know that I can tell you a good 
deal with a small photograph, for I do not trust words too much. 
And I am also anxious to see what you have to show me. I am eager 
to learn about the world that you live in and compare it with the 
world that 1 know. They are the same, and yet they are strangely 
different. 

8 



A friend has just sent me a little picture that he has snapped 
of a murderer in Eussia being led to prison. He is an ugly fellow, 
and brutality is written over his face. There is something creepy 
and loathsome about him. But he is not unlike a murderer in Aus- 
tralia, or France, or America. I see now by that little picture what 
a slight difference there is between them. And another friend has 
just sent me a photograph of lotus flowers floating in a garden pool 
in China. It is indeed very beautiful. But some of our own flowers 
are also beautiful. They also sprout and unfold, and in time they 
wither and die. 

How alike things are in different parts of a large world. Brutal- 
ity and ugliness exist in all places. And beauty is there also. But still 
there seems a little difference, and it is this difference which is quite 
fascinating. A Russian murderer and a murderer from Texas are 
both vile creatures, and we look at their pictures side by side and we 
compare the likes and the dislikes. And some of the flowers that 
grow in China are very different from our own, and we want to see 
more and more. There is interest in ugliness and there is pleasure 
in what is beautiful. So full is the world. And many things are 
so alike and yet so different. 




Water Lily 



Yasuo Kuniyoshi 



The modern lens in the hands of a sympathetic and under- 
standing person is an all-seeing eye whose glance pierces deeply into 
surprising recesses of nature. It traps a wealth of detail and lays 
bare great wonders. It often reveals things that the eye cannot see. 
An athlete jumps over a bar, we press a button, and in an instant 
that cold matter-of-fact crystal eye has caught him in mid-air. We 
are surprised. A horse runs at a gallop, and his four legs seem very 
strange indeed. The eye has failed to see it, but the camera has 
caught something that must have been there. 

And here we find some oil on the surface of water, and it catches 
a glisten of light. What a beautiful design it makes! The human 
eye can hardly take it in for it is moving rapidly, and what exists 
at one moment is lost the next. But we have captured it in a flash, 
and we have brought the record home to study. The water has now 
emptied far into the sea, and the oil on the surface is also long gone, 
but we hold a fairly good account of something that was once quite 
beautiful, and we study it and stop to admire it. 

The world passes before us in this strange one-way street called 
time. The traffic is in one direction, from the present to something 
that very soon becomes the past. It cannot be reversed. The hands 
cannot turn backward. And the things that we see now we will 
never see again. We are quite willing to allow the disagreeable to 
pass and hope these moments may never return. But many things 
are not disagreeable, and we would be glad to have a record of their 
passing reflection. 

And so, with the aid of that hard crystal eye, we trap a few 
sensations that we know will never occur again. We snatch away a 
picture of a fleeting image, an idea, a pattern that surely will never 
be repeated, a horse making a record, a flower growing in the crevice 
of a rock, strangers walking in the street, friends laughing with us, 
scenes far away, and little incidents close to our hearts. All these 
and many more. 

But why should we want to hold a reminder of something that 
no longer exists ? The universe is indeed a large place and very full, 
and man is a very small creature. And the little pictures that he 
bothers with seem so trivial. But man is a lonely creature. He lives 
a life tormented by contradictions. He fears what he does not know, 
and he feels at home with the things that he knows and understands. 
His experiences are made up of little moments out of the past, and 

10 




Queen Mary 

Elmar 35mm lens, f :6.3, 1/40, G filter, Du Pont Superior film. 



Eudolf Hoffmann 



II 



these little moments, recorded on the mirror of his mind, have widened 
his perception of life. And so he is at peace when he looks back 
over the pages that he has recorded from his own existence. 

Sometimes these pages are only vaguely in his mind, and some- 
times they are pasted into an album. And that is why, no doubt, 
my friend smiles when he shows me his little book of snapshots of 
that never-to-be-forgotten camping trip he once made. What miser- 
able snapshots they are; what wretched photography! He has since 
Improved. But he smiles as we turn the pages because they bring 
back something that is very pleasant. They bring back something 
that he knows and understands. And he smiles because he feels at 
home with these memories, and his troubled spirit seems at peace. 
There is no better reason why the following pages of this handbook 
should be read very carefully! 

But before we press the button we might remember that the 
two characteristic inventions of our age have been telegraphy and 
photography. From the telegraph grew the telephone, wireless, and 
radio. From photography grew an age of bad portraiture, silly snap- 
shots, and vulgar movies. Eealism, that stark naked child of our 
century, fared much better with the electrical inventions. The optical 
inventions retained a hang-over from our dreamy romantic age. 
Photographs were made soft and sweet. A bad school of fuzzy photo- 
graphy held the stage for several generations. Perhaps the reason 
for this is the fact that art is much more conservative than science. 
A false notion in the mind of man can often be altered by a single 
experiment, but his aesthetic sense, controlled mainly by his emotions, 
is slow and difficult to change. Photography, although most startling 
at first, was very slow to take its place in our realistic age. 

In painting, the revolt against sentiment and tradition occurred 
many years ago. Impressionism came like a blast and recorded a 
new emotional sense; one which was more harmonious with our age. 
And long before impressionism and our present-day school of candid- 
camera photography, distinguished artists used the hard facts of 
realty "as a subject for their art. Daumier, Goya, Gavarni, and Dela- 
croix were only a few of the distinguished names. 

Somehow or other it took many years for photography to see the 
world in the light of these artists. It was stupidly slow. And yet it 
held great advantages. These advantages are twofold: mechanical, 
and psychological. Mechanically a photogra^ can be rapidly mul- 
tiplied and easily enlarged or reduced. Psychologically it holds a 

12 



great advantage over many forms of expression, for a thousand 
y/ords in the ear will often tell you less than a single glance of the 
eye, and a photograph speaks in a language that needs no translating. 
It is upon this psychological factor that a new form of newspaper, 
printed mainly in pictures, has taken so great a hold upon a vast 
public. 

About ten years ago a definite departure took place in the field 
of photography. A small precision camera made its appearance. 
At first glance, it resembled a toy, but on close inspection it was 
found to have those requirements necessary to become an instrument 
of expression. It was flexible and could be brought into action 
quickly. It had a very sharp lens, a good depth of focus, a rapid 
shutter, and seemed quite complete. It also had several disfhret 
advantages such as a crystal focusing device adapted from the range 
finder used on guns the only good I know the War to have ac- 
complished and it used a strip of regular motion-picture film. As 
this film is procurable in all civilized parts of the world, and is made 
with various fine emulsions, it seemed most desirable. With tins 
little instrument forty pictures could be taken upon a single strip 
of negative in rapid succession. This was a great advantage. All 
in all, here was the instrument many had been waiting for. This was 
the machine that could record something that came to the mirror of 
[he mind. For many it opened up a new field of expression. And 
there were a great many in the world who found this a most natural 
ruedium of expression, in fact the only medium that they were capable 
of. Here was an outlet for pent-up visions. Here was a way tc 
gay something eloquently for many who, up till now, had remained 
inarticulate. 

In the ten years that followed, this new field of photography 
has rapidly come forward. Lenses have been made more rapid, film 
stock much improved, and special methods for developing and en- 
larging have been perfected. With the aid of numerous attachments 
'for special work, the little instrument has extended its bounds, as the 
pages of this volume testify, in a most amazing manner. All this in 
ten years! 

The original camera designed to do this type of work soon 
found competition. Several are now on the market using motion 
picture film and equipped with range finders and rapid lenses. 
Except for a very few special things, this handbook applies equally 
to all cameras in the miniature field. 

13 



The pages of this volume contain material and data taken from 
the actual experiences of a group of experts, each a specialist in 
his field. The information, data and formulas are the very latest 
that have thus far been perfected. The methods of photography, 
developing, printing and handling of camera, equipment and acces- 
sories, are also the result of very practical experience. Beside this 
are added some special chapters on Infra-Bed, Photomurals, and other 
fields quite new to this branch of photography. All in all, these covers 
embrace the most complete knowledge on this subject that is possible, 
at this time, to present. 

The editors have proceeded with a conviction that the traffic of 
ideas was more important than merchandise. There are no secrets 
aird "nothing that they know is withheld or covered up with an air 
of mystery. They recommend no vast expenditure for equipment or 
special accessories. But they do ask you to pause a moment before 
you press the button and acquaint yourself with the instrument and 
read these pages so that you may know what is to be known in this 
new field of photography. Knowing is important. 

Our age is distinguished by knowing about an infinite multitude 
of objects. Our existence seems crowded with things. When we 
select a few of the things about us, we display knowledge. Tf what 
we select is pleasing, then we have added an aesthetic sense. And if 
we compose what we have selected, then we extend the aesthetic sense 
into something that has a meaning and design. Here creative pho- 
tography begins. But now one more factor is required: a technical 
knowledge. And here it is. 



14 




Swinging Steel 



Peter Stackpole 
15 




Rope 
16 



Manuel Komroff 



TO 



WILLARD D. MORGAN 



In 1925 automobiles were on the verge of a metamorphosis into 
streamlining, the familiar granite ware of our kitchens turned into 
an array of colors, women smoked on the streets, modern architecture 
was being championed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Eich- 
ard J. Neutra, and others, a few startling photographs taken at 
unusual angles appeared in advertisements, the movies were begin- 
ning to talk, Eisenstein's Potemkin and other Eussian pictures 
startled movie fans, and the vast majority of photographers were 
making the same sweet pictures which their grandfathers made in 
the horse and buggy days. Let me add here that while all this pic- 
torial photography was good in its day and we have profited from the 
experiences of these earlier photographers it is not sufficient for us 
today. To continue with the romantic pictorial conceptions is like 
painting a Eembrandt picture today, or building a Gothic cathedral 
in the shadow of a New York skyscraper with all its modern steel 
construction. 

Into this teeming world of change there was introduced a small 
insignificant camera, it looked like a toy, no photographer gave it 
much of a second thought, true it bore all the stream-lining and 
modern earmarks of the new age, yet how could such a thing which 
used only motion picture film be used for serious photographic 
work it was called the Leica ! 

Here was a camera which came as an interpretation of the new 
developments of the day. A camera which was destined to com- 
pletely change the photographic conceptions of amateur and profes- 
sional photographers alike. With the Leica it was possible to secure 
pictures in places which were formerly taboo for the ordinary camera. 
Now it is possible to go into court rooms, take actual performance 
pictures in theaters, and photograph the passing American scene in 
all its naturalness. During the intervening ten years from 1925 to 
1935 the Leica gained thousands of users in every country of the 
globe. Today the Leica is not only beginning its second great decade 

17 



but it is continuing to create new photographic uses and operate in 
the hands of the beginning photographer as well as the professional. 
Through the remaining pages of this book fundamental information 
about using the Leica will be presented and at the same time addi- 
tional chapters included to give glimpses into more specialized fields 
where unusual Leica work is already being done. 

A New Camera for New Interpretations 

It may be true that a modern camera like the Leica in the hands 
of a photographer who is still thinking from the angle of a 5 x 7 or 
8 x 10 view camera will not produce anything very different. But 
let us use our small camera in a way which will be in keeping with 
its true functions. The larger cameras gave us the heebe-jeebees 
when we took a dozen pictures or more because the film costs mounted 
so rapidly. While with the Leica we are taking yards of exposures 
on 35mm motion picture film at the rate of eight pictures per foot 
of film which cost a few pennies. Instead of feeling the usual photo- 
graphic cramps our small camera gives us freedom of expression, it is 
our visual note book of passing events. A camera which can be 
carried in the pocket and used daily has become a necessity like our 
watch or fountain pen. In this way the Leica can actually enter 
into our daily living and produce photographs which speak our own 
language and not the expressions of past decades. 

Therefore why make the going difficult by spending all our time 
striving to make salon prints when the world is teeming with photo- 
graphic subjects which can be collected through the lens of our Leica 
camera. A collection of Leica pictures revealing the American scene 
may have more interest and value than a few laboriously made salon 
prints. Why not have more fun in making photographs and keep 
the release button on your camera working overtime. 

During the past few years I have had an opportunity to come 
in contact with thousands of Leica camera users either personally 
or by correspondence. I have been with them in their triumphs and 
assisted them in their photographic troubles. World travelers have 
brought me their pictures, leaders of expeditions have come for ad- 
vice, and the beginning Leica photographer may ask about the best 
film or developer to use. I have been in the operating rooms making 
pictures with doctors, in the air with pilots who want to learn more 
about this miniature camera, and in industrial plants showing how 
the Leica can be used to secure pictures for advertising purposes or 
for use in training salesmen. 

18 




Friends 

Elmar 50mm lens, f:9, 1/40, Panatomlc film. 



Rudolf Hoffmann 
19 



Out of such experiences I have gathered together the basic ideas 
now being presented in The Leica Manual. Instead of writing all 
the chapters myself I felt that a book on this subject would have 
much more value if various individuals who were doing specialized 
Leica work could present their own experiences. In this way the 
present volume has been written and I am certain that it represents 
something quite different from the usual photographic book. As a 
reader you will find the very latest information, developments, and 
technique, covering the entire field of Leica photography. 

The majority of us are interested in what may be termed genera* 
photography or the making of good pictures which relate to our own 
lives. To this group I can say that they need not be frightened by the 
immensity of the Leica field which is covered in this book. A thorough 
understanding of the basic photographic principles is sufficient for making 
all the pictures you can ever hope to print. You only need a Leica with 
one of the 50mm lenses, an exposure meter, and a good fine grain film 
to start with. With such a minimum of equipment you can easily make 
all the pictures which may be classed in this field of general photography. 
At first you can have a reliable finisher do your developing and enlarg- 
ing. However, as your interest in miniature camera work develops you 
will find that the real pleasure comes when you do your own finishing 
work. As you expand your interests the more specialized chapters in this 
book will give you valuable information which comes from the experiences 
of other actual Leica users. 

It should be noted that whenever possible the Leica accessories are 
included in the chapters which relate directly to the use of these attach- 
ments. For example, all the Leica lenses are thoroughly described in the 
lens chapter, the various copying attachments will be found in the chap- 
ter on copying, while the panorama equipment is in a special chapter 
covering this subject. In this way the Leica Manual becomes a prac- 
tical handbook for the Leica users who are interested only in general 
photography as well as for those who are adapting their cameras for 
more specialized work. Today you may be interested in photographing 
only general scenes, while next month or next year you will become fas- 
cinated with the possibilities in aerial photography or in adapting the 
Leica to your special hobby or profession. The wealth of information in 
this book makes it possible to adapt the Leica for use in practically any 
photographic field. 

Why Specialized Chapters Were Included 

In addition to the more or less standard chapters covering the use 
of the Leica a few chapters have been included covering more specialized 
fields .such as Eye Photography, Dental, Photomurals, and Photomicrog- 
raphy. Rather than devote many pages to repetition and a resume of the 
camera accessories readers of this Manual will undoubtedly appreciate the 
efforts of the editors to present new and fresh information covering the 
fascinating field of Leica photography. A careful reading of these spe- 
cialized chapters will reveal information which can be applied to general 
photography as well as to the more specialized fields. In addition to 
being an authoritative manual on the subject of Leica photography, we 
want this book to serve as an inspiration to every reader by making 
him aware of the new possibilities in miniature camera photography. 

20 



The chapter on Photomurals covers a subject which is entirely new 
I'n the miniature camera world. Thus a careful study of this chapter 
will reveal that photography may express itself in new forms with new 
ideas in keeping with our more or less complex civilization. Why shouldn't 
our photographic work interpret our own 'times instead of slavishly imi- 
tating the work of past masters of the camera? The pictorial era in 
photography which flourished from 1890 to 1925 gave us. . .atmosphere 
...misty landscapes. . .labored compositions. . .imitations of the graphic 
arts and oil paintings ... sentimental nudes reclining on rocks in lonesome 
forests, and prints which had been worked on until they could not be 
recognized as coming from their own original negatives. 

Thus photography became muscle bound with the lavish rules 
which had to be observed before the photographer hoped to have his 
picture accepted in the exhibitions. Even to this day we find judges 
of salons who still cling to the romantic days of photography and 
discourage the new expressions which are rapidly developing because 
such pioneers as Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Steichen, Eugene Atget, 
Edward Weston, Maholy-Nagy, Man Ray, and others felt that pho- 
tography is an art in itself. 



The Editors wish to note in offering this second, revised edition 
of the LEICA MANUAL that due consideration has been given to the 
significant advances which have been made in the miniature camera 
field. New natural color processes, new filters and newly compiled 
authoritative data on filter factors, a new direct positive enlarging 
medium, new accessories and lenses, revised and corrected formulas, 
new information on enlarging papers were incorporated into this 
volume. In addition to numerous small revisions and corrections 
made throughout the book it has been interspersed profusely with 
new, fresh, and exciting photographs. Having sold over 17,000 
copies of the LEICA MANUAL in fifteen months the Editors are 
bringing it up to date as the standard reference for all miniature 
camera photographers. Copies of the LEICA MANUAL have found 
their way into practically every corner of the globe, no matter how 
remote or isolated. 



21 



PARTI 



BASIC LEICA TECHNIQUE 




Steel and Concrete 
22 



Willard D. Morgan 



ITS 



WILLARD D. MORGAN CHAPTER I 



When we first look at the Leica camera many questions naturally 
arise regarding its construction, operation, and results which may 
be expected from its use. Such a small camera as the Leica requires 
a special technique which is different from other cameras. After 
all, any camera consists of a lens and a light-tight box containing 
the film. From this basic principle many cameras have been devel- 
oped, incorporating hundreds of different special features which 
tend to make the operation of the camera more easily adapted to 
special uses. 

In the case of the Leiea, an 'entirely new photographic field was 
entered with such a radical change in camera design that immediately 
many old habits had to be revised in order to understand the possi- 
bilities of miniature camera work. The Leica camera required the 
use of 35mm motion picture film, the use of fine grain developers, 
an appreciation of the value of short focal length lenses and their 
possibilities in securing photographs which were radically different. 

As the Leica camera was developed through the various succes- 
sive stages from the early Model A to the Models B, C, D, E, F and 
the present Model G- with shutter speeds from 1 to 1/1000 second there 
naturally developed a tremendous interest and demand for informa- 
tion bearing on miniature camera work. Such information assisted in 
helping all miniature camera users to band together and work in this 
new photographic field. In fact, many people using the Leica camera 
actually belong to a fraternity "by-- themselves. Evidence of this fact 
is to be seen in the numerous miniature camera clubs which have 
recently been formed as well as the personal interest among small 
camera users, and the large amount of space given to miniature 
cameras in the photographic magazines. 

In developing the technique of miniature photography, it has 
been necessary to do considerable experimental work and also pro- 
duce many written articles covering the important phases of this 
type of photography which requires a technique unfamiliar to the 

23 



average person occasionally using a box camera. Naturally, the 
users of other than miniature cameras may 'be confused upon their 
first introduction to the possibilities of miniature camera photog- 
raphy. They will hear discussions about this and that highly cor- 
rected lens, resolving power, circle of confusion, depth of focus, 
various different orthochromatie and panchromatic films with their 
advantages and demerits. The religion of fine grain will be ever 
uppermost. 

Although the people who are actually using the miniature camera 
are deriving immense pleasure from their particular work, it may be 
that the outsider will look upon such a field as a chaotic world. 
Miniature camera users will talk about enlarging negatives the size 
of a postage stamp up to 16 x 20 inches or more. While many 
workers in this field enjoy the experimental angle, it is true that over 
90% of the miniature camera users are interested in simply produc- 
ing good photographs. Most of us make our Leica enlargements 
either the postcard size or the 5x7 inch size. Beyond this size, we 
enter the field of salon prints or enlargements which may be used 
for mounting and hanging in the home. 

For example, a Leiea user in Indiana writes the following after 
talking with one of the uninitiated miniature camera users : 

"About 90% of the camera users of today are not interested in 
wonders. They do not possess the skill of the expert. They are 
interested in a camera that will perform well in the hands of the 
ordinary man in the street, the man who is willing to pay the price 
of a good camera but lacks the skill of an expert. Does the Leica 
meet this condition? My opinion is that it surely does." 

What to Photograph with a Leica 

Photographing with a Leica can be one of the simplest and most 
effective means of making a perfect negative. On the other hand a 
Leica user can become -so involved with his camera, accessories, and a 
multitude of ideas about miniature camera photography that he may 
lose sight of the original idea behind the Leica. The Leica was 
produced to simplify photography and make the actual use of this 
camera so convenient that it would be indispensable. After all why 
not use our Leica camera functionally and become familiar with the 
many intriguing uses to which this camera may be applied. 

Before starting to take pictures with our Leica let's stop a 
moment and become familiar with the photographic possibilities 
open to the miniature camera user. 

24 



Leica Equipment 

1. Because of the small size of the Leica it can be concealed in the pocket 
and later used for making pictures in practically any place where there 
is sufficient light to make an exposure. You may catch the unposed 
positions of people in a railroad waiting room, or the information clerk 
carefully explaining some route to a customer. The theater, night club, 
public gatherings, street scenes, and everywhere people meet there will 
be pictures for the Leica user to make. Such photographs tell their own 
story, and show in a moment that the photographer must have had a 
miniature camera and worked quickly in order to make the exposure. 

2. Use the Leica for making twenty or thirty successive portraits of the 
same person and thus catch a more complete interpretation of character. 

- These views will portray a wide range of interesting expressions instead 
of the usual one-view portraits which are made with the larger cameras. 

3. This same idea of making sequence pictures can be used for photograph- 
ing children who are forever scampering about. Catch these colorful 
expressions of the youngsters and arrange the resulting pictures in an 
attractive series in your album. 

4. When traveling with the Leica you will find that it is easier to take 
many more than the ordinary number of pictures and thus give a more 
complete record of your trip. With the cost of film so small there is no 
reason why many hundreds of interesting pictures cannot be obtained, 
even on a short trip of only a few days. 

5. At the horse races, athletic events, yacht races, and other similar events 
the Leica will fit into the occasion without being in the way and thus 
take the edge off an otherwise glorious time. 

There are naturally many other uses for the Leica. One of the pleas- 
ures of owning this camera is to discover some of these uses for oneself 
and thus satisfy one's creative instincts in producing something a little 
different from "the boys with the big cameras". In this book the writers 
have endeavored to present their photographic methods as well as to convey 
some of the pleasures to those who are seeking new discoveries and a more 
complete understanding of miniature camera photography. To begin with, 
let's start with the equipment itself. 

Know Your Leica 

As the Leica has been constructed quite differently from most 
cameras we should become more familiar with the important working 
parts. Let's take a Leica in our hands and look at it ... wind and 
release the shutter . . . set the speed dial at various stops . . . pull 
the lens 'barrel out and lock it by a slight turn to the right . . . turn 
the focusing mount of the lens and watch the images move out of 
focus or into focus through the range finder which is coupled with 
the lens . . . open and close the iris diaphragm of the lens . . . 
study the depth of focus scale at the base of the lens mount . . . try 
the slow shutter speeds on the Model F Leica . . . move the counting 
dial to zero after winding the shutter . . . move the small lever 
between the winding knob and the time setting dial to E or reverse 
. . . pull up and turn the rewind knob, then push it back into posi- 
tion and change the lever back to A or advance . . . adjust the com- 

25 



pensating eyepiece of the range finder for distances under 15 feet 
. . open the baseplate . . . remove the take up spool and film 
magazine . . . try loading and unloading several times before replac- 
ing the baseplate . . .then go back to winding and clicking the 
shutter, and at the same time focus on actual objects and imagine 
that you are making actual pictures. 

All this may at first seem complicated but once you have gone 
through this routine the actual operation of the Leica will seem 
extremely simple. You will become familiar with a new type of 
camera which has been built to eliminate the usual amateur photo- 
graphic troubles, such as double exposures, out of focus pictures, 
under-exposures because of slow lenses or failure to stop rapid motion 
because of slow shutter speeds. 

To make Leica pictures it is not necessary to own the very 
latest model camera with all the interchangeable lenses, filters, cases, 
and a hundred other accessories which could be used. No, all this 
equipment is for those who can afford it and also for use when they 
have advanced to the point where more specialized photography is 
required with the Leica. 




Fig. 7 Leica Model F or G Equipped with 50mm f :2 Summar lens. Model 
G Available in Chrome Finish Only 

Your Beginning Leica Equipment 

All you need as a beginning Leiea user is: a Leica camera 
equipped with one of the 50mm lenses, an exposure meter, and 

26 



Leica Equipment 



several rolls of film. With this outfit you can take thousands of 
excellent pictures and never miss the use of additional accessories. 
Many fine picture are still being made with the early Leica Models 
A and C. The basic idea of the Leiea has never changed since the 
day it was first introduced in 1924. Therefore it is unnecessary to 
be disturbed by the haunting thought that it takes a fortune to 
operate a Leica. On the contrary, once the camera is purchased the 
operation cost is drastically cut when compared to the larger 
cameras. 

How to Make Your First Leica Picture 

"When preparing to make your first Leica picture there are a 
few important points to observe as follows : 

1. Place the film magazine containing the unexposed film into the 
camera after removing the base plate and take up spool. Figure 
8 shows the position of the film when properly loaded. 



M 




3. 



Fig. 8 Dotted Line Shows Correct Position of Film when Loaded in the 
Leica camera. M Take up Spool, W Film, D Film Magazine 

2. Check to make certain that the reversing lever, located between 
the winding knob and the speed dial, is at A or advance. (This 
lever is moved over to E after all the exposures have been made 
and the film is to be rewound into the original magazine.) 
Turn the winding knob and click the shutter twice in order to 
pass the film which was exposed to the light while loading. Then 
wind the shutter a third time and also set the counting dial at 
picture number one opposite the small arrow. If preferred the 
counting dial can be set at zero after the second wind of the 
shutter. Then after the shutter has been released the camera is 
ready for making pictures. 

Determine the correct exposure with the Leicameter, Leicascop 
or other reliable meter. 

Set the shutter speed on the dial by slightly lifting and turning 
to the proper position required. Before setting the shutter 
speed turn the winding knob one complete turn. In the case of 



4. 



5. 



27 




the Model F Leica the slow speed dial is set at any desired stop 
between 1 second and l/20th of a second after the top dial has 
been set at 20-1 which represents l/20th to 1 full second on the 
slow speed dial. When l/20th is to be used on the Model P set 
both dials at the figure 20. 

6. Full out the lens barrel and lock it into position by a slight turn 
to the right, in case one of the 50mm lenses is in use. 

7. Set the iris diaphragm to the proper opening which has already 
been determined by using the exposure meter. 

8. Secure exact focus by looking through the range finder eyepiece 
and at the same time rotate the lens barrel back and forth until 
the two images coincide. (The earlier Models A, C, and E Leica 



Fig. 9 Rear View of Range 
Finder and View Finder. Note 
Magnifying Eyepiece on Range 
Finder Adjustable for Sharp 
Focus on Near Objects under 
15 Feet When in Upright Posi- 
tion 

cameras do not have the built-in range finder with automatic 
lens coupling as in the later models. However these earlier 
models may be converted to a later model, or a separate range 
finder may be used for determining the distances.) "When only 
one image is seen through the range finder the subject is in exact 
focus. Shift the eye to the right (when holding the camera hori- 
zontally) and compose the picture through the view finder. When 
you are ready to make the picture, press the release button 
gradually and thus make the exposure. You have now taken 
your first Leica picture ! 

9. Keep on taking pictures until you have used up the entire roll 
, of 30 or 36 exposures. Try various shutter speeds, outdoor and 
indoor views. Place your Leica in its case or in your pocket, 
then see how fast you can whip it into action and at the same 
time remember the points which, are essential for making" a 
picture. 

1. Determine the exposure 

2. Pull out and lock the lens into position 

3. Set the lens diaphragm stop 

4. Turn the shutter winding knob one complete turn 

5. Set the shutter speed dial 

6. Look through range finder and determine focus 

28 



Leica Equipment 

7. Shift your eye to the view finder and compose picture 

8. Gradually press the shutter release button and make the 
exposure. 

10. Caution . . . When pressing" the release button with the fore- 
finger avoid jerking the camera by abruptly pushing the release. 
Instead, hold the finger on the release and gradually squeeze 
the button down, similar to the gradual trigger squeeze which is 
so essential to accurate shooting with a gun. Place thumb of 
right hand under the base plate to counteract the downward 
action of the forefinger. Wherever possible it is best to use 
shutter speeds of l/40th or l/60th of a second or faster when 
the camera is held in the hands, in order to avoid any possible 
motion during exposure. 

11. When you reach the end of the film roll the shutter winding 
knob will not turn . . . don't force it and try to squeeze another 
exposure onto the film. Instead, just move the reversing lever 
to R and rewind all the film back into the film chamber. The 
base of the release button will turn during this procedure and 
will stop the moment the film pulls away from the take up 
spool in the camera. The film magazine may be removed from 
the camera after the winding has been completed and the 
reversing lever moved back to A or advance. 

12. Each time the shutter winding knob is turned, when there is 
film in the camera, the rewinding knob turns in a reverse direc- 
tion (counterclockwise), thus indicating that the film is properly 
passing to the next exposure. 

Loading the Leica Film Magazine 

The standard Leica Film Magazine, sometimes referred to as 
model B, has been constructed to hold about 5% feet of 35mm cine 
film which is sufficient to make up to 36 double frame exposures, 24 
by 36mm in size. This cylindrical magazine contains three parts : 
the outer shell B 1 , the inner shell B 2 , and the center spool B 3 . The 
guide groove on the inner shell and the pin inside the outer shell 
opposite the safety spring, assist in opening and closing the film 
magazine. 

To assemble the magazine first insert the daylight film spool 
into the inner shell with the tip of the film in the opening of the 
spool chamber. It is a good plan to bend back the tip end of the 
film in order to make it easier to pull the film out of the magazine, 
and also to prevent the film from drawing back into the magazine 
before loading into the camera. Next, introduce the inner shell with 

29 



spool into the outer shell with both rectangular openings together 
and open. When the inner shell comes to a stop turn it to the left 
or anti-clockwise until the safety spring clicks into the locked posi- 
tion. Before the chamber is closed pull the film out several inches. 
The film magazine can only be opened after the safety spring has 
been slightly lifted and the inner shell turned to the left or clock- 
wise. The inner shell is then withdrawn and the film removed 
either in the daylight or in the darkroom, depending upon the film 
packing used. 







B 



Fig. 10 The Model B Leica Film 
Magazine. 



B = Complete Spool Chamber Model B 

B 1 = Outer Shell 

B 2 = Inner Shell 

B 3 = Center Spool 

B* = Spring of Center Spool 

B 5 = Milled Knob of Center Spool 

B 6 Slots of Spool Chamber 

B T = Knob of Spool Chamber 

B 8 = Safety Spring 



The Outside Parts of the Models F and G Leica Cameras 

1. Winding knob . . , one complete turn winds shutter, advances film to the 
next picture, and registers one count on the dial 7 at base of knob. 

2. Shutter release button ... with protective bushing which may be un- 
screwed and a Wire Eelease screwed over the release button. 

3. Shutter speed dial. . .for .setting speeds from l/20th to l/500th of a 
second and time exposure. Dial 10 is used for setting the slower 
speeds between l/20th and 1 second. Winding knob 1 must be wound 



30 



Lelca Equipment 



one complete turn before setting speed dial 8. Once this dial is set it 
need not be changed for successive exposures unless the shutter speed 
is to be changed. Leica Model G has an additional shutter speed of 
l/1000th of a second. 

4. Clip... for holding Universal View Finder, Stereo Attachment, Level, 
Reflecting View Finder, Angle View Finder, and other attachments. A 
small engraved arrow on one flange of this clip indicates the shutter 
settings. 

5. Built-in range finder. . .which has an interior mechanism connecting 
with the lens mount for determining correct distances and focus. 

6. Rewinding knob. . .which is pulled up and turned to rewind the exposed 
film back into the film magazine. 

7. Counting dial... which automatically records each photograph taken. 
On this counting dial there are two small lugs used for turning the dial, 
anti-clockwise and against the direction of the arrow on the winding 
knob, to the zero mark. 

8. Counting arrow. . .indicating the number of photographs taken. 

9. Reversing Lever. . .which disengages the automatic coupling of film ad- 
vance and shutter mechanism when the exposed film is to be rewound 
back into the film magazine. When this lever is set at R it operates 
somewhat similarly to a clutch on an automobile by disconnecting the 
camera mechanism. Keep the lever at A while making exposures. 

10. Slow shutter speed dial... which turns to change the shutter speeds 
between l/20th and 1 full second. There is also a time exposure setting 
on this dial. 

1. Winding Knob 

2. Shutter Release 

3. Shutter Speed Dial 
4. Finder Clip 

5. Built-in Range Finder 



.6. Rewinding Kno 



Counting Dial 



Counting Arrow 




Fig. 11 



Reversing Lever. 
A = Advancing Film 

R = Reversing Film | I I 3.3. View Finder 

10. Slow Speed Dial | 1^ Diaphragm Ring 

11. Lens Focusing Lever 

Outside Parts of the Leica Camera. 



31 



11. Lens focusing lever. . .which is pressed, to release the lens mount from 
the infinity setting, and moved back and forth while the eye looks 
through the range finder until the double image of an object comes 
into focus and only one image is to be seen. 

12. Knurled diaphragm ring ... with diaphragm markings which is turned 
for setting the proper lens opening in the Summar f :2 lens. The 50mm 
Elmar and Hektor lenses have the diaphragm settings on the front of 
the lens mount. 

13. View Finder. . .which includes the full area of the image registered by 
the 50mm lenses. The Universal View Finder covers the picture areas of 
the other Leica lenses. 

The Interior Mechanism of the Leica 




Fig 12. Diagramatical view of the Leica short base built-in range finder. 
The two arrows point toward the object which will be in exact focus when 
the image coming through the right hand movable prism is projected and 
coincides with the image which is seen through the prism mirror on the 
left. As the lens turns the base of the mount moves in or out and thus 
moves the small lever which is attached to the right hand prism. 




Fig. 13 Back cross-section view of the Leica showing focal plane shutter, 
film, and all the actual working parts of the camera in cross-section. 

32 



Leica Equipment 




Fig. 14 Looking down on cross-section view of range finder and view 
finder housing. Note position of range finder prisms, the right prism is 
moved by the bar which contacts the flange of the rotating lens mount. 




Fig. 15 Top cross section view of the Leica showing position of the film 
focal plane shutter, lens, and other working parts. 

Daylight Loading and Unloading Film Spools 

It is more convenient to secure Leica films already loaded in film 
magazines or on an individual film spool which is inserted into the Leica 
film magazine when required. The Agfa, Eastman, Gevaert, Mimosa, and 




I/ 2 



Fig. 16 Showing Method of Inserting the V 2 Lock in the Earlier Leica 
Models. 

33 



Perutz films are packed in complete magazines ready for instant use in the 
Leica, These film magazines are daylight loading and unloading and greatly 
simplify the film loading process. Figure 8 shows this type of film 
cartridge in position. 

Some of the earlier Leica cameras may require a slight change as 
shown in figure 16 before this new type of film cartridge can be inserted. 
The Vi lock is replaced by the V 2 lock as shown in the illustration. The 
change over is done by removing the two screws which hold the Vi lock in 
position, and then replacing with the V 2 lock. The V 2 lock may be secured 
from your Leica dealer. 

The Du Pont Leica films are spooled with a black paper leader which 
protects the film until it is loaded into the metal film magazine and then 
inserted into the Leica. This film spool may also be unloaded in daylight 
after the film has been exposed and rewound back onto the spool. Com- 
plete directions for loading are packed with each roll of Dupont film. 

When the film magazine is to be unloaded in the darkroom the paper 
leader on the Du Pont film can be cut off after loading into the film 
magazine. The film end is then inserted directly into the take up spool clip 
without first winding all the paper leader on the spool before inserting into 
the camera. 

Occasionally one wishes to remove the film roll after half a dozen or 
more exposures have been made. This may be necessary when a different 
film is required or when some of the exposed section of the film is to be 
developed. Before rewinding the film, note the number of exposures taken. 
Then, after moving the rewind lever to R, raise and turn the rewind knob 
until the film pulls loose. . .then stop in order to prevent the film leader 
from going back into the film chamber. Remove the film magazine with 
the two or three inches of the film leader still outside of the magazine. 
Later this same film roll may be replaced in the camera, winding and 
clicking the shutter as many times as necessary to move the exposed 
portion of the film through the camera. The lens cap should naturally be 
left over the lens during this process. 




Fig. 17 Method of Cutting Film for Inserting into Magazine Spool 

34 



Leica Equipment 



Fig. 18 Method of Cutting 
Film End Which Projects 
from Magazine and Inserts 
into Take Up Spool when 
Loading the Leica camera. 




Loading Bulk Film 

Bulk film may be purchased in almost any length from 15 feet to 1000 
feet at prices ranging from 2 to 8 cents per foot. As the Leica will expose 
8 pictures per foot of film it is an easy matter to figure out the amount of 
bulk film required after allowing for the few frames which are lost at the 
beginning and end of each Leica loading. 

When loading the Leica film magazine with film from a large roll it is 
necessary to carry out all operations in complete darkness, unless the proper 
safety lights are used. In the case of fast panchromatic films complete 
darkness is essential. Therefore it is best to practice loading the film 
magazine in daylight with a short piece of film in order to become com- 
pletely familiar with the operations. You can even shut your eyes during 
this practicing. 

When cutting film from the larger roll care should be taken to cor- 
rectly taper the end of the film which attaches to the spool and also the 
leader end which is partly cut away as shown in the illustrations. A Film 
Trimming Guide is available for this cutting. 

When the Film Trimming Guide is used for cutting the spool end of 
the film, the guide is opened and the film inserted through the narrow 
slot with the emulsion side down. Let the end of the film project slightly 
beyond the end of the guide, close the trimmer and then cut the film as 
shown in the illustration. Always make certain that no finger prints are 
left on the emulsion side of the film. 

Now place the other end of the five foot length of film into the Trim- 
ming Guide as shown in figure 18 and make a longer cut in order to make 
it easier to load the film into the camera later. It should be noted that no 
cut is made through a perforation on the film edge. The Film Trimming 
Guide has two pins which engage in the perforations and hold the film in 
the proper cutting position. Place the film into the guide with the emulsion 
side facing the two pins. The film ends can be cut with a scissors without 
a Trimming Guide after a little practice. 

35 



Winding the Film 

In order to make it easier to wind the film spool with fresh unex- 
posed film a Hand Film" Winder and also a stationary Mechanical Film 
Winder are available. The operation of these winders may be studied from 
the accompanying illustrations. The Hand Film Winder is slipped into the 
bottom of the center spool and engages the cross-pin for turning. 



Fig. 19 Loading Film Spool by 
Means of a Mechanical Winder. 
Also for use with Model FF Spools. 





Fig. 20 

Winder. 



Hand Film 



The Mechanical Film Winder should be attached to a table or heavy 
block of wood. A slit core receives the film spool ready for the film winding 
process. After the film end has been fixed to the center spool, the film 
should be wound tightly during the turning of the handle. Do not attempt 
to pull the film and thus tighten the film already rolled on the spool. . .this 
will produce scratches. 

The Earlier Leica Models 

Although the first Leica model was made by Oscar Barnack in 1914 it 
was not until 1924 that actual production began with the introduction of 
the Model A Leica without the interchangeable lens feature. This camera 
contained all the Hasic features which are to be found in the latest Model F 
Leica, with the exception of built-in range finder and slow shutter speeds. 
During the ten years between 1925 and 1935 new improvements on the 
original design created new models: Thus: 

1. A camera with Compur shutter instead of the usual focal plane shutter 
was introduced as the Model B Leica. 

2. Interchangeable lenses brought out the Model C Leica (also known as 
Model I). 

3. A built-in focusing range finder adapted to couple to the various inter- 
changeable lenses produced the Model D Leica (also known as Model II). 

36 



Leica Equipment 



Fig. 21 The Pioneer Leica 
Constructed in 1914 by Oscai 
Barnack. 





Fig. 22 The Model E Leica 
with Fokos Range Finder. 



Fig. 23 Detail of Leica Show- 
ing Fokos Range Finder in 
Position. Range Finder may 
be Turned When Making New 
Shutter Adjustments. . 




4. A horizontal Short Base Range Finder and the pull-up type of rewind 
knob identify the Model E Leica (similar to Model I). 

5. An additional slow shutter speed mechanism, with speeds down to 1 full 
second, was added to the Model D type and thus created the Model F 
Leica (also known as the Model 111). 

6. By the addition of a 1/1 000th of a second shutter speed the present 
Model G Leica (also known as the Model Ilia) was produced. 



37 



Note. Outside of the United States the Model C Leica is known as 
Model I, the Model D as Model II, the Model F as Model III, 
the Model G as Model Ilia, and the Model FF as the 250 Ex- 
posure Leica. It will be noted that the original Model A Leica 
was simply known as the Leica Camera without a model number. 

7. With the addition of film chambers to hold up to 33 feet of film 250 
Exposure Model FF Leica was introduced. 

8. Finally, the Single Exposure Leica was made to meet special re- 
quirements. 




Fig. 24 The 250 Exposure Leica Model FF. 




Fig. 25 Loading the Leica Model FF. After Exposures Have Been Made 
Film is not Rewound. Note Special Film Trimming Guide. 



This brief summary of the various Leica models will be of special 
value to many people who intend to "purchase ! either new or used Leica 
cameras. The latest direction book which is supplied with every new 

'38- 



Leica Equipment 



camera contains information about the operation of the Leica. This infor- 
mation can be applied to all Leica models. Therefore it will not be nee-. 
essary to reprint detailed descriptions and directions on these cameras. 
One of the remarkable features of the Leica is the fact that it is possi- 
ble .to convert any of the earlier models to the very latest model. This 
fact alone is really a tribute to the inventor who was able to design the 
basic features of the Leica so perfectly. 

Leica Accessories 

Along with the development- of the Leica there naturally came 
the production of many accessories which served to extend the use 
of the camera into many new photographic fields. With the introduc- 
tion of various interchangeable lenses there was a need for the Vidom 
Universal View Finder. The various enlargers made it possible for 
the average amateur to make excellent enlargements from Ms Leica 
negatives. Stereo, copy, micro, panorama, and other attachments 
came in rapid succession to round out the universal use of this 
camera. Most of these accessories are carefully described in the 
various chapters to which they relate. However a few of the impor- 
tant accessories not illustrated elsewhere in this book are shown in 
this chapter. 

Vidom Universal View Finder 

As the direct optical view finder in the Leica is only used for 
the 50mm lenses it is necessary to use the Vidom Universal View 
Finder for all other interchangeable Leica lenses. This finder con- 
tains an adjustable diaphragm which is easily moved by turning a 
calibrated ring to include the field of view of any Leica lens. The 
diaphragm is rectangular and the sides retain the standard 2 to 3 
proportion of the Leica negative size when changed for any field of 
view. Thus if the Vidom Finder is used with a 90mm lens the 
calibrated ring is turned to the figure 9 (opposite the long line) and 
the adjustable diaphragm will then include the exact field of view 
between 30 feet and infinity. "When taking close-up pictures between 




Fig. 26 Vidom Universal View 
Finder Used for Determining Field 
of View of the Various Leica 
Lenses. 



39 



to 6 feet set the figure representing the focal length of the lens 
opposite the short line on the finder. For distances between 6 and 30 
feet set the figure between the two index lines. 

A parallax adjusting lever is located at the rear base of the Vidom 
Finder with calibrations of 3^, 5, 7, 15 feet, and or infinity. As 
the finder is attached to the top of the Leica and not directly behind 
the lens this parallax adjusting lever is used to make the proper 
inclination of the finder in order to include the exact field covered 
by the lens. Thus this finder is used by many Leica owners for taking 
close-up photos with the 5Qmm lenses. The direct view finder already 
attached to the Leica does not have this parallax adjusting feature. 

The eyepiece of the Vidom Finder rotates in a 90 degree arc in order to 
keep the image right side up when using the camera in the horizontal or 
vertical positions. When using this finder to photograph rapidly moving 
objects it is best to keep both eyes open in order to make it easier to keep 
the object in the center of the finder. 

Another valuable use of the Universal Finder is in determining the 
field of view in pictorial photography without the camera. By sighting 
through the finder one can easily determine if there is a picture worth taking 
without the necessity of removing the camera from the case. Such a con- 
venience is of special value when working with the longer focal length 
lenses. 

Wide Angle View Finder 

Although the Universal View Finder includes the field of the 35mm 
wide angle lens there are times when the smaller wide angle direct view 
finder is used. This wide angle finder is about the same size as the 50nim 
finder on the Leica, with the exception that it covers the 35mm lens field. 
Leica users will find this Wide Angle Finder very useful when the 35mm 
lens is to be used a great deal, because the camera and additional view 
finder can easily be slipped into a pocket when not in use. 

Rasuk Direct Vision View Finder 

A non-optical direct view finder, known as the Rasuk, is recommended 
for certain types of sport, newspaper, theatre, and general pictures. This 

finder consists of a rotating metal masking frame 
and a peep sight for centering the images. A 
removable reducing mask is used with the 105mm 
and 135mm lenses. When this mask is removed 
the frames cover the fields of view included in the 
35mm, 50mm, 73mm, and 90mm lenses. 




Fig. 27 Direct Vision Frame 
Finder Attached to Leica. 

The rear peep sight has a small rectangular opening for use with all 
lenses except the 105mm and the 135mm lenses. A small round peep sight 
is moved into position for using the Rasuk Finder with these 105mm and 
135mm lenses. 

40 



Leica Equipment 

The rear sighting frame can be slightly raised or lowered for obtain- 
ing the proper parallax adjustments. There are three engraved marks of 
3%, 7, and oo (infinity). For close-up pictures between 3% and 7 feet 
the parallax adjustment is quite necessary in order to include the exact 
field of view. Leica users who wear glasses may find this finder of spe- 
cial value as it may be a little easier to follow the objects and properly 
frame the picture. With a little practice both eyes may be left open 
when the Easuk Finder is in use. This is of particular value when fol- 
lowing a fast moving object. With both eyes open the object may be seen 
very quickly before it comes into the field of view for photographing, and 
thus the final picture will be taken with the object in the correct position. 





Fig. 28 Adjustable Fig. 29 Regular 

Lens Shade. Lens Shade. Fig. 30 Wintu Angle View Finder. 

The Wintu Angle View Finder 

We are all familiar with the way in which most pictures are taken by 
pointing the camera directly towards the subject with the operator also 
facing in the same direction. By using the Wintu Angle View Finder the 
conventional picture taking methods are abandoned with the Leica held at 
a right angle to the direction in which the operator is facing. In other 
words, you can take the picture around a corner and not attract attention 
or have the people, to be included in the picture, assume unnatural poses 
or expressions. This finder is also of particular value for making candid 
camera pictures. 

To mount the Angle View Finder on the Leica it is only necessary to 
slip the metal bracket into the clip on top of the Leica, then move the 
small angle prism over the range finder eye-piece. By sighting through 
the small angle prism the object can be quickly focused when using the 
Model D or F Leica with the built-in range finder. After focus is secured 
shift the eye to the eye-piece of the Angle View Finder. 

There is also an Angle View Finder (Winko), without the angle prism, 
for use with the Leica Models A, C, and E. With a little practice an 
Angle View Finder will be of great value to the traveler, candid camera 
worker, and the general photographer. 

Sunshades and Their Use 

Whenever possible it is advisable to use a sunshade or lens hood on 
the Leica lenses. Such protection eliminates any possibility of stray light 
from entering the lens and thus causing a slight halation on the film. 
This fact is true of any photographic lens, and the larger the aperture 
the more important it is to use a lens shade to cut off the strong side lights 
which have no photographic value. 

41 



There are numerous lens shades available for the Leica camera. 
Leitz produces a small metal sunshade for the 35mm and 50mm lenses. 
An adjustable shade is made for the longer focal length lenses, with the 
exception of the 73mm and 105mm lenses which are already supplied with 
their own shades. This adjustable shade has engraved markings for each 
focal length, and the proper setting is quickly made. 

Correction Lenses for 

Range Finder and View Finder 

Persons who wear eyeglasses find it difficult at times to focus with the 
aid of the range finder or to see the entire field in the view finder, because 
the eyeglasses prevent them from placing their eyes close to the camera. 
This difficulty can be overcome by the use of special Correction Lenses on 
the eye lenses of both the range finder and view finder. 

The Correction Lenses embody the same correction as that contained 
in the eyeglasses worn by the Leica user. When these special lenses are 
placed both on the view finder and the range finder, it is not necessary to 
wear eyeglasses and the eye can be placed close to the camera. The Leitz 
Co. has in stock the necessary Correction Lenses to correct nearsightedness 
and far-sightedness (myopia and hyperopia). It is but necessary to obtain 
the prescription of one's eyeglasses from the optician or optometrist and 
the proper Correction Lenses will be supplied. These screw into the eye 
lenses of both the range finder and the view finder. 

Special lenses to correct astigmatism are also obtainable. However, 
it is necessary to secure them on special order. In this case the prescrip- 
tion for the eyeglasses must also be furnished. 

When to Use the Wire Cable Release 

When making either time or instantaneous exposure the Wire Shutter 
Release is of special value. For example, this release is indispensa- 
ble for making exposures in photomicrography, all types of close-up copy 
work, and wherever exposures are to be made where it is essential not to 
jar the camera. The Wire Release is screwed over the release button of 
the Leica after the metal protective bushing has been unscrewed. 

When it is advisable to operate the Leica at a distance of 10 or 20 
feet the longer corresponding wire releases are recommended. For exam- 
ple, the 20 foot release may be used to release the Leica shutter after the 
camera has been set to photograph a bird or possibly when the photogra- 
pher wishes to be included in the picture. 

Slow Timing Device 

Owners of the Leica Models A, C, E, and D may adapt their cameras 
to the slower shutter speeds between l/20th and 1 second by using the 
Slow Timing Device. As it is cheaper to secure one of these attachments 
than to have these earlier Leica models converted to the Model F, there 
is a definite advantage in using one of these Slow Timers. 

This Slow Timing Device is screwed directly to the release button of 
the Leica. To operate: wind the shutter of the Leica and set the shutter 
speed dial to Z the same as for a time exposure. Next, set the Slow 
Timer by turning the two knobs of the Timer clockwise until the dial comes 
to a stop. To set for the proper speed lift the longer part of the metal 
band slightly and turn back or forth until the index line at its outer edge 
points toward the speed required. 

42 



Leica Equipment 

The shutter is released by pressing the release button, located on the 
side of the Timer, either with the finger or a Wire Release. Press the 
release down slowly and hold the finger there until the shutter lias opened 
and closed, in order to avoid shaking the camera during the short moment 
when the shutter is open. 

On some of the older cameras the release button varies slightly in 
height, thus it may be necessary to make a slight adjustment on the Slow 
Timer before it will operate correctly. To make this adjustment simply 
use a screw driver and turn the large screw head, located in the hollow 
shaft of the Timer, to the right or left until the proper release is secured 
If the release button of the camera is too low the adjusting screw of the 
Slow Timer may not have sufficient pressure upon the shutter release 
button... in this case the screw is turned anti-clockwise. If the button 
is too high, the rotating levers in the attachment do not work properly, 
consequently the shutter opens only half way and remains open. In 
such a case the adjusting screw is turned clockwise. Once the proper 
adjustment has been made for your camera the Tinier will need no addi- 
tional change. 

Rapid Winder 

There are many occasions when the Leica user may wish to take 
successive pictures within a very short period of time in order to record 
continuous actions. The Rapid Winder has been made to serve this pur- 
pose. With this attachment extremely interesting picture series may be 
made of dancers, animals at play or running, children, wrestlers, and 
rapidly moving objects of all kinds. 

The Leica Rapid Winder replaces the base plate of the Leica camera. 
A trigger is pulled after each exposure is made. This trigger action 
causes the film to be wound and the shutter set at the same moment. 
With Leica Cameras from serial No. 1, up to and including No. 111,449, the 
small pin which holds on the base plate must be changed to a larger pin 
to accommodate the Rapid Winder which also necessitates a new base plate, 
A new winding spindle and winding knob must also be supplied as these 
cameras are not equipped with a notched winding shaft. Cameras num- 
bering from 111,449 up to and including 159,000 must be supplied with a 
new winding shaft and knob for the shaft. A special Rapid Winder for 
use on all Leica cameras with serial numbers below 159,000 is available in 
case the camera is not to be changed. 



Fig. 32 New type Rapid Winder 
with trigger action which fits over 
base of Leica. 



Protective Cases for Leica Equipment 

All Leica equipment should be kept in protective cases when not in 
use. Such protection will keep your equipment looking better and also 
prevent the camera or lenses from receiving scratches or hard knocks. 

43 




Sand and dust will be kept out. Too much emphasis cannot be laid upon 
the importance of keeping all Leica equipment neatly fitted in their 
proper cases. 

There are Eveready cases for the camera only. Soft leather cases 
for the Camera only and for individual lenses. Then there are a number 
of combination cases available for the camera, additional lenses, and other 
extra equipment such as filters, view finders, and extra film magazines. 
All color filters should likewise be kept in soft leather cases or the orig- 
inal filter box to prevent scratching and the collection of dirt on the glass 
surface. 

Optical Short Distance 
Focusing Device "Nooky" 

This new and ingenious attachment extends the usefulness of 
the automatic focusing principle of the Leica beyond its present 
range. Heretofore the shortest distance for which the setting of 
the lens could be secured automatically was 3y 2 feet. By Linscrew- 
ing the lens from the camera and screwing the "Nooky" into its 
place, and subsequently attaching the lens by its lugs to it, sharp 
focus can be instantly secured on all objects from approximately 
40 inches to within 18 inches of the camera. 

The ""Nooky" attachment can be used on models D, F, FF 
and G Leiea Cameras. It is intended for use with 50mm lenses and 
as this issue go-es to press, it is available for the Elmar 50mm lens. 
Later it will become available in models for other 50mm lenses. 

In using this device outdoors, as for details of plants, flowers 
and insects, one should focus quite critically and take care that in 
shifting the eye from the range-finder to the view-finder the camera 
should not be moved out of focus. "When you are only 18 inches 
away from your object the movement of an inch forward or back- 
ward makes a difference. Outdoors as well as indoors stop down 
as much as you are able to take in the fullest depth possible, and 
allow for any error in focusing. 
A framing mask is incorpor- 
ated into the optical range finder 
part of this device which ingeni- 
ously and automatically compen- 
sates for the shift of the field due 
to parallax. 

At the short distances for 
which this attachment is intended 

Fig. 34 Optical Short Dis- 
tance Focusing Device 
"Nooky" 

44 







Leica Equipment 




"Small Print" Manuel Komroff 

Elmar 50mm with "Nooky" 2 sec. f :12.5 Panatomic filmHarvey Developer. 

the depth of focus is obviously very small. It is extremely im- 
portant in focusing the lens to employ only the center of the field 
measured through the range finder when the double edge of the 
framing mask enters the field of vision. Unless very short expos- 
ures are called for due to inadequate illumination it is important 
to stop down the aperture of the lens to at least f :4.5 to increase 
its depth of focus. The following table gives the approximate 
depth of focus at the various settings of the lenses and at various 
distances as well as approximate size of the field covered at the 
various distances: 

DISTANCE: DEPTH OF FOCUS AT LENS STOPS: APPROXIMATE 



Object to lens 
Inches 

39% 
35% 
31%' 
27% 
23% 
19% 
17% 



f: 3.5 4.5 6.3 9 



12.5 18 FIELD COVERED: 



3% 


4% 


XJ 

5% 


9 


12% 


18% 


i. 

16% 


CICJ 

X 


les 

24% 


2% 


3 1 ! 


4% 


6% 


9 


13% 


14% 


X 


21% 


1% 


2% 


3%- 


5 


7 


10% 


12% 


X 


19% 


1.% 


.1% 


2% 


.3% 


5% 


7% 


10% 


X 


16 14 


1 


1% 


1% 


2% 


3% 


5%' 


9 


X 


13% 


%' 


% 


I 1 ! 


1% 


2% 


3% 


7i4 


X 


10% 



2% 



9% 



Above figures are rounded off to nearest 



45 




Single Exposure Leiccx 

Eecently the Single Exposure Leica was introduced to meet the demand 
for making single negatives instead of the strip of exposures on the ordi- 
nary roll^of Leica films. This camera consists of a small housing which is 
the exact depth, from lens flange to film surface, as the regular Leica 
camera models. A removable ground glass plate, film holder, and one 
of the Leica lenses completes the outfit. Some of the advantages and uses 
of this camera may be mentioned as follows: 

1. Used as a lens tester. The distance between lens flange and ground 
glass is 28.8mm which is exactly the same as the distance between the 
lens flange and film surface in the regular Leica models. The exact 
field of view of the various lenses can be quickly checked by focusing the 
images upon the ground glass of the single Exposure Camera. 



Fig. 35 Single Exposure 
Leica. Note Film Holder, 
View Finder and Shutter. 



2. For use in photomicrography. Single micro pictures can be quickly 
made with this camera and* developed in a small tray either for testing 
exposure, filters, or for making permanent records. Use this camera 
without a lens but with a 6cm extension tube between the Single Ex- 
posure Leica and the eyepiece of the microscope, with a black cloth 
around the tube to exclude stray light. The camera is mounted on a 
rigid support beside the microscope. Such an arrangement makes a 
very inexpensive photomicrographic outfit, and insures perfect results. 

3. As a copying camera. Any type of copy work can be done with this 
Single Exposure Leica by using an adjustable mounting and the vari- 
ous extension tubes or the front lenses. If desired, it is possible to 
obtain various fixed distances with the lens which can later be shifted 
to the regular Leica for making pictures on the longer strip of film. 

4. For making portraits. It is quite easy to compose portraits on the 
ground glass of this camera before changing to the film holder and 
making the exposure. The 1.2cm extension tube can be used for close 
ups when necessary. If one of the 50mm lenses is used the collapsible 
feature of the lens barrel can be adapted to obtaining proper focus. 

5. Also for general photography where only one picture is to be made 
at a time, especially where it is necessary to test exposures, color filt- 
ers, and films before using the regular Leica camera. 

To set up and operate the Single Exposure Leica proceed as follows: 

1. Attach the camera to a tripod, Sliding Arm on the copy attachment, 
or any other rigid support. 

2. Screw in one of the interchangeable Leica lenses and fit the Ibsor 
46 



Lelca Equipment 

shutter over the front of any lens except the 73mm which has a diam- 
eter larger than the others. If the Ibsor shutter does not fit tightly, 
simply press down the cut flange until a tight fit is secured over 
the lens. 

3. Attach the wire cable release. Usually there is a small pin which 
comes attached to the shutter; this is used for making exposures by 
setting the shutter and inserting the pin into the small hole on the 
face of the shutter, and then removing the finger from the shutter 
setting lever. The shutter remains closed, but the moment the pin 
is withdrawn the shutter will open and close at the proper speed setting. 
A string can be attached to the pin so that the operator can easily 
get into his own picture after pulling out the stop pin and making the 
exposure. 

4. Next see that the ground glass is clipped into position with the ground 
side of the glass facing toward the lens. Then secure the proper focus 
by moving the lens mount around and watching the image on the ground 
glass. 

5. When exact focus has been secured replace the ground glass with the 
single film holder. Pull out the dark slide covering the film. Make 
certain that the shutter is not open over the lens while withdrawing 
the slide. Then make the exposure, replace the slide, and remove the 
film holder. 

When preparing the single cut films for this camera it is a good idea 
to wind the 35mm film in an opposite direction, with the emulsion side out, 
and left that way for a few hours or several days before using. After this 
treatment it will be found that the filra lies much flatter and it is easier 
to cut into single exposure lengths. It is also advisable to cut all the film 
required at one time and keep the pieces between single black papers in a 
light-tight box or envelope until used. 

Use the width of the dark slide as a guide for cutting each individual 
film. The width of this slide is the exact length of the film for one single 
exposure in this camera. 

D eve i p men t of these single films can be carried out in a small tray. 

Summary 

Many other accessories for the Leica camera will be described 
in the following chapters. There are also many circulars giving 
directions and booklets available from the Leitz Company on the 
various Leica attachments. Directions are supplied with every 
accessory when purchased. Therefore the greatest emphasis in this 
book has been laid upon the actual use of these accessories. The 
reader is invited to carefully study all of the following chapters, 
even though he may be interested in only one or two subjects. By 
reading about the way in which the Leica is applied to other uses, it 
is possible to pick up many suggestions which can be applied to one's 
own particular field of Leica photography. Also by reading these 
various chapters you will obtain a more complete idea about the 
scope of the Leica and thus be able to understand and offer sugges- 
tions to your Leica associates who may be working in these more or 
less specialized fields of photography. 

47 




Manuel Komroff 
48 



Harold Harvey 



LENSES 



EL W. ZIELER CHAPTER 2 



"What kind of a gadget is this? Is it a movie ?" 

"No, it is a little camera. Did you ever hear of the Leica?" 

"Oh yes so, this is a Leica; it certainly is a compact little 
thing! How large a picture can you take with it?" 

"The pictures are not much larger than a postage stamp; but 
you can enlarge them to almost unbelievable sizes. ' ? 

' ' Gee whiz it must have a marvelous lens ! ' ' 

Why does everybody think at once of the lens when he sees a 
miniature camera? Why must a small camera have a particularly 
good lens? What properties characterize a good lens? What does 
the lens have to accomplish and how well does it succeed? How can 
you use your lens equipment to best advantage and why may you 
want to have several lenses? 

When miniature photography was in its infancy, there were 
many sceptics who pointed out that an enlargement can never be 
as sharp as a contact print; and since the small negative must always 
be enlarged considerably, the loss of detail, it seemed, ought to be 
so great that the enlargement would be of little value. 

Practice soon gave ample proof to the contrary. But practice 
alone is often considered as insufficient proof because you may have 
to use all kinds of tricks which only the expert knows. To set our 
mind at ease about the possibilities of miniature cameras we may 
start our investigation about lenses by finding out, how sharp the 
negatives of miniature cameras are. It is true that an enlargement 
must always be less sharp than the original negative because the 
same detail is stretched over a larger area. Still it is quite possible 
that we may not be able to detect any difference. 

Suppose we have before us two pages covered with printed mat- 
ter. Some clever printer may have been able to make the letters 
on one page as small as l/500th of an inch. But the second page may 
have letters as small as l/1000th of an inch. We hold these two 
pages as far away from the eye as we would hold a moderately sized 
photograph. Of course, we would not be able to read these pages. 

49 



We would not even be able to see from this distance which of the 
two pages has the smaller letters. 

The capacity of the human eye to make detail distinguishable 
or, the resolving power of the human eye, is limited. If we com- 
pare two objects as, for instance, a contact print and an enlarge- 
ment, the former having detail ten times smaller than the resolving 
power of the eye and the latter having detail which is only three 
times smaller than this limit, we may not be able to detect any dif- 
ference in sharpness. 

The limit of resolving power of the human eye has been deter- 
mined by experiment and calculation. It is customary to express 
it by the magnitude of the smallest detail In the object which cai 
still be resolved. This magnitude depends, of course, upon the dis- 
tance from which we view this object. If we want to see finer de- 
tail, we move the object closer to the eye. But the angle of vision 
under which the finest resolvable detail appears, always remains the 
same. Thus it has been found that, allowing for slight variation oJ 
individual power of vision, the limit of resolving power of the human 
eye is about 2 to 3 minutes of arc. That means that in an objed 
held about ten inches from the eye we cannot see detail if it is closei 
together than l/100th part of an inch. If the object is 20 inches 
from the eye, the detail must be 2/100ths of an inch apart if we are 
to distinguish it. 

Now we have to investigate how closely the detail can be crowdec 
together in a negative from a miniature camera. This investigation 
is rather involved and it is to our advantage if we penetrate more 
deeply into the entire process of the formation of images by lenses 

Let us select the simplest object possible : one luminous point 
Figure 38 shows a diagram of a simple experiment. A lentil-shapec 
piece of glass is placed at a certain distance from the luminous point P 

A sector of light of the angular aperture a passes through thi 
glass and in doing so it changes its original direction. Each Hgfr 
ray is broken or, in scientific language : refracted. The more obliquely 
the rays meet the surface of the glass, the more pronounced is the 
change in direction. By skillfully shaping the piece of glass we maj 
be able to guide each ray in such a manner that, after leaving the 
lens, the entire btgndle of rays converges as a cone of the angulai 
aperture b until the rays meet again in one single point P a , which is 
the image of the original point P.* This is the essential principle oJ 



* If we hold a screen in the plane I-I we see on it one bright spot 
50 



Lenses 

the formation of a real image. When photographing a complex ob- 
ject the lens collects diverging bundles of rays from each object point 
and must unite them in image points which must have such location 
in respect to each other that they reproduce the object in the image 
plane. 




Fig. 38 Formation of a Real Image of a Luminous Point 

It is the job of the lens designer to skillfully shape the lens. In 
practice this job is so immensely difficult that we may say, it is im- 
possible to succeed completely. In the first place it is next to impos- 
sible to grind and polish accurately enough any surfaces of unusual 
shape. In fact, in photographic lenses we only find lenses with 
spherical or plane surfaces. But even if we were not limited in this 
respect, we would meet with many other difficulties. These light rays 
are tricky individuals. One single ray of white light, for instance, 
upon entering the lens, begins to disintegrate into rays of various 
colors and finally a rainbow colored cone of light leaves the lens. 
This phenomenon is known as chromatical aberration. We also must 
contend with the fact that if we use spherical lenses, the outsiders, 
the rays which meet the lens with greatest obliquity, are bent too 
strongly and refuse to come to the same meeting point where the 
rays of the center of the cone unite. This is known as spherical 
aberration. 

There are many more misbehaviors of light rays which give the 
lens designer a headache. If he wants to guide these rays to the 
same point he cannot restrict himself to the use of one single lens. 
He must combine several pieces of glass, selecting different materials 
and shapes and placing them at accurately determined distances 
from each other. Thus he creates a photographic objective of the 
type shown in figure 39 which is the famous Elmar lens of the Leica 
camera. 

You will see the definite plan of construction: a single plano- 
convex lens is followed by a biconcave lens, placed at a definite dis- 

51 



tance from the first. Behind this second element there is a pair of 
lenses cemented together. Each lens has spherical or plane surfaces 
which in a diagram appear as parts of circles or straight lines. The 
centers of all these circles lie on one straight line, called the optical 
axis. 




Fig. 39 Cross-section of 
Elmar 50mm f :3.5 Lens 



the 




Fig. 40 Cross-section 
of the Hektor 73mni 
f :1.9 Lens 



There are other types of objectives* such as the Hektor shown in 
figure 40, the Summar and many others. Each of them is bnilt 
according to a different plan and represents an effort to make the 
rays behave, but no effort is completely successful. There is always 
a sacrifice in some respect, as we shall see later. 

With one of these objectives we may perform a few interesting 
experiments. Of course, we cannot actually select as an object one 
single luminous point. But we may produce a disc of light of a 
definite and small diameter. Suppose a ground glass is placed before 
a bright lamp and again before the ground glass an iris diaphragm 
which can be contracted to very small diameters. Thus we may pro- 
duce a luminous disc of, say l/10th of an inch. We place the lens 
at a certain distance from the light source and on the other side of it 
we place a screen so that on it the image of the luminous disc appears 



* "At this place, I wish to emphasize that I prefer the word 'objective' 
to the word 'lens', although the latter term is more popular. A lens is really 
one piece of glass whereas an objective is a compound unit and consists of 
several lenses." 



52 



Lenses 

with, maximum sharpness. The conditions may have been so selected 
that the image has a diameter of l/200th of an inch. In other words, 
the image is twenty times smaller than the object. Now we reduce 
the opening of the iris diaphragm to l/30th of an inch and the image, 
again twenty times smaller, is l/600th of an inch. But as we further 
reduce the diameter of the luminous disc (perhaps to l/100th) we 
find that the image retains the size of l/600th inch. 

This is a very important discovery. Suppose we would have 
two luminous object points, each of them very small, for instance 
1/lOOOth of an inch in diameter, but less than l/30th of an inch apart. 
The lens, when forming the image at the same ratio of reduction as 
before, (20:1) reduces the distance between the images to less than 
l/600th but at the same time each of the images occupies l/600th. 
The two image discs overlap, melting so to speak into each other. We 
have now overstepped the limit of resolving power of the lens. 

This experiment reveals a very important fact regarding the 
performance of optical instruments : the image of a theoretical object 
point is never a point but a light disc of definite, measureable 
diameter. But if we think that the actual magnitude of this disc can 
be made smaller and smaller as manufacturing methods and the art 
of lens designing improves, we are greatly mistaken. Unfortunately 
there are definite limits which cannot be overstepped and they have 
their cause in the very nature of light itself. 

In a diagram we may indicate a light ray by one straight line, but in 
reality we find that as light progresses with infinite speed in the direction 
of this line, very minute vibrations take place with enormous frequency. 
Physicists have attempted to explain the many strange phenomena which 
light can produce, by assuming that it propagates like a wave motion. 
To help our imagination we may make a comparison. Suppose that you 
throw a stone into a lake. From the center, where the stone hits the 
surface of the water, we see a wave motion spreading with equal speed in 
every direction as circles of ever increasing diameter. From crest to crest 
of successive waves there is always the same distance, called the wave 
length. This wave length may be small or large. The motion of the 
waves probably spreads with a speed of several feet or yards a second. 
But as these waves move away from the center, the surface of the water 
only moves up and down so that if a piece of wood is swimming on the 
water, it is carried up and down but not away from the center of the dis- 
turbance. 

If light proceeds from a luminous point, waves of unbelievably small 
wave length spread with equal speed in every direction. This speed, how- 
ever, is very great, almost 200,000 miles per second. The vibrations take 
place at right angles to the direction of propagation. And, to come back 
to the formation of the image of a point, where the light is concentrated 
into the image point, we find an enormous confusion of vibrations from 
light waves of different lengths and directions. These waves partly inter- 
fere with and cancel each other but still they spread the light over a 

53 



certain area. In fact, if we would study this area through a microscope, 
we would find a small disc of light surrounded by rings of light of very- 
weak and rapidly diminishing intensity. This is called a diffraction pattern. 

We need not penetrate further into these theoretical optical matters. 
We must only realize that even a theoretically perfect objective has a lim- 
ited resolving power. This theoretical resolving power depends mainly upon 
the angle of convergence of the cone of light which the lens concentrates (in 
fig. 38 this cone is marked 6). The larger this angle, the smaller is the finest 
detail which a theoretically perfect objective could reveal. 

But here we can see the difference between theory and practice. It 
is unfortunate but true that, as we try to make objectives with great light 
concentrating power, the difficulties which we encounter increase beyond 
description. These misbehaviors of light: spherical and chromatical aber- 
ration and many others, can hardly be held in check. If we are content 
with a small cone of light, the situation can be controlled quite nicely. A 
small cone, of course, contains so to speak, only a small amount of light 
and when photographing we would have to give very long exposures. In 
this age of speed this would be a serious handicap. Therefore there is a 
constant race between the manufacturers to produce lenses of greater light 
concentrating power: but the task before them is very difficult indeed. 
The Iris Diaphragm and the Resolving Power 

As you know, photographic lenses are equipped with iris dia- 
phragms with which the angular aperture of the cone of light, and 
therefore also the light intensity in the plane of the image, can be 
regulated. As we open or close this diaphragm the difference be- 
tween theory and practice evidences itself as follows: 

a. "When the iris diaphragm is closed, the difference between theory 
and practice is least noticeable. At the same time the theoretical 
resolving power is at its worst. 

b. As the iris diaphragm is gradually opened, the practical insuffi- 
ciencies come more and more into the foreground. This does not 
mean that any practically produeeable lens yields the sharpest 
images when the iris diaphragm is closed. In fact, in a good lens 
the sharpness will increase as we begin to open the iris. Only, 
it will not increase as much as can be theoretically expected. 

c. If the iris diaphragm is opened considerably, the misbehaviors of 
light finally become so noticeable that even the actual sharpness 
decreases. 

A good method to judge the quality of a lens is, therefore, to find 
out how much the iris can be opened with a beneficial effect upon the 
sharpness, the resolving power, of the lens. 

Every photographer should realize the full significance of this 
fact and should not believe the wrong statement that any lens per- 
forms best when the iris is closed as, far as possible. 

But let us not forget our original question: How sharp is a 
miniature negative? The actual limit of the resolving power is not 

54 



Lenses 

the only factor to consider. We must not forget that the image which 
the lens has formed is recorded on the film, which is coated with a 
light-sensitive emulsion. The emulsion is turbid and has a certain 
thickness. As the light penetrates into the emulsion, it is scattered 
and the record of the image of one single luminous point upon the 
film emulsion will necessarily occupy a larger area. Thus the film 
emulsion introduces a certain loss of sharpness. If we wish to find 
a quantitative measure for the sharpness of a minature negative we 
must measure the diameter of the image disc on the emulsion when 
the object is so small that its image is equal to the limit of resolving 
power of the lens. This area is often referred to as the circle of con- 
fusion, because within this circle there is a great confusion of aber- 
rations, diffractions, dispersions and many other misbehaviors of light. 

Thus it has been found that the diameter of the circle of con- 
fusion of the better lenses, such as are used in miniature cameras, 
does not exceed l/800th of an inch, even when the diaphragm is open 
and the practical discrepancies are most apparent. Upon closing the 
iris diaphragm, the sharpness improves, then retains this optimum 
value until finally, as the aperture assumes very small values, it de- 
creases slightly. 

"We learned in the beginning that the smallest detail which the 
human eye can detect from a distance of 10 inches is about l/100th 
of an inch. If the detail in a miniature negative is crowded into as 
small a spot as l/800th it is quite evident that this negative can be 
enlarged 8 times without noticeable loss of sharpness. 

If you really want to look at the picture you will never hold an 
enlargement of 8 x 10 inches closer than 10 inches from the eye. Only 
grain fiends have a habit of smelling their pictures, regardless of 
size. We, who want to enjoy the pictures which we have taken, have 
learned that an enlargement may appear as sharp as a contact print 
and thus we may confidently discard bulky equipment in favor of the 
small and compact Leica. Its existence is built upon a sound scientific 
basis and, as far as sharpness of the picture is concerned, we may 
safely say that for our purposes it is sufficiently equivalent to the 
large camera. 

The Miniature vs Larger Cameras 

With this fact established we shall now proceed to find that in 
other respects the minature camera is definitely and considerably 
superior to the large camera. Above all, it has reconciled two oppos- 
ing factors which cannot be mastered with larger cameras : speed of 
the lens and depth of focus in the negative. 

55 



You will often have found in photographs that some parts of the 
picture were sharper than others. Either the objects close to the 
camera are sharp and those further away appear fuzzy; or the back- 
ground is sharp and the foreground is out of focus; or there is a 
range-in-between which is imaged crisply, whereas the very near and 
very far objects lack in sharpness. The photographer can, at will, 
select the range of object distances within which everything is imaged 
with the best possible sharpness and, if he uses his camera correctly, 
he can always direct the attention of the spectator to the subject of 
interest. There is, then, a range within which everything is equally 
sharp and this range represents the depth of focus. 

In photographs of general outdoor scenes and many other types of 
pictures it is highly desirable, if not essential, that the entire picture be 
in perfect focus. Only in portraits and group pictures it often is of spe- 
cial advantage to reproduce in sharpest focus only the subject of interest 
and to have foreground and background intentionally out of focus, in order 
not to distract the attention of the spectator. 

If you compare Leica snapshots with those of a larger camera, you 
will notice at once the increased depth of focus in the Leica enlargement. 
I used the word snapshots for a special reason because as long as the big- 
camera owner is allowed to increase the time of exposure of his photos as 
much as he wants, he can also produce pictures of remarkable depth of 
focus. He must only close the iris diaphragm. 

On the mount of a photographic lens a whole series of numbers is en- 
graved which, upon first sight, seem to have no sensible relation to each 
other. But if in a competition between large and small camera the iris 
diaphragm is in both cases set to the same figure, for instance f :4.5, and 
then the two pictures are compared in regard to depth of focus you will 
win the race by a wide margin if you were the one who used the miniature 
camera. And if you had inquired from your competitor about the time 
of exposure of his picture, you would have found out that it was the same 
as that which you gave, provided you both gave the correct time. 

In other words, the iris diaphragm affects not only the depth of focus 
but also the time of exposure. It seems important to study both functions. 
We begin, of course, with the effect upon the depth of focus. But even 
before we comedo this, we must explain why the large camera, when the 
iris diaphragm was set to the same figure, yielded images of less depth 
of focus. 

Depth of Focus and Relative Aperture 

We resort again to experiments. "We take a lens for a 5 x 7 inch 
camera and the Elmar 50mm lens. In both eases we set the iris to 
the figure f :4.5 although we do not know as yet what that means. We 
also need two screens, on which to project the images and a yardstick 
ruled in very fine units, with which we want to measure, not only the 
distance between screen and lens, but also the size of the images on the 
screens. 

56 



r 



-5^^ i ^^i^^^?I^SBwR rJ 



^S^W9* ; p;SK,aiPii! 







Fig. 41 Fields Covered by Six Different Leica Lenses. All Photographs 
Made From the Same Point 



57 



Since we want to explore various ranges of object distance, we 
select at first an object which is very very far away: the sun. We 
move the screens back and forth behind the lenses until the images 
are as sharp as possible. "We see in both cases a very small and very 
brilliant spot. The screen for the large lens is about 10 inches behind 
the larger lens, whereas the other one is about 2 inches behind the 
Blmar lens. 

This distance at which the image of an infinitely distant object 
is formed, is called focal length of the lens* If we have held the 
lenses so that their optical axes pointed directly into the sun, the 
images are formed in the focal points. The screens are in the focal 
planes of the respective lenses. 

The focal length of a lens is a very important factor. It deter- 
mines the location and size of the images which the lens forms 
of objects at different distances, the depth of focus, the perspective 
and many other things and is one of the main keys to the secret of the 
performance of the lens. 

A comparison of the sizes of the images which in our experiment 
both lenses have formed of the sun reveals that, although both of thenj 
are very small, yet the one formed by the Elmar is still the smaller 
one. 

From the experiment we learn that the image of an infinitely far 
object is formed in the focal plane and that the lens with the smaller 
focal length forms the smaller image. 

Now let us select another object which is nearer, for instance a, 
telegraph pole which is about 30 feet high and 100 feet away. We 
discover that the screens must be moved farther away from the lens 
in order to be in the plane of the image. When the screens are prop- 
erly focused the one of the 10 inch lens is 0.084th of an inch 
(or 2.12mm) behind the focal plane. Had we left it in the focal 
plane, the image would have been anything but sharp. The size of 
the image of the pole, incidentally, is about 3 inches high. 

The screen of the Blmar lens, however, had to be moved only 
0.0033th of an inch (or 0.085mm). This is not much more than the 
thickness of a sheet of paper. Therefore it is not surprising that even 
as long as this screen was left in the focal plane, the image was still 
remarkably sharp. As to the size of the image of the pole, which the 
Elmar has formed, it is only 5/8th of an inch high. 



* Actually the focal length is the distance of the focal point from the 
so-called principal plane. Readers interested in optics may find further 
Information in physics textbooks. 

58 



JLenses 

This experiment will convince you that the Elmar lens of the 
Leiea camera forms images of greater depth of focus. The image of 
the sun (many millions of miles away) was practically in the same 
plane as that of the telegraph pole which was only 100 feet from the 
lens. But now remember figure 38 where the rays coming from one 
object point converge to a small spot and then diverge. As you move 
the screen farther away from the lens, the rays from this object point 
occupy a larger and larger area. At the same time the cone of rays 
from a nearer object point would still be in the process of converging. 
You must also remember that the image which a lens forms of a point 
even in the plane of maximum sharpness is never a true point but a 
small disc (circle of confusion). Thus we can illustrate the entire 
situation in a diagram shown in figure 42. 




Fig. 42 Depth of Focus "with Iris Diaphragm Open 




Fig. 43 Depth of Focus with Iris Diaphragm Closed 
Point P is imaged at P 3 where the image occupies a circle of confu- 
sion of the diameter A B. Point P w nearer to the lens, is imaged 
farther away so that in the plane I I the rays are still as far apart 

as A B. The geometrically correct plane of the image of point P! 

is farther away, at P 4 . 

On the other hand, point P 2 , farther away from the lens than 
P is imaged closer than P 3 and in the plane I-I .the rays have diverged 
so much that they occupy the area A B. The total effect is that 
on the film held in the plane I I the images of all three points are 
equally sharp and as sharp as the limit of resolving power of the 
lens. 

59 



If you have understood this relation, you will be able to answer 
the question: what happens when the iris diaphragm is closed fur- 
ther? The angular aperture of the image-forming cones of rays 
becomes smaller and the rays converge and diverge less rapidly. Thus 
the depth of focus increases. This is shown in the diagram of 
figure 43. 

To summarize: Lenses of shorter focal length have greater depth of 
focus. The depth of focus of a lens of given focal length increases when 
you close the iris diaphragm. 

Depth of Focus Scale 

As mentioned before we find on the lens mount a scale with, numbers, 
the meaning of which we have not yet explored. All we know is that these 
numbers refer to different apertures of the iris. But at the base of the 
lens mount, there is a beveled ring on which from one center index mark 
to both sides we find the same numbers as on the iris scale. These numbers, 
in connection with the distance scale on the lens ring enable you to read 
the depth of focus for each aperture of the iris. 

You can close the iris to the mark f :4.5, focus the lens to an object 
which is 20 feet away and the depth-of-focus scale informs you that now 
even objects as close as 14% and as far as 32 feet are in perfect focus. 

If you make intelligent use of this depth-of-focus scale, you can greatly 
enhance the quality of your pictures. It is not always advisable to have the 
greatest depth of focus possible. In a portrait, for instance fine effects can 
be obtained by intentionally reducing- the depth of focus, so that everything 
except the features of the subject is out of focus. Thus the attention of the 
spectator is at once directed to the subject of interest. 

Even in other cases you can make good use of the scale. If on your 
honeymoon you want to take a picture of your bride at Niagara Falls you 
might be equally interested in showing the beauty of the falls. If you set 
the iris to f :9 and your bride is 15 feet from the camera which is correctly 
focused for this distance, everything from 9*/ to 35 feet is in focus but the 
falls which are farther away, are not sharp. But if you consult the depth- 
of-focus scale you may learn that with the iris at the same stop, the same 
distance from the camera to the bride but the focusing mount set to a dis- 
tance of 27 feet everything from 12% feet to infinity is sharp. You have 
sacrificed the foreground for the benefit of the background. Many photog- 
raphers do not realize the full significance of this possibility to correctly 
"place" the range of depth of focus. 

At this place it is advisable to draw attention to the fact that the 
depth-of-focus scale should not be taken too literally. You must realize 
that the smaller the circle of confusion, or to express it differently, the 
sharper the image or the better the correction of the lens, the smaller is 
the range of depth of focus for a given aperture. The scales are mostly 
based on an assumed size of this circle of confusion which is still small 
enough to permit enlargements to about 8 x 10 inches. It was mentioned 
before that upon closing the iris, the actual resolving power increases. 
Quite a number of other factors,, such as the thickness of the emulsion on 
the film, etc., have to be considered. Therefore, the actual range of maxi- 
mum sharpness (especially at smaller aperture of the iris) is not identical 
with the depth of focus indicated on the scale although even within this 
latter range, the sharpness is still satisfactory. 

60 



Lexises 

If on the other hand your best friend wants to get your goat by boast- 
ing that his lens of the same focal length and the same aperture has a 
greater depth of focus, don't be jealous, just pity him because either he lies 
or he admits with his boast that his lens is not as well corrected as yours. 

Thus we conclude our investigation regarding the depth of focus 
and direct our attention to the other function of the iris diaphragm: 
The regulation of the amount of light which passes through the lens. 

Exposure Variations 

It is quite easy to comprehend that if we close the iris diaphragm, 
less light passes through the lens. But this knowledge alone is of 
little help to us. Suppose we had to close the iris to one-half of its 
original aperture in order to have enough depth of focus in the pic- 
ture; how much, do we have to increase the exposure? Bather than 
try until we hit by accident the right time of exposure, let us analyse 
the situation. Figure 44 helps us in our investigation. 




Fig. 44 Principle of "Relative Aperture" 



E 

m 
IT 



Four rays, marked I to IV come from a distant point. If the iris 
diaphragm is fully open, the entire amount of light between the rays 
I and IV is collected by the objective. But the diagram shows only 
a cross section of the lens. Actually these rays would fill an area 
represented by the circle No. 1 at the left side of the diagram. 

If we close the iris diaphragm to one-half of its original diameter 
only light within the cone of the rays II to III filling the area of the 
circle No. 2 would be able to pass through the lens. Although this 
circle has one-half the diameter of that of No. 1, you will remember 
that the area decreases with the square of this ratio. Thus only one- 
quarter of the original amount of light passes through the lens when 
the iris diaphragm is closed to one-half. Closing it further to l/3rd 
of its original aperture would, of course, reduce the intensity to 
l/9th, etc. 

61 



Bealizing this we could make a scale which carries the number 
1 when the iris is fully open, number 4 when the iris is closed one- 
half; number 9 when it is closed to l/3rd, etc. These numbers would 
indicate the increase in exposure necessary when the iris is partly 
closed. But this would not fully solve our problem. Suppose you 
want to compare your Elmar with the lens of your old-fashioned 
competitor with the 5 x7 camera. His lens has a much larger diam- 
eter. Does it collect more light when the iris diaphragm is fully 
open? Comparative exposure data may show that even with the iris 
so far open that the actual diameter of the cone of light entering 
his lens is twice that of your lens, he requires longer exposures. 
What we need is an absolute system so that we can compare the light 
transmitting power of lenses of different focal lengths. 

Do not forget that the lens of the 5x7 inch camera, having a 
focal length of 10 inches, also forms relatively larger images. If for 
instance a lens of different focal length has twice the diameter of 
your Elmar but objects at identical distances are imaged twice as 
large, the greater amount of light passing through the larger lens is 
also spread over a larger area (this area too increasing with the 
square of the size of the image) so that the actual intensity in each 
point of the image is the same as that in the image of your Elmar. 
Both lenses have the same light transmitting capacity. 

In other words, the actual diameter of the lens is no useable 
measure for the amount of light collected by it. "We must compare 
it with the focal length of the lens which, as you know, also deter- 
mines the size of the images. The ratio : focal length divided by the 
effective diameter of the lens has therefore been introduced as the 
standard measure for the light collecting power of the lens. The 
increase in exposure when closing the iris diaphragm can always fae 
found by comparing the squares of these ratios. 

A practical example will illustrate how you must proceed : The 
lowest figure on the aperture scale of the Elmar lens is f :3.5. Since 
the focal length of this lens is 50mm, the actual effective diameter of 
the lens is 50:3.5 (or 14.3mm). How much longer do you have to 
make the exposure if you close the iris diaphragm to f :4.5 ? Divide 
the square of 4.5 (or 20.25) by the square of 3.5 (or 12.25) and 
you will find that with the smaller aperture you must expose 1.67 
times as long. If in the first case (Ms at f :3.5) you had to give an 
exposure of 1 second, you must expose 1.67 seconds with the iris at 
f .4.5 in order to obtain a negative of the same density. 

But if you have once established the correct exposure for certain 
light conditions and a definite relative aperture of the lens (for in- 

62 



Lenses 

stance f :4.5) you can give this exposure to any photo, regardless of 
the focal length of the lens. The Hektor 135mm at f :4.5, the Elmar 
90mm at f :4.5, the Summar 50mm at 4.5, the Elmar 35mm at f :4.5; 
all these lenses at these apertures require the same time of exposure. 
Stick to this rule, even if supersensitive experts tell you that they 
have discovered minute variations in densities of negatives thus taken. 
The latitude of the film will protect you. 

Also remember that the effective diameter of a lens, even when 
the iris diaphragm is fully open, is not equivalent to the diameter of 
the first element in the lens but to the diameter of the cone of rays 
in an optical reference plane called entrance pupil. The size and 
shape of the first element depends entirely upon the plan of design 
of the lens and can vary even if the light transmitting power re- 
mains constant. 

Perspective and the Various Leica Lenses 

Before we discuss the merits of the various objectives for the 
Leica camera, a few words must be added in regard to the perspective 
in a photograph because the focal lengths of these lenses vary from 
28mm to 200mm and sometimes you may be in doubt whether you 
should go close and use a short focus lens or take a lens of longer 
focal length and go farther away from the object until you see the 
same relation between image and frame size in the field of the view 
finder. 

We have seen that the focal length of the objective determines the size 
of the image of any object at different distances. It is to our advantage 
if we become acquainted with the exact mathematical relation between the 
focal length, the object distance, the size of the object and that of the image. 
This relation can be expressed by the following 1 equation : 

JO __ D f 
I"" f 

the symbols finding their interpretations as follows: 

= size of the object 

1 = size of the image 

D = Distance of the object from the lens 
f = focal length of the lens. 

This fundamental equation should remain in the memory of every pho- 
tographer because he can derive great benefit from it. The left side repre- 
sents the ratio of reduction in the image. Here is how you can apply it:^ 

Suppose you have obtained permission to photograph the animals in 
the zoo. There is a beautiful lion which you wish to photograph. The bars 
of the cage are about 15 feet from where the lion generally reposes. Which 
objective should you take along so that you can hold the camera between the 
bars of the cage and snap the picture without wasting space on the negative 
for the empty cage? 

63 



The lion is 6 feet long (72 inches) and the longer side of the negative 
is 1% inch. The ratio of reduction must be 72 : 1% or 48 : 1. The object 
distance is 15 feet (180 inches) . The equation tells you that the objective 
which you should use must have a focal length of 3.6 inches or about 90mm. 

But we can gain more valuable information from this equation. You 
know that objects which are far away appear small and those which are 
close appear large in the picture. This accounts for the perspective in the 
picture. 

The ratio at which the image size decreases with increasing object 
distance likewise depends upon the focal length of the lens and can easily 
be determined with this equation. 

Suppose you want to photograph the telegraph poles along the road 
side. They are about 20 feet high. The first pole is about 75 feet from 
where you stand and the distance between each following pole is 75 feet. 
At first you take a photograph with the 90mm lens. The equation tells us 
that the image of the first pole is 24mm high, that of the second pole is only 
12mm high or one half the size of the first one. 

Now you change to the Elmar 50mm, but you remain standing where 
you were. On this negative the first pole appears as an image of only 13mm 
and the second' one is about G^mm. Although both images are smaller the 
second pole appears again at one-half the size of the first one. From this 
experiment we learn that: lenses of different focal lengths, used for photo- 
graphing from the same distance show identical perspective in the image 
but different ratios of reduction. The smaller the focal length the greater 
the ratio of reduction. 

But when you use the 50mm Elmar you can go closer to the first 
pole until its image is again 24mm high. You must now approach it until 
you are only 41.7 feet away. But now the image of the second pole is only 
8.6mm high or only slightly more than l/3rd of the size of the first one. 
From this experiment we learn that: lenses of different focal lengths used 
for photographing so that the ratio of reduction of the image of one given 
object remains the same, show different perspective. Lenses of shorter focal 
length yield images with more pronounced perspective. 

If you hold side by side the two photographs of the telegraph 
poles taken with the 90mm Elmar and th^ 50mm Elmar from differ- 
ent points of view so that the first pole in both cases is equally long 
in the pictures, you may want to know which of the two has more 
natural perspective. The general problem involved is somewhat com- 
plicated because various factors are involved. For instance, we must 
give consideration to the size of the enlargement and the distance 
from which we look at it. But in general we may assume that an 
enlargement of 5 x 7 inches is held about 10 to 12 inches from the eye 
and as the size of the enlargement increases we also increase the dis- 
tance from which we view it. 

Under these conditions the most favorable focal length of a 
lens for the negative size of the Leica camera is 50mm. A lens of 
this focal length will yield images of the most natural perspective. 
It is, therefore not surprising that this is the focal length of the 
most popular Leica lenses. 

64 



Lenses 

Only if you want to photograph from a rather close distance, as 
in portrait photography, it is advisable to select a lens of slightly 
longer focal length. As we come too close to the subject, the size of 
the image increases so rapidly that there is a tendency for the image 
of the closest features to be unproportionally larger than that of the 
farther features. Then you obtain pictures where the nose is large 
and the ears are too small. Such portraits are not nattering. Some 
photographers are of the erroneous opinion that for portrait photog- 
raphy the miniature camera is altogether unuseable. This assumption 
is wrong. In fact, the miniature camera can produce portraits with 
a perspective which is identical to that which we find in portraits 
taken with cameras of larger negative size. A lens of about 73 to 
90mm will do the trick. The reader who is sufficiently interested in 
this problem will find a detailed investigation by the writer in the 
October 1934 issue of Photo Art Monthly. If we select an objective 
of still longer focal length, the portrait will even lack in "plasticity" 
and the faces will appear too flat. 

We have gradually acquired knowledge about some of the most 
fundamental principles of photographic lenses in general and can 
appreciate the special requirements of lenses suitable for miniature 




Fig. 45 Indian Guides 



Elmar 90mm Lens, Panatomic Film 



Felix Schoedsack 
65 



cameras. The family of Leica lenses has grown steadily and we may 
summarize our knowledge by discussing each of them. 

The Hektor 28mm f:6.3. This lens has the shortest focal length of 
all available for the Leica camera; as such it yields pictures having the 
greatest depth of focus. Even with its diaphragm wide open at f :6.3 when 
fixed at infinity the range of sharpness of this lens will include everything 
from infinity to within as little as 12 feet from the camera. Incidentally, 
the short focal length of this lens accounts for the great reduction in size 
of the image of objects that are apparently near the camera. This .power 
of reduction permits us to cover a much larger field and to crowd more 
things into a single frame of the Leica negative. The lens actually collects 
rays within an angle of 76 into the frame of the negative. It is distinctly 
a wide angle lens. The perspective which is quite accentuated off ers attrac- 
tive possibilities to the skillful photographer especially on account of its 
almost unlimited depth of focus. These two factors: rapidly receding per- 
spective and depth of focus are very useful in the treatment of architectural 
subjects. The "super speed" photographer may consider this lens slow 
because its largest opening is only f :6.3. One should realize, however, 
that for a specifically wide angle lens having such extremely short focal 
length, yielding images so completely free from distortion the aperture 
of f :6.3 may be considered an achievement of 'optical craftsmanship. The 
lens comes in a non-collapsible mount, its short focal length making it 
possible. A special view finder which renders a clear and brilliant image 
of the field is available for this lens. 



The Hektor 28mm Wide-Angle 

Lens with its Special Brilliant 

View Finder. 



The Elmar 35mm f:3.5. This is another member of the wide angle 
lens family which covers an angle of view of 65. While the angle of 
vision is somewhat smaller than that of the Hektor 28mm, this is amply 
compensated by greater light collecting power of its comparatively large 
aperture of f :3.5. Pictures made with this lens have considerable depth 
of focus and their perspective is more nearly approaching that of normal 
vision. These two features of the Elmar 35mm lens make it an ideal 
medium for snapshooting. Set for infinity, with its diaphragm slightly 
stopped down it requires almost no focusing. From the depth of focus 
scale we know that with the diaphragm set for f :6.3, when the lens is 
focused for 30 feet, the range of sharpness will extend from 10 feet to 
infinity. Thus focused, the camera can be kept in constant readiness in 
the pocket or in the Everready case. Due to its short focal length the lens 
does not need a collapsible mount and protrudes only slightly beyond the 
body of the camera, rendering it very handy for quick work. Though 
its field of view is adequately covered by the Vidom Universal View Finder 
so many people find it more convenient and expedient to use in connection 
with this lens the special small view finder available for it. It fits snugly 
into the clip of the camera upon the range finder, combining maximum 
convenience with minimum of bulk. For general outdoor photography the 

66 





Lenses 

speed of f:6.3 is quite adequate. If candid photographs have to be made 
in artificial light, when critical focusing- may require more time than is 
available the lens can be left wide open and set to an approximate focus. 
The aperture of f :3.5 is often sufficient to secure usable negatives even in 
artificial illumination if super-sensitive film is used. 



Fig. 46 Elmar 35mm 
f:3.5 Lens with its 
Special View Finder 
which fits into the 
camera clip. 




The 50 mm Lenses 

The Elmar 50mm f :3.5. This is the lens which made the Leica camera 
famous. The sharpness of the pictures taken with this lens was responsible 
for the immense success of the Leica. It may be remembered that more 
than 35,000 Leica cameras were sold before a model with interchangeable 
lenses was offered. The Elmar 50mm is still the best standard lens upon 
which you can build' your equipment. This lens really set a new standard for 
the correction of the optical equipment of cameras and carries a great share 
of the credit for having put across the idea of miniature photography. The 
Elmar plan of design was later on used for four other Leica lenses of 35mm, 
90mm and 105 mm. 

The maximum sharpness in the negative prevails when the objective 
is stopped down to about f:6.3 or f:9; and upon closing the iris further 
there is no noticeable decrease of sharpness in the negative. 

The depth of focus of this Elmar 50mm is still remarkable and it was 
with this lens that the surprising possibilities of miniature cameras in 
combining speed of the lens, depth of focus and sharpness of the negative 
were first demonstrated so successfully to the public who became at once 
enthused about miniature photography. The perspective of its pictures is 
natural. The lens can even be used for portrait photography although in 
cases where extreme close-ups are taken, it should not be used, unless you 
make use of a simple trick. Place the subject somewhat farther away and 
when you make the enlargement, use only 2/3rds of the center portion of 
the negative. 





Fig. 47 Elmar 
50mm f :3.5 Lens 



Fig. 48 Hektor 
50mm f:2.5 Lens 



67 



In summarizing the merits of this Elmar 5iOmm one point should not 
be forgotten: the price question. Before the Leica appeared, an objective 
of an aperture of f :4.5 for a large camera was considered extremely fast, 
because faster lenses were hardly obtainable. Faster lenses were not made 
because their price would have been so prohibitive, that there would not have 
been any market for them. Only when the Leica with its objectives of 
short focal length made its debut, faster lenses became accessible for the 
amateur. 

The Hektor 50mm f:2.5 

This lens differs from the Elmar of the same focal length in two 
respects: in the first place, the name implies that it is built upon a different 
plan of design and secondly it has a higher speed. It was the thirst of 
the amateur for still more speed which was to be satisfied with this new 
type lens and this higher speed necessitated a new plan of construction. 
The difficulty before the lens designer was great indeed. The cry for more 
speed did not indicate whether the amateur knew how much more expensive 
a good lens of this type would have to be. The step from f :3.5 to f :2.5 
means an increase of speed of 100%. You may know that if the top speed 
of a car would have to be doubled, it would become necessary to design a 
new model which may be three to four times as expensive. Such margin 
was not available for the lens designer. The speed increase would have to 
be gained by making a sacrifice in some other respect. If we follow the 
historical course of events we must not forget that when the Hektor 50mm 
was created an enlargement of 5 x 7 inches was considered rather a satis- 
factory size. Strange, how quickly fashions change! From the short skirt 
to the long skirt was hardly more than a year. From the 5x7 enlargement 
to the monstrous size of 16 x 20 from a Leica negative was only a few 
years ! 

But the Hektor 50mm with 100% increase in speed and a slight de- 
crease in sharpness at full aperture, was so designed that even if the iris 
was closed only to f :4.5 or f :6.3 the sharpness equalled if not surpassed 
that of the pictures of the Elmar 50mm. And furthermore, this lens has 
one other slight advantage over the Elmar. Its plan of design made a 
slightly higher color correction possible. Critical and impartial amateurs 
may have noticed slightly superior results with the Hektor 50mm over those 
of an Elmar 50mm when using panchromatic films. 

In spite of these advantages and a moderate price the Hektor 50mm 
lost some of its popularity as soon as a faster lens became available, 
although at a still higher price. 

The Summar 50 mm F:2 

This lens must be considered as a triumph of the science of optics. 
You will remember that the quality of a lens can be judged by finding 
how much the iris diaphragm can be opened with beneficial increase 
in sharpness of the picture. When we come to as high an aperture 
as f :2 we may be satisfiedby seeing how little the sharpness decreases. 
The Summar 50mm at this high aperture yields images so sharp that 
even when enlarged to the size of 8 x 10 inches the smallest detail is 
still beyond the limit of resolving power of the human eye if the photo 
is held 10 inches from the eye. 

68 



Lenses 

With the iris diaphragm fully open the speed of the Summar 
50mm is three times as high as that of the Elmar at its best. This 
speed is enough to enable the photographer to take photos even under 
extremely unfavorable light conditions. Thus it was with this fast 
lens that the Leiea camera conquered another field : candid and stage 
photography. And as the miniature camera is used for more and more 
seemingly impossible tasks, these fast lenses also opened the field of 
snapshooting with infra-red sensitive films and filters. These invisible 
rays to which film emulsions can be made sensitive, are so different 
from the rest, that it is not surprising that they refuse to unite with 
the visible rays in forming an image, even if they pass through as 
excellently corrected a lens system as the Summar 50mm. 

But the focusing scale of the Summar provides for a correction 
so that if you have eliminated the other rays by means of a filter, 
you can still obtain sharp pictures with infra-red rays. On this scale 
you will find two index marks, one of which is provided with a letter 
R. Suppose you have focused the camera on an object and the 
regular index mark points to 30 feet. Before you take the photo, 
simply turn the focusing mount slightly until the mark with the 
letter E points to the distance of 30 feet. Then you will obtain a 
sharp picture. 




Fig. 49 Summar 50mm 
f:2 Lens in Collapsible 
Mount 




The Xenon 50mm f :1.5 
Superspeed Lens. 



The Xenon 50mm, f:1.5. As this edition goes to press we 
learn of the fulfillment of the dream of so many Leica fans. A 
lens of the ultra sp-eed of f :1.5 of the standard focal length of 
50mm has become available. This addition to the family of the 
Leica lenses is so recent that only this last minute announcement 
of it can be made in this edition. First photographs made with 
this lens reveal a remarkable over-all sharpness throughout the 



69 



entire negative area up to the very- edge and corner of it. This is 
an outstanding accomplishment for a lens of such high light trans- 
mitting power. Two such photographs made under ordinary light 
conditions with the lens wide open are being offered to prove the 
claim. The lens is finished in beautiful and durable chromium and 
its mount is so designed that its rotation for critical focusing can 
be accomplished either by moving the regular locking thumb-knob 
or by grasping the outer knurled collar of its mount. Some people 
find that the latter method assures smoother operation. This lens 
should gratify the yearning for high-speed lenses of even the most 
radical speed fiends for some time to come. 




Eddie Cantor by J. Winton Lemen Oakland Bridge Anton F. Baumann 

Xenon 50mm, f:1.5, 1/100 sec. Hektor 28mm, f:12.5, 1/40, Panatomic, 



the Hektor 73 mm F:1.9 

This lens has a slightly noticeable softness at full aperture. But 
this trace of lack of sharpness is very much less pronounced than 
that in its cousin of 50mm focal length. Such improvement could be 
accomplished because in the plan of design of the 73mm lens it was 
preferred to place perfection of correction before the necessity of 
a low price. 

70 



Lenses 

The lens is perhaps the best among- those offered for the Leica 
for the purpose of portrait photography and here this minute effect 
of softness is rather a benefit. In portrait photography the smaller 
range of depth of focus which results from the longer focal lengtli 
and higher speed is also an advantage because the subject of interest 
can thus stand out more distinctly against the blurred background. 

With the diaphragm closed to f :4.5 or more, the sharpness of the 
pictures obtained with the Hektor 73mm also surpasses that of the 
pictures taken with the Elmar 50mm, especially when panchromatic 
film is used. 





Fig. 50 Hektor 73mm f :1.9 Lens Fig. 51 Elmar 90mm f :4 Lens 



The Elmar 90 mm F:4 

The general characteristics of this lens need hardly be enumer 
ated because they are evident from the preceding general' remarks. In 
regard to sharpness it fulfills every expectation. The depth of f oeus 
is naturally smaller than that of the Elmar 50mm. But in outdoor 
photography the lens will mostly be used for longer distances and 
then the depth of focus is sufficient for all purposes. Its speed is 
high considering the rather long focal length. It is also an ideal 
objective for portrait work. 

Due to its price, which is lower than that of the Hektor 73mm, 
the Elmar 90mm may also deserve preferred consideration in com- 
pleting a lens equipment. 'With three lenses, of 35mm, 50mm, and 
90mm focal length, almost any task can be fulfilled. 

The Thambor 90mm f:2.2 

Undoubtedly this lens will contribute considerably towards a successful 
invasion of the field of Portrait Photography with the Leica camera and 
will convince those who still have serious objections to portrait photo graphy 
wih this small camera. Its focal length is ideal for portrait photography 
and its extremely high speed offers three distinct advantages. In the first 

71 



place, it permits a reduction of the depth of focus which is often necessary 
in portrait photography when we wish to have the subject stand out against 
a soft or unsharp background. Secondly, this high speed of the lens permits 
shorter exposures or less light, so that even under unfavorable light condi- 
tions it may be possible to take snapshots. This is an important point if we 
aim for natural and unposed expressions of the subject and wish to avoid 
the somewhat self-conscious and lifeless artificial effects which are so often 
found in posed portraits. 

Finally, the high relative aperture and the very peculiar and entirely 
novel plan of design of this lens make it possible to obtain a soft 1 focus 
effect which can be varied within wide limits. The means which are avail- 
able for this purpose are somewhat unusual and quite ingenious. Since 
aside from the well known means of increasing the sharpness of soft 
focus lenses by closing the iris diaphragm (thus reducing the amount of 
spherical aberration which the marginal rays cause, and which produce 
the soft focus effect) there is also the possibility of eliminating the rays 
in the center by introducing a so-called "center spot". 

This "Center Spot" is introduced over the 
front of the lens by means of a disc of opti- 
cally flat thin glass in a screw-in mount which 
has a small semi-opaque spot in its center, 
which "closes" the center of the lens to all 
light. This method of obtaining a soft focus 
creates very pleasing effects in portrait pho- 
tography as well as general photography with 
back light. 

When this lens is "stopped down" further, 
the image will be really crisp and sharp so that 
the Thambar can also be used for regular land- 
scape photography and other purposes. These 

TTV co mi mi u f eatures and the agreeable fact that the Tham- 

Fig. 52 The Thambar 90mm , . , . , , . , , . , . 

f:2.2 Lens with its "Center bar 1S relatively low priced (considering its 

Spot" Disc in a Screw-in very high relative aperture) make it a useful 

Mount and versatile Leica lens. 




The Elmar 105 mm F:6.3 

In many ways similar to the 90mm lens, this Elmar may be pre- 
ferred by the tourist who wishes to economize in weight of equipment 
and needs the longer focal length for photography at long distance. 
The lower speed is not directly objectionable because when you take 
a picture from the peak of a mountain to the next you usually have 
ample light at your disposal. (As this edition goes to press we learn 
that the production of this lens is being discontinued.) 



72 



Lenses 

The Hektor 135mm f:4.5 

This is decidedly a lens for long distance photography. Although 
still useable for portrait work, the critical judge may notice a certain 
flatness (lack of third dimension) in portraits taken with the Hektor 
135mm. 

These lenses of long focal length are sometimes called Teleob- 
jectives. The expression is misleading, to say the least. The term 
actually refers to a type of long focus objectives with a very definite 
plan of design, consisting of a combination of a convex lens system. 
As you will remember, the Hektor type has improved color correc- 
tion and at apertures not exceeding f :4.5 it yields images of per- 
fect sharpness. Those who use panchromatic or infra-red sensitive 
film with red or infra-red filters may find the Hektor 135mm the 
best lens for long distance photography. 




Fig. 53 Hektor 135mm f :4.5 Lens 



The Telyt 200mm (8 in.) f:4.5 

This new lens is a Tele-Objective in the full sense of the term 
(a true TELEPHOTO lens). It is so designed that the distance 
between the film plane and the lens is shorter than the focal length, 
a feature which is characteristic of the Tele System on which this 
lens is based. This is obtained by introducing a negative lens element 
back of the positive lens element. Thus, while the focal length of 
the Telyt is 65mm longer than that of the 135mm lens its barrel is 
only 3.3mm longer. It will be remembered that the Hektor 135mm 
lens is not built on the principle of the Tele System but is a regular 
anastigmat of long focus. The Telyt is the first Tele System objec- 
tive in the series of Leica lenses. Its correction is excellent so that 
it produces images entirely free from distortion. Particular atten- 
tion 'was given to chromatic correction which makes the lens available 
for long distance photography with panchromatic and Infra-Red 
film in connection with red and Infra-E-ed filters. Excellent results 
may be expected in this type of work. It should be remembered, 
however, that for long distance photography clear atmospheric con- 
ditions are quite essential. While aerial haze can be overcome with 

73 



the aid of haze-cutting filters, it is almost hopeless to attempt to 
photograph across so-called ''heat-waves" or heat currents caused 
by rapidly rising layers of air heated by sunrays or by heat reflected 
from the ground. Such conditions cause local variations of the 
refracting power of the air, resulting not only in decreased sharpness 
of the photographic image but frequently in its complete distortion. 

The long focal length of this lens made it possible (and neces- 
sary) to equip it with a special mirror reflex focusing device con- 
tained in a small and compact dice-like box which is attached directly 
to the camera. For this particular lens such a method of focusing 
was preferred to the direct coupling to .the automatic range-finder. 
It combines the advantages of extremely accurate focusing with the 
convenience of viewing the entire picture on the ground glass of the 
mirror reflex box through a 5x or a 30x magnifier. 

Best results can be obtained with the Telyt only if a good tripod 
is used or if the camera and lens are otherwise rigidly supported. 

The Telyt, as compared with the standard 50mm lens, yields 
a magnification of 4x. Its view angle is approximately 12. Its 
focusing mount permits direct focusing by scale from infinity to 




Fig. 54 New Telyt 200mm f : 4.5 
Telephoto Lens. Shown Com- 
plete With Reflex Housing 5x 
Magnifier and Synchronized Re- 
leases 

74 



Lenses 



Two Photographs Taken 
From the Same Position 
with the 28mm Wide 
Angle and the Telyt Lenses 



Fig. 55 Photograph Made 
with the 200mm Telyt 
Lens 





Fig. 56 General Wide Angle View Obtained with the Hektor 28mm Lens 

75 



9 feet. At 9 feet it covers an area of approximately 12 x 18 inches. 
Special extension tubes are available for this lens permitting close- 
ups down to a working distance of 4 feet from the camera, at which 
distance the lens will cover an area of 4 x 6 inches, yielding a 
magnification on the negative of approximately 4^x. 

The basic principle of interchangeability of Leica lenses has 
been maintained in the Telyt. The mirror reflex housing can also 
be used with other Leica lenses, particularly with the Hektor 135mm, 
which can be supplied in a special shortened mount (without the 
automatic coupling), which is simply screwed into the reflex housing 
in place of the Telyt. When thus used the lens is acting as a normal 
135mm objective and can be used up to infinity. 

Using the Mirror Reflex with Other Leica Lenses 

Other Leica lenses of shorter focal lengths are limited to close- 
ups when used in connection with the reflex housing. If the focusing 
mount of the respective lenses is set for infinity the resulting ratio 
of reduction or magnification respectively (on the film) is as follows: 

Lens: Focal Length Ratio of reduction (on film) 

(lens set for infinity) 

Hektor 135mm 1:2.2 

Elmar 105mm 1:1.7 

Elmar 



Thambar > 90mm 1:1J5 

Hektor 73mm 1:1.2 

Ratio of magnification (on film) 

(lens set for infinity) 
Elmar 

50mm 1.2:1 

Summar 

Xenon 

Elmar 35mm 1.8:1 

Hektor 28mm 2.2:1 

For estimating correct exposure with these lenses, whose focal lengths 
are reduced by their use in connection with the reflex housing, formulas 
offered in the chapter on copying and close-up photography should be con- 
sulted. The length, of the reflex housing (considered as an extension 
tube) is 62mm. 
Front Lenses and Close Distance Photography 

The problem, of photographing objects at close range can be 
solved in two different ways: either we can introduce intermediate 
extension tubes to increase the distance from the lens to the plane of 
the negative, or we can reduce the focal length of the lens system by 
placing front lenses before the regular objective. 

The use of extension tubes directly on the camera together with table of working 
distances, ratio of magnification etc. will be found on page 195. 

76 



Lenses 

As we see from the Front Lens tables, these auxiliary optical 
systems permit the photographing of objects with the Leica camera 
from 31/2 feet to 10 11/16 inches from the camera back. The smallest 
object which can thus be photographed to fill the negative frame 
measures 3%x5 inches. If we wish to compare the optical principle 
of photography with Front Lenses and with intermediate rings, we 
must again recall a few optical principles. It will be evident that 
if in figure 58 the object point would have been infinitely far away, 
a practically parallel bundle of rays would have entered the lens. 
We have neglected so far to mention that if the lens is so designed 
that it will converge with the highest perfection any parallel bundle 
of rays, it is by no means to be understood that this same lens system 
will converge with the same perfection (although in another plane) 
a divergent bundle of rays from an object point which is nearer to 
the lens. In other words, a lens which will yield the sharpest image 
without spherical aberration when the object is far away will not 
yield as crisp an image when the object is close to the lens. As the 
object moves from infinity to minimum distance of 3^ ^ ee t the 
amount of divergence of the bundles of rays entering the lens is quite 
negligible, but if the object comes considerably closer the spherical 
aberration would become so noticeable that the images would suffer 
considerably in quality. 

If we add a Front Lens to the Leica objective, we reduce the 
focal length of the entire lens system in a peculiar way and we learn 
from the tables that for instance through the addition of Front Lens 
No. 1 to the Elmar 50mm we can set the focusing mount to infinity 
when the object is only 39% inches away. The Front Lens converts 
the slightly divergent rays into a parallel bundle so that through 
this addition the Elmar, in order to photograph an object at 39^ 
inches, yields an image of the same quality as one photographed at 
infinity without the Front Lens. This same principle is consistently 
applied so that with the Leica focused to 31/2 feet, we can photograph 
objects at an actual distance of 22 9/16 inches when we add Front 
Lens No. 1. The front lens tables give further details. 

What we have to cope with particularly when photographing at short 
distance is the misbehavior of light which is called "spherical aberration". 
We will recall that the marginal rays have a tendency to converge closer 
to the lens than the rays passing through the center of the objective. The 
marginal rays can always be eliminated by closing the iris diaphragm. 
Since in close-up photography, every optimum of detail rendition is abso- 
lutely essential, we cannot afford to leave the diaphragm wide open but 
have to close it to such an extent that through compromise of the small 
remaining defects in a lens system which have been described before, the 

77 



actual sharpness of the image is most favorable. The front lens tables con- 
tain definite information how much the Leica lenses have to be stopped down 
for the Front Lenses and various distances. 




Supplementary Front Lens Elmar lens 
Fig-. 58 Path of Rays in the Elmar Lens with Supplementary Front Lens 

Another interesting fact relates to the f values of the regular Leica 
lenses. As long as we use Front Lenses for close-up photography, original 
f values retain their value because the actual light intensity gathered by 
the objective and expressed by the so-called f value is represented by 
the figure: distance from lens to image divided by the diameter of the 
lens. Since the use of a front lens enables us to use the same focusing 
mount at close distance we find that for photography of an object at 39% 
inches with front lens No. 1 the distance from the lens to the film is the 
same as if we would photograph an object at infinity without the front 
lens. It is therefore possible to measure the actual intensity of the object 
with a standard exposure meter and compute the value for the respective 
aperture of the lens at which we take the photograph. 

These hints may be valuable for those who use the Front Lenses 
and it may be added that these auxiliary optical devices' are par- 
ticularly advantageous if we wish to obtain the crispest sharpness 
and best detail rendition in flat objects within the range of distances 
indicated in the Front Lens tables. The question of photography 
at still closer distances is covered in Chapters 9, 17, 18, 20, and 21. 

Proper Care of Lenses 

It seems advisable to conclude with some suggestions relative to 
the care of the miniature camera lenses. All lenses are made with an 
accuracy which can hardly be found in any other piece of manu- 
factured goods. The lens surfaces must be so smooth and so accu- 
rately spherical that even a deviation of l/100,000th of an inch 
would affect their performance. It is quite evident that such a delicate 
and accurate piece of equipment requires special care and can easily 
be ruined by careless handling. 

The first rule for the care of lenses is therefore: keep the lens 
surfaces free from dust and other impurities. When the lens is at- 
tached to the camera and not in use, see to it that it is covered with 
the lens cap. When the objective is removed from the camera, use 
the dust cap to close the other side so that the lens surfaces are not 
exposed and no dust can collect on them. 

78 



Lenses 

Should the surfaces show deposits of dust or other impurities, 
do not try to remove it by rubbing the surface with your fingers. 
You may wipe the surfaces with a piece of silk cloth or with a piece 
of lens paper. You can also use a fine camel-hair brush. In any 
case it is imperative that the surface be wiped very gently. The 
dust in the air is full of little abrasive particles which could scratch- 
the surface of the lens. The smallest scratch is in comparison to 
the length of a light wave like a deep and wide trench since a light 
wave is as small as l/50,000th inch. You may secure a small bottle 
of xylol and a package of lens paper and always moisten the paper 
in the xylol when cleaning the lens surfaces. In wiping the lens, 
have the paper make a circular motion. 

If a lens surface is once scratched, it is not possible to simply 
repolish this surface beca,use such action would make the entire lens 
thinner and would affect the optical performance. Only a replace- 
ment of this lens can fully repair the damage. 

Under no circumstances should the photographer try to take the 
lens apart. Such warning may seem unnecessary to many miniature 
camera owners, yet it is given in view of experiences which have 
repeated themselves only too frequently. A photographer may try to 
insert a color filter between the lens elements, may try to clean the 
inside surface or find another excuse for satisfying his curiosity and 
take the lens apart. He will be sadly disappointed when he finds out 
how hard it is to reassemble the lens so that no dust remains inside. 
The lenses are assembled by the manufacturer in rooms which are 
absolutely free from dust and special instruments are used to keep 
dust from the insides of the lens. 

Sometimes lenses show a few very minute bubbles in the glass. 
These are not objectionable. The area of one bubble in comparison 
to that of the entire lens surface, is very small and whatever small 
amount of light is thrown off its course by this bubble is by far too 
minute to cause any photographically recordable light impression. A 
long scratch over the lens surface is much more serious. 

Altogether the photographer in trying to repair a lens should re- 
strict his activity to a minimum. As long as the objective is kept 
closed by lens and dust cap no danger of serious trouble will ever 
arise. If something irregular comes into evidence, the objective 
should rather be sent to the manufacturer. 



79 




Sahuaro James M. Leonard 

Elmar 35mm, l/100th second at f :12.5, No. 1 Filter, Du Pont Superior Film 

80 






HENRY M. LESTER 

KARL A. BARLEBEN, Jr. CHAPTER 3 



A filter is a medium which, allows light rays of a certain kind to 
pass through, while it is more or less impervious to others. From its 
very definition, it appears that its function is purely subtractive ; it 
adds nothing in the way of illumination ; it merely eliminates from 
light certain qualities which may be undesirable. This is the reason 
for the increase of exposure generally required when filters are used. 
Thus a filter should be looked upon as just another means of con- 
trolling light and illumination in addition to the others at our dis- 
posal. These are the shutter for control of length of time during 
which the light is permitted to reach the film; the lens diaphragm 
for control of quantity and optical quality; the filter for control of 
color quality or intensity. Additional means of light control are 
available in the form of reflectors and diffusers. 

Photographic color filters are usually made of glass. The coloring 
which renders it capable of absorbing certain colors of light, while 
allowing others to pass freely, is imparted to it by several methods. 
Certain dyes are mixed with the glass in its molten state, thus render- 
ing it colored before polishing and shaping. This provides the most 
satisfactory type of filter for use directly on the camera lens, it being 
thin, uniform, color-stable, and unaffected by changes of temperature 
and climatic conditions. Only breakage or scratches on the surface 
will impair its usefulness. 

Color filters are also prepared by coating gelatin containing a 
given quantity of an organic dye upon optically flat and otherwise 
prepared glass, and after drying, stripping this film from the glass. 
The film is then cut to any size or shape and mounted between two 
pieces of optically flat glass by means of a special cement (Canada 
balsam) under heat and pressure. This type of filter requires greater 
care in handling than the solid glass type. Improper handling, contact 
with water, alcohol or high temperatures will render it useless. 
Humidity or exposure to direct action of sunlight also causes deteriora- 

81 



tion. This type of filter should never be selected for use in the tropics 
or for sea travel. However, for use in a temperate climate, with care- 
ful handling, it will prove entirely satisfactory. Gelatin filters are 
available in a far greater number of colors than solid glass filters, and 
being less expensive, are to be recommended for special purposes and 
experimental work. 

Still another type of filter is obtainable in the form of a so-called 
water cell, which consists of a glass container having two parallel 
sides filled with distilled water into which the dye required is dis- 
solved. This type of filter is used especially in scientific work, such as 
photomicrography, where it acts not only as a color filter, but also as 
a heat absorption filter. It is placed, not between the lens and the 
photographed subject, but between the latter and the light source. 

For the purpose of general Leica photography, we are concerned 
only with the first two types of filters, either of which may readily be 
slipped on and off the lens of the camera. Of these two, the solid glass 
type filter is much the better for the Leica camera on account of port- 
ability. Gelatin filters have a definite place in the kit of the experi- 
mentally-minded worker, or one whose specialized work calls for an 
endless variety of filters for tests and for other specific purposes. 

Solid glass filters are to be preferred not only because of greater 
stability and permanence, but also because of simplicity. Any medium 
transmitting light affects its course to a greater or lesser degree, 
depending upon whether it is optically flat. If it is, the disturbance 
is negligible. s The greater the number of media the light has to 
traverse, the greater the disturbance of its course. Thus, when light 
penetrates thin solid glass, it is affected only by the process of enter- 
ing it on one side, traversing its dyed mass and emerging on the other 
side. Pure gelatin filters used without mounting between glass would 
be just as effective were it possible to handle them in such form. But 
a gelatin filter, cemented between two pieces of glass, requires the 
light to pass through glass, Canada balsam, gelatin, Canada balsam 
and* glass again. Obviously it is simpler to produce a filter with two 
piano-parallel (optically flat) surfaces than one possessing ten sur- 
faces meeting this requirement. Of course, this is merely a theo- 
retical, rather than a practical, objection, but it is frequently con- 
firmed in practice resulting in pictures of lesser sharpness and poorer 
definition. 

As a matter of fact, it should be known that filters actually affect 
the sharpness of the picture, the type of the filter merely accounting 

82 



Filters 




Fig. 61 Summer Solitude John L. Davenport 

Elmar 50mm, 1/100 second at f :4.5. Filter: 23A, Du Pont Superior Film 

for the degree of unsharpness. Theoretically speaking, the shorter 
the wave-length of light, the sharper the image. Violet and blue 
light, having the shorter wavelengths, are capable of producing 
sharper images. If a dense filter is used which holds back the entire 
amount of blue light, it permits only that light which has the longer 
wave length to reach the film, with the resulting decrease in sharp- 
ness of the image. Moreover, some lenses are not so well corrected 
for light of the longer wave length so that they cannot yield relatively 
as sharp an image as that obtainable in the presence of blue rays. 
In other words, the use of filters results in pictures of lesser sharpness 
because the very element which contributes most to sharp images 
has been eliminated or weakened. 

What has been said about filters and their effect upon sharpness 
of images should not be taken too literally. For practical purposes, 
the effect of a good filter upon the sharpness of the image is, as a 
matter of fact, quite negligible. Most of the objections are of a 
theoretical nature based upon careful and painstaking comparisons 
made under the microscope. The purpose of these objections is not 
so much to discourage the use of filters as to produce a more in- 

83 



their products which gradually make the use of filters less essential. 

When Faters Should Be Used 

Filters can and should be used if their choice and application 
are made judiciously and not indiscriminately. They are intended to 
establish and correct contrasts between various degrees of brightness 
in the picture. The human eye has the ability to distinguish, not 
only between light and dark, but also between colors. Colors pro- 
duce the sensation of various degrees of brightness. Since color 
cannot be rendered through black and white photography, we make 
it reproduce our sensations of the varying degrees of brightness in 
terms of black, white and intermediate shades of gray. To com- 
pensate for the inability of the film to interpret things in terms of 
telligent and judicious attitude towards their application in Leica 
photography. Our nearest photographic relatives, the cameramen of 
Hollywood, using almost the same negative material, employ filters 
extensively. But their results tend only to confirm what has been 
said: their knowledge of emulsions, plus their knowledge of filters, 
yield results of rare excellence and quality. 

It may not be amiss to qualify filters as the " necessary evil" of 
miniature photography. They are something to be used if absolutely 
necessary, but it would be better, whenever possible, to do without 
them. 

Undoubtedly, this very feeling prevailing among photographers 
causes manufacturers of film to strive for those characteristics in 
degrees of brightness as does the eye, we use filters. It is important 
to realize that ordinarily we would need no filters if the film repro- 
duced colors at the same scale of tonal values as the eye sees them. 
This is important because film manufacturers strive to approach this 
millenium, and modern film materials require the use of filters to a 
much lesser degree than the older types of film. 

Basically, color filters, as used in photography, can serve a two- 
fold purpose: to establish the balance of color values, or to upset 
that balance. When the contrast between the various degrees of 
brightness in the pictures approximates that perceived by the eye 
the balance is considered established. Depending upon the emulsion 
used, it is then normal or corrected, When the contrast between the 
various degrees of brightness is rendered differently from the 
visual perception it is said that the color values, interpreted in 
terms of shades of gray, are undercorrected or overcorrected. A 
black sky or a dark gray sky with white clouds in a midsummer 
landscape is an example of overcorrection, while a white sky with 

84 



Filters 

light gray clouds in a similar picture would indicate under correction. 
An intentional upsetting of the balance of color values may lead to 
attractive effects. But the practice should not become a mania. 

To be able to use niters correctly, to make them fill a definite 
need and perform a definite task, the photographer must know the 
film he uses, know its sensitivity to colors, know which colors react 
more strongly on its emulsion and which should be suppressed and 
retarded so that other colors may become equally effective. This, 
in effect, is nothing less than handicapping one or more of the more 
actinically active colors in favor of those which are ''slow in getting 
there. 77 Thus, if the film records blue too freely, some of it should 
be held back. A yellow filter is used for this purpose. 

A panchromatic film is, generally speaking, more evenly balanced, 
in its response to colors, but its sensitivity to green is slightly lower 
than to other colors. To effect balance, all other colors must be 
suppressed or retarded slightly in order to give the green color an 
opportunity to impress itself on the film. A certain greenish colored 
filter is used for this. 

The effect which filters have upon certain emulsions may be 
clearly understood from the diagrams shown. These are not accurate, 
but they tend to interpret the color sensitivity of different emulsions 
when a filter is placed in front of a lens. 




Fig. 62 Effect of Filters upon Relative Color Sensitivity of Film: A 
Typical Orthochromatic Emulsion (in Daylight) 

85 



In considering the use of filters, it is most important to realize 
that even films of the same type but of various makes have different 
characteristics regarding their degree of sensitivity to different colors. 
Thus, an orthocliromatic film of one make will respond to certain 
colors to a different degree than an orthochromatic film of another 
make. The same applies to various makes of panchromatic films. 




Fig. 63 Effect of Filters upon Relative Color Sensitivity of Film: A 
Typical Orthochromatic Emulsion (in Mazda Light) 

Nearly every film manufacturer publishes spectrographs of his re- 
spective emulsions, which, if properly read, indicate their relative 
sensitivity to color. Some manufacturers have this information avail- 
able in the form of numerical tables showing the relative sensitivity in 
terms of per cent, 100 standing for " normal 7 ' color rendering. 

The Agfa Ansco Company offers the following information concerning 
color sensitivity as measured by the Agfa Step Color Chart for the same 
emulsion: 

Red Yellow Green Blue 

In daylight 60 50 30 140 

In Mazda light 180 80 40 80 

On the other hand, manufacturers of filters supply spectrophotometric 
absorption curves of filters which show graphically colors which are trans- 
mitted and absorbed by a given filter. A combined study of these data 
will yield accurate information as to what results may be expected from 
the use of certain filters in connection with certain films. This informa- 
tion, however, is not essential for the use of filters except in work of a very 
exacting nature. For general use, working familiarity with a film and 
filter may be gained by more practical methods. 

86 



Filters 




Fig. 64 Effect of Filters upon Relative Color Sensitivity of Film: Typical 
Panchromatic Emulsion of Medium Sensitivity to Red (in Daylight) 

Making Your Own Filter Tests 

If a working knowledge of the properties of a film or filter is desired, 
a series of exposures on the film with and without the filter is the best 
means of getting it. Such exposures should be made with great care and 




Fig. 65 Typical Panchromatic Emulsion of Medium Sensitivity to Red (in 
Mazda Light) 

87 



a record of conditions kept. The first exposure should be made without the 
filter and should be based upon a careful reading of a reliable exposure 
meter. The series of exposures should be carried out according to a defi- 
nite plan: 
Film: Rated Speed: 



Exp. 
No. 
1 


Light 
. Daylight 


Filter 
None 


Meter Lens 
Reading Aperture 
1 sec. f/6.3 


Shutter 
Speed 
1 second 


2 


a 




tt 


2 seconds 


3 


it 


Si 


a 


4 seconds 


4 Blank 
5 


Exposure 

a 


66 


it 


*/2 second 


6 


n 


tt 


66 


l /4 second 


7 Blank 

8 


Exposure 


No. 2 


I sec. " 


2 seconds 


9 


66 




66 


4 seconds 


10 


it 


tt 


66 


8 seconds 


11 Blank 
12 


Exposure 
n 


tt 


66 


1 second 


13 


tt 


a 


66 


1 A second 



Similar procedure may be employed for testing one or two other filters. 
The exposed film should be developed in the developer customarily used. 
The final proof of the test is in the finished print. The best print obtain- 
able should be made from the negative resulting from Exposure No. 1. 
Prints from all other negatives should be made in exactly the same way, 
the same paper used, the same degree of enlargement, the same exposure 
given, the same developer and time of development. When these prints 
are finished and dry, they should be compared and studied for color cor- 
rection, contrasts and detail rendering. 




Fig. 66 Effect of Filters upon Relative Color Sensitivity of Film: A 
Typical Panchromatic Emulsion of High Sensitivity to Red (in Daylight), , 

88 



Filters 




Fig. 67 Effect of Filters upon Relative Color Sensitivity of Film: A 
Typical Panchromatic Emulsion of High Sensitivity to Red (in Mazda Light) 

Such study will frequently yield surprising results. It may be found, 
for instance, that best results may be obtained without the filter. Or that 
the most desirable effect was produced when the filter was used without 
increase of exposure. And then again, it may be that the picture was 
most interesting when no filter was used, but the exposure halved. 

Thus, for instance, it will be found by actual experience that if a 
filter, primarily intended to suppress blue rays for which a given film is 
too sensitive, is being used effectively in daylight, the same filter will be 
found unnecessary for work in artificial light because of its more abundant 
yellow and red rays. Obviously, there is no need to filter blue rays from 
a light which is in itself deficient in that color. The same would hold 
true of work in the late afternoon when daylight becomes more profuse 
in yellow light. There would, ordinarily, be no need for a yellow filter. 
It must be remembered, however, that although a filter is used to establish 
a definite balance of color rendering, the use of the filter is superfluous 
where that balance is present either in the light source or the subject. 
Thus, if the sky is dark blue, even a light yellow filter will create a cor- 
rect color balance on a panchromatic film, and if it be a panchromatic 
emulsion of high red sensitivity, no filter will be required to produce such 
balance. If the sky, however, be pale blue or grayish blue, a more dense 
filter would be required. 

Filter Factors 

To identify filters by means of their respective factors would be 
meaningless, since no filter requires the same increase of exposure for 
every film and for every light condition. For this reason, modern filters 
are no longer designated by the symbol "x" following a number, like 2x, 
3x, 4x, etc. These designations were intended to represent the inc mse 
of exposure by two times, three and four times, respectively. Modern 
filters are designated by their manufacturers either by a letter, number 

89 



or both, and each represents a medium of definitely known power of ab- 
sorption or transmission of certain rays of light. Consequently, filter 
factor tables should not be taken too literally, for the best of them are 
merely intended to give their relative power of absorption or transmission 
regarding a definite emulsion. These tables should be used as guides only. 
A definite familiarity with the properties of a film can be gained only 
through practical application very much in the same measure as is the 
case with emulsions, developers, papers, lenses, etc. 

While color filters properly used offer a very flexible and definite 
control of contrasts and tones, it should be realized that there are other 
means with which certain effects may be produced. The making of prints 
by enlarging rather than by contact offers an opportunity for holding 
back the light from certain areas of the print while permitting it to 
print through on other areas. This dodging or shading by means of a mov- 
ing hand, finger, piece of black paper, or cardboard enables the skilled 
worker to produce quite remarkable effects on the finished print. Thus, 
for instance, if one has a negative of a landscape on which a filter has not 
been used, a negative possessing all detail and gradation in the foreground 
but a corresponding overexposure and whiteness of the sky, the latter may 
be successfully printed in or darkened to any degree desired by first expos- 
ing the paper for a length of time sufficient to bring out the detail of the 
foreground and then interposing a piece of cardboard between the lens of 
the enlarger and the portion of the paper containing foreground, letting 
the sky print through. The exact technique of dodging and shading is de- 
scribed elsewhere. This point is mentioned here to assist any who may 
have neglected to use a filter and who wish to improve a picture which 
would otherwise appear bare and uninteresting from lack of an appropri- 
ate sky background. 

Choice of Film and Filter 

Those who lack experience in selecting a film and a filter to go with 
it to produce certain effects will be well served with Viewing Filters. 
These are strictly, as their name implies, visual filters and should never 
be used for actual photography. They consist of discs or squares' of col- 
ored glass or gelatin mounted between glass. Colors, when viewed 
through them, are considerably dulled and impress the eye in terms of 
their relative brightness and contrast of tone, approximating the interpre- 
tation of the film. These visual filters are available in the form of 
monocles, or regular spectacles. By looking through them, the photog- 
rapher is in a position to anticipate the effect upon the film before ex- 
posure. For work on ortho chromatic emulsions deep blue filters are used, 
while panchromatic emulsions require either a muddy yellow or greenish 
visual filter. By far the most practical and economical visual filter guide 
for the purpose can be had in the form of an inexpensive Filter Test Chart, 
furnished by the Eastman Kodak Company. This chart contains eight 
transparent samples of the most popular contrast filters and four test 
filters (blue, green, yellow and red) through which subjects may be viewed. 

If the subject, as seen through the monochromatic filter, appears to 
the eye so that one can distinguish the different degrees of brightness of 
the various colors, the film and filter indicated under that viewing filter 
should be used to secure such rendering. If one cannot distinguish the 
various colors, the subject should be viewed through another filter, and so on. 
One of these will be found to give the desired color correction. Consider- 
able knowledge of rendering color contrasts may be gained from frequent 
application of this simple device. 

90 



Filters 




Fig. 68 Suburban Home 



Henry M. Lester 



Elmar 35mm, 1/60 second at f:9. Sky Filter. Du Pont Superior Film 



What Filters to Use 

It is a good policy to follow the suggestions of manufacturers 
of photographic equipment as to the type of accessories. They can 
very well bear the responsibility for such use as it is to their interest 
to help obtain the best results possible. Choice of the type and make 
of filters used should be based upon the negative material employed. 
If a variety of films is used, one will be best served by the compre- 
hensive line of solid glass filters offered by the makers of the Leica 
camera. These filters are of excellent quality, thin, uniform and well 
mounted. The filter mounts are important, particularly when the 
camera is to be used in connection with the various accessories and 
attachments for which these mounts are designed. For special pur- 
poses, and for specific work with Eastman Kodak emulsions, the 
Wratten Light Filters (gelatin mounted between glass) should be 
used, they being also of excellent quality and easily available in 
unmounted circles fitting the Leica Filter mounts. The Wratten 
Light Filters are especially designed for Eastman emulsions artd the 
most comprehensive information is available on their effect on these 
emulsions. 

91 



One would be well served with a complete line of Leica niters 
to which special "Wratten Light Filters may be added as required. 
However, an impressive array of niters is not needed to turn out 
excellent pictures. One or two should be sufficient for all general 
work with modern film emulsions. The writers know of several work- 
ers who boast of many an excellent picture but of only one filter. 

Those who prefer orthochromatic films will be able to go through 
life with but one or two filters without missing anything. Leitz No. 1 
would be the best choice, while No. 2 might be added to complete the 
outfit. The addition of a Graduated Sky Filter might be included 
sometimes in preference to the No. 1. The equivalent of these are 
the Wratten Kl and Wratten K2. 

Users of Panchromatic Films may use more filters, but only if the 
scope of their work is greater. Besides the two filters mentioned 
above, together with possibly the Sky Filter, the Green Panchromatic 
Filter should be used. If Eastman panchromatic emulsions are em- 
ployed, instead of the Leitz Panchromatic Filter, the Wratten XI (for 
day light) or the Wratten X2 (for artificial light) should be used. 

The Leitz Infra Red Filter is a special filter which should be used 
in connection with the Infra Red films for special effects. It is one 




Fig. 69 The Tower 

Blmar 35mm lens, f :9, 1/60, dark yellow filter, Agfa Superpan. 

92 



Ernst Schwarz 



Filters 

of those filters which for special reasons emphatically upsets the color 
balance. The Wratten line offers a complete assortment of red niters, 
ranging from very pale red to such densities as do not transmit visible 
light. The choice of the density should be governed by the purpose 
for which it is intended. 

A special filter is made by the Leitz Company for elimination of in- 
visible ultra violet rays adjoining the visible range of the spectrum. 
These filters are intended for use only in high altitudes where these rays 
are abundant. At sea-level invisible ultra violet rays are not sufficient to 
be detrimental. In small amounts they are not effective, being actually 
filtered out by the glass of the lens itself. Never use a filter unless one 
is required to eliminate something that is not wanted in the pictures. With 
particular reference to the Ultra Violet Filter, commonly known as the 
U. V. Filter, it should be remembered that if the filter holds back only 
certain rays, the effect of which we want to suppress in the pictures, 
whereas it freely transmits all other rays, the exposure need not be in- 
creased to compensate for that filter, since those colors that will result in 
underexposure are being deliberately so treated by the very use of the 
filter. The same may apply to some other filters, particularly those pale 
yellow, pale green and pale blue filters which are used for very slight color 
correction. While actually even clear glass filters require a theoretical 
increase of exposure (about 8%), this may easily be disregarded because 
of the available latitude of the film and the improbability of getting a 100% 
correct exposure at all times. 

Some of the red filters, like the Wratten A or F may be used for 
many purposes. Although they are not strictly infra-red filters, since 
they do transmit a good portion of the visible part of the spectrum, they 
will produce effects quite similar to those obtainable with the regular 
infra-red filters when used in connection with Infra-Red films. It will 
be simply a matter of degree, but the exposure will be substantially 
shorter. These red filters are frequently known as effect filters because 
they are used to produce most striking effects of night scenes, moonlight 
scenes in broad daylight. In addition, these filters are also known as 
haze-filters because they have the rare property of eliminating aerial haze 
in distance photography, and in aerial photography. It should be remem- 
bered, however, that while these filters are very effective in eliminating 
aerial haze, they -will not cut through air filled with smoke, dust, fog 
or steam. 

While speaking of effect filters, the so-called fog-filters should be 
mentioned. These fog filters, unlike the haze-filters, are not used to 
eliminate fog from pictures, but, on the contrary, to put it into the picture! 
Fog-filters are decidedly misnamed. They are not filters but merely dif- 
fusion screens, which are available in a number of degrees of softness or 
fog. In skilled hands, these fog-filters produce truly remarkable results. 
But, as a matter of general practice, their use is not to be recommended. 
The small Leica negative should remain as sharp as possible. If softness 
is desired, it should be produced by means of illumination or by using an 
appropriate lens at the proper opening. All kinds of fog, and all degrees 
of softness and diffusion may be produced on the finished print by skillful 
manipulation of the enlarger, and the reader is cautioned against placing 
too much faith in such filters as are entirely satisfactory for, say, motion 
picture work, but barely desirable in Leica photography. 

93 



Just when to use a filter is often something of a mystery to a begin- 
ner. Obviously, it is a matter of that great combination of knowledge, 
experience and judgment. In order to assist the beginner, the following 
list is offered: 

Yellow Filters: May be used with either ortho or pan films. Everything 
else being equal, a denser yellow filter should be used with the ortho 
than with the pan film. These filters are almost exclusively for cloud 
effects upon light blue skies. The lighter the sky the darker should 
be the filter. 

Sky Filters: For use with all films. This filter has a lower half of clear 
glass, which from the center gradually changes into a yellow upper 
half. The purpose of this filter is to hold back the blue rays emanat- 
ing from the sky only, without affecting the lower half of the image 
in any way. It requires no increase of exposure. One should be care- 
ful in using this filter that the center of the picture coincides with the 
line of the horizon. A most useful filter for landscapes and seascapes. 

Green Panchromatic Filters: A filter specifically designed to enhance the 
comparatively low sensitivity to the green of panchromatic films. Its 
effect upon a panchromatic emulsion is similar to that of a yellow 
filter upon an orthochromatic emulsion. It holds back not only the 
blue, but also the red, to which this type of film is very sensitive. It 
is, therefore, useful in the same way for cloud effects, etc. Whenever 
Eastman panchromatic films are used, Wratten green panchromatic 
filters are recommended for best results. (XI for daylight work and 
X2 for artificial light.) 

U. V. Filter: To be used only in high altitudes, mountains, etc. Not for 
work from an airplane when photographing the earth! The layer of 
air acts as an efficient U. V Filter. This filter does in the mountains 
what a denser (yellow) filter does at sea level. 

Red Filters: For extreme contrasts and effects, where overcorrection is 

intentionally aimed for in order to produce dramatic effects. Brilliant 
white clouds against a black sky. Moonlight effects with the sun sub- 
stituting for the moon. Dramatic sunsets. To be used with pan- 
chromatic films only. The darker red filters are designed and intended 
specifically for infra red photography with Infra Red film. 

Editor's Note. 

Our readers will be interested to know that filters having transmission 
characteristics and factors similar to those of the Wratten type, are now 
available in many of the popular colors in solid glass form. These filters 
are made of optically flat glass not affected by temperature or climatic 
conditions. They are distributed in this country by the Chess- United Co., 
160 Fifth Avenue, New York City, through their agents and dealers. 

Filter Factor Table 

The following table of filter factors is offered in the hope that it be 
used with a grain of salt. It is deliberately placed at the end of the chap- 
ter, trusting that the reader will not use it literally, but merely refer to 
it for general guidance and information. The factors are bound to change 
with varying light conditions. They should not be followed blindly, but 
when used intelligently may be helpful in getting the desired results. 

94 



raters 




95 




Fig. 71 Moon Over the Empire State 

ELmar 50mm, 3 seconds at f:3.5. Photograph taken at 1 A.M. 



John T. Moss, Jr. 

DuPont Superior Fihn 



96 



THE 35 MM 



HENRY M. LESTER CHAPTER 4 



The 35mm film used in standard motion picture cameras estab- 
lishes for the Leica a valuable relationship. Because of the vast 
quantities of film which the motion picture industry consumes, the 
manufacturers of 35mm film go to no end of trouble to produce the 
greatest variety and finest quality of film. This in turn makes avail- 
able to the Leica user an unlimited choice of negative material which 
the user of larger cameras does not enjoy. "While this is a decided 
advantage to an experienced Leica worker, it is frequently confusing 
to the beginner. 

It may be said, almost without reservation, that the modern 
35mm film produced by large manufacturers is of excellent uniform 
quality throughout, regardless of its type. However, not all films 
are adapted to every kind of work. If they were, there would prob- 
ably be no need for some fifty different types of 35mm film available. 
Some film emulsions have a wide range of application and may be 
considered more or less universal. The word universal is obviously 
a generality and as such is only measurably correct. Other films are 
designed to fill a specific need in the more specialized fields of 
photography. 

Those Leica workers who do not concentrate upon the more 
specialized phases of photography, like photomicrography, aerial 
photography, elinical work, etc., but who want to obtain excellent 
photographs within the scope accessible to all photographic workers, 
will find that almost any good film of a standard make will answer 
their requirements provided they will get to know it through con- 
stant use and will understand its characteristics and its response 
to exposure and development. On the other hand, those who are 
doing specialized work should select a film to answer that specific 
purposp. In either case, for consistently good results, once a film 
emulsion is decided upon, whether it be for portraiture, pictorial 
work or copying X-rays, that film should be used always for that 
purpose, to the exclusion of all others, 

97 



Success in photography, as in all other crafts, is based upon the 
ability of the worker to produce definite results. To produce them 
consistently the worker must know Ms equipment and materials 
thoroughly to make them do what he wants. Therefore : know your 
film, learn what it can do and make it fit your purpose. 

Part I Film Selection 

The 35mm films should be considered from the following view- 
points as the first step in making the selection : 

1. Sensitivity to Color . . . From this viewpoint the films are 
considered depending upon their response to various colors. 
Those that respond or are sensitive to all colors including red are 
known as Panchromatic. 

Those that are sensitive to all colors except the spectral red are 
known as Orthochromatic. 

The relative sensitivity of an emulsion to the various 

colors can be controlled by means of filters. 

Films that are not sensitized to distinguish between colors, except 
between black and white, are known as Color-Blind. 
Then there are the Special Emulsions required for color photog- 
raphy infra-red photography or direct positives. 

2. Speed of Emulsion . . . From this angle the films are con- 
sidered depending upon the relative amount of light required to 
form an image on the emulsion. This classification results in 
terming films as fast, medium or slow. 

The speed of a given emulsion can be controlled 
within certain limits by development. 

3. Graininess . . . From this point of view the films are con- 
sidered depending upon the size of the grain of the emulsion. 
The smaller the size of the grain, the more desirable the emulsion 
for Leica work. 

Although the size of the grain is inherent in each 
emulsion, being a definite part of its structure, its final 
size in the negative can be controlled by means of suit- 
able development. 

4. Contrast . . . From this viewpoint, we consider the emulsions 
as to their ability to render comparative degrees of brightness 
of the image. If the film is capable of rendering many shades or 
gradations of grays between black and white, it is known as 
a low contrast or long scale film. If the range of gradations of 

98 



Film Selection 




Fig.* 72 I Smell Cat! 



Fig. 73 Ah, There You Are! 



Roland Smith 




Roland Smith 
99 



gray between black and white is not great, the emulsion is known 
as one of high contrast or short scale. Generally, the finer the 
grain the greater the contrast and the shorter the scale. 
Although contrast is substantially built into the emul- 
sion, it can be most effectively controlled by exposure 
and development skilfully made to depend upon each 
other. 

5. Latitude . . . Here we consider the film by its ability to react 
to various quantities of light admitted to it. It would be just too 
bad if every exposure would have to be "on the button", so to 
speak, to produce a usable negative. We therefore look to the 
emulsion for its ability to yield usable negatives with a certain 
amount of under or overexposure. Latitude is important to us 
not only because of the ever present danger of over or under- 
exposure, but also because of the definite effect which we fre- 
quently want to produce by over and underexposure. Generally, 
the finer the grain of an emulsion, the less its latitude. 

The latitude of the film is one of its inherent charac- 
teristics which cannot be readily controlled. 

Selection to Fit the Purpose 

An important factor of successful Leica photography which is 
not generally appreciated and understood is the necessity to choose a 
film to fit a definite purpose. 

The general level of quality of Leica work could be raised con- 
siderably if the worker, instead of asking the dealer for the best and 
most expensive film, would consider these questions : 

What is the film going to be used for? 

In what developer will the film be processed? 

What size enlargements will be required? 

What type of paper will the enlargements be printed on (glossy, 

mat, rough) ? 

The size of the grain, as is generally known, increases with the 
speed of the emulsion. There is a vast field of photography where 
extreme speed of the film is not as essential as fineness of grain. The 
selection of the emulsion should therefore be made with a preference 
for fine grain rather than speed. This is made quite feasible by the 
growing availability and popularity of extremely fast and sharp 
lenses. However, where sufficient light is not available, or quick 
action must be recorded, fast films must be used and one must be 
willing to sacrifice the size of the grain and be satisfied with a smaller 
enlargement for the sake of getting the picture, which would be im- 
possible without the fast film. 

100 



Film Selection 

Types of Film 

With a view to simplification of the multitude of emulsions avail- 
able on the market, a classification into five groups is offered. It 
should be remembered that while each of these grouped emulsions 
has its own distinctive characteristics, they have a good deal in 
common, and the grouping is offered for simplicity. Also as a means 
of expediency, not all the emulsions are being listed, but only those 
whose popularity makes them readily available in either bulk or 
daylight loading packages. 

Group No. 1 Panchromatic Emulsions (Fast) 

Agfa Superpan 

DuPont Superior 

Eastman Kodak Super-X 

Eastman Kodak Super- Sensitive 

Gevaert Panchromosa 

Perutz Peromnia, etc. 

The films of this group are fully panchromatic, being sensitive to 
all colors, including red. These emulsions are not alike in their 
relative response to the various colors of the spectrum. For ex- 
tremely critical color corrections spectrographs of each emulsion 
should be consulted. (These spectrographs are readily obtainable 
from the respective manufacturers.) 

The most distinguishing feature of the emulsions of this group 
is their speed: their all-over great sensitivity to light, both daylight 
and Mazda. Their speed rating in daylight is 23 Scheiner or 24 to 
32 "Weston, and in Mazda light 20 Scheiner and 16 "Weston. The 
emulsions of this group are of the low contrast and soft gradation 
type. The degree of contrast of these films can successfully be con- 
trolled in development. They possess excellent latitude and will yield 
usable negatives resulting from several times under or overexposure. 
Their graininess is consistent with their high speed. 

Group No. 2 Panchromatic Emulsions (Medium Fast) 

Agfa Finopan 

DuPont Micropan 

Eastman Kodak Panatomic * 

Perutz Perpantic, etc. 

The films of this group are fully panchromatic, the same as 
those in Group No. 1, being sensitized to all colors. The particular 
distinction of these emulsions is the exceptional fineness of grain 
combined with good all-over sensitivity, which places them in the 
medium fast class. Their speed rating averages from 18 to 20 
Scheiner or from 8 to 16 Weston in daylight, and from 14 to 17 
Scheiner or from 4 to 8 "Weston in Mazda light. 

101 



The latitude of the films of this group is not as great as that of 
Group One but still considerable, and can be controlled in develop- 
ment. Generally, films of this group are of the "brilliant' 7 type, 
yielding negatives of high contrast and consequently of a shorter 
scale. 

Group No. 3 Orthochromatic Emulsions 

Agfa Plenachrome 
Gevaert Express 
Mimosa Extrema 
Perutz Neo-Persenso, etc. 

The emulsions of this group are fine representatives of the 
popular orthochromatic type. They are sensitive to all colors, except 
the spectral red, with a high sensitivity to green. These films com- 
bine extreme fineness of grain with extreme speed to daylight. 
Their definition is excellent and the gradation quite complete. They 
belong to the " brilliant " type characterized by high contrast and 
a medium long scale. Their speed rating in daylight is approximately 
Schemer 23, Weston 24. 




Fig. 74 Montevideo, Uruguay 
102 



Burton Holmes 



Film Selection 

Group No. 4 Color-Blind Emulsions 

This group includes only positive film, which is produced by 
every manufacturer of negative film. Positive film is sensitive only to 
the blue and violet colors of the spectrum. The distinguishing fea- 
tures of positive film are its extremely fine grain, high resolving 
power, excellent definition and extremely high contrast. The length 
of its scale of gradation is rather short, but this depends greatly upon 
exposure and developing procedure. The speed rating for positive 
film in daylight is about Scheiner 8, "Weston 1. It is difficult to give 
its speed rating for artificial light because it is entirely dependent 
upon the amount of blue light in the particular light source. 

Group No. 5 Special Emulsions 

A. Films for Color Photography 

Agfacolor 

Dufaycolor 

DuPont Bi-Pack 

Eastman Kodak Zulcras Bi-Pack 

Eastman Kodak Kodachrome 

Lumiere Film Color, etc. 

Each of these films represents a definite system in itself, and 




Fig. 75 The Welder 



Ed. Schaefer 
103 



complete information pertaining to their characteristics is beyond the 
scope of this chapter. 

B. Infra-Red Films 

Agfa Infra-Red 
DuPont Infra-D 
Eastman Kodak K 

These films are panchromatic with the sensitivity to red extend- 
ing beyond the visible red portion of the spectrum. Their sensi- 
tivity extends to light waves of from 700 to 1000 millimicrons. 
Without special filters these films can be used as par speed pan- 
chromatic emulsions. It is difficult to give the numerical speed rating 
of these films when used with special infra-red light filters. "Without 
these special infra-red light filters they rate about 17 Scheiner or 
8 Weston, in daylight; but these figures are to serve merely as ap- 
proximations. Infra-red films are rather coarse grained, and their 
gradation, contrast, color properties depend largely upon the subject 
matter and use to which they are put. 

0. Agfa Reversible Superpan 

This is an interesting new emulsion intended for direct positives 
secured by reversal. This film cannot be developed to a negative. 
It was designed for direct production of positives to be viewed as 
stereo pictures by projection or by transmitted light. Another in- 
teresting application of this film material is for production of paper 
negatives or enlarged negatives by direct projection. Its speed rating 
in daylight is 20 Schemer or 16 Weston, and in Mazda light 19 
Scheiner or 12 Weston. See page 126 for processing formulas. 

Emulsion Speed Values 

Definite speed ratings for each emulsion are not given here. Speed 
ratings are merely relative values. They are useful only in connection with 
given exposure meters. Every good exposure meter is accompanied by a 
complete list of speed ratings of almost every film known. One should 
refer to these lists for such specific information and apply it judiciously. 

The various emulsion speed values now used cannot, in general, be 
compared directly with each other, except possibly H & D and the Weston 
speed values, for the reason that they are based on entirely different 
principles. 

The Scheiner and Din speed numbers have no definite relation to each 
other nor to the other speed values except for emulsions having the same 
characteristics which, however, are quite different for the various kinds 
of commercial films or plates. 

104 



Film Selection 




Fig. 77 After the Catch 



Manuel Komroff 



Hektor 50mm lens, 1/100 second at f :4.5. DuPont Superior film 

To give a rough idea of the relation of the various speed values a 
comparison is given below for a type of film having the same character- 
istic as an ordinary commonly used film, but as stated above, the relative 
values do not hold for other types of emulsions and must, therefore, be 
used with due caution. 

For example, a report of an actual test shows that 26 Scheiner may 
be equivalent in Din degrees to any value from 12/10 to 17/10 Din, 
which corresponds to a ratio of over 3 to 1 in sensitivity. Further, 18/10 
Din may "be equivalent in some emulsions to 65 Weston and in others to 
24 Weston. 

Comparative Table of speed ratings of various Systems. 

CAUTION Do not use this table without reading above. 

Relative 



Value 

18.3 
23.4 
29.8 
37.9 
48.3 
61.6 
78.5 

100 

127 

162 

207 

264 

336 

426 



Weston 


Scheiner 


3 


14 


4 


15 


5 


16 


6 


17 


8 


18 


10 


19 


12 


20 


16 


21 


20 


22 


24 


23 


32 


24 


40 


25 


50 


26 


64 


27 



DIN 

7/10 
8/10 
9/10 
10/10 
11/10 
12/10 
13/10 
14/10- 
15/10 
16/10 
17/10 
18/10' 
19/10 
20/10 



H&D 

159 

200 

252 

318 

400 

504 

635 

800 
1000 
1270 
1600 
2020 
2540 
3200 



105 



Following are suggestions of the type of film to be used for best 
results in different kinds of work. The recommendations refer to 
groups of similar emulsions (see above) ; the choice of any one film 
is left to the worker: 



Group 

of Film 

Suggested 

Depending on light conditions, 
density and color of filters em- 
ployed 1 or 2 

In daylight 3 

In artificial light 1 

Exteriors alone 3 or 2 

Both exteriors and interiors. ... 1 or 2 

Including child and animal pho- 
tography 1 

Blue-prints (with red filter) 2 

Black and white drawings, 
charts, line work, documents and 
other printed matter in black and 
white where good contrast is re- 
quired 4 

Coins, stamps, paintings, fabrics 
or any other small or large ob- 
jects containing color or requir- 
ing use of filters for better con- 
trast 2 

Photographs in good condition. 3 

Photographs, old or faded where 
use of red filter is required 2 

Transparencies, black and white, 
finger prints, X-rays, etc 3 

Transparencies containing color 2 



Aerial 



Action and Sport 



Architectural 



Candid 



Copying 



106 



Film Selection 

Entomology (insects etc.) 1 or 2 

Flowers-Plants-Gardens 1 or 2 

Geology (minerals) 2 or 3 

Landscape and Pictorial If true color correction is re- 
quired 1 or 2 

If great enlargements and fine 

grain are preferred 3 

Medical For general use, and for adverse 

light conditions 1 

If adequate illumination is avail- 
able 2 

Dental work 1 

Dermatology 3 

Ophthalmology 1 

Night and Stage 1 

Photomicrography If color filters are required. .... 2 

If no color filters are required. . 3 

For living organisms 1 

Portraiture If adequate illumination is avail- 
able 2 

For adverse light conditions. ... 1 

General Use For beginners 3 

If outdoor in daylight 3 or 2 

If entirely or partly indoor, or 
entirely or partly under artifi- 
cial light 2 or 1 

Natural Color 5 A 

Infra-Red 5 B 

Reversal Transparencies 5 C 

Daylight Loading and Bulk Film 

All films mentioned here, and many others, are available in two 

forms : 

1. Daylight loading spools or cartridges containing from 
30 to 36 exposures. 

2. Bulk in rolls containing 25, 50, 100, 200 or 400 feet. 

107 



The daylight loading packings are lengths of film from 5 to 6 feet, cut 
and trimmed ready for loading into the camera. Some packings have a 
paper leader strip and are used in connection with the regular Leica cam- 
era magazine. Others are sold in the form of ready-to-use cartridge maga- 
zines which are loaded directly into the camera. For convenience and ready 
availability daylight loading packings are most desirable. 

Bulk film has many advantages, including that of considerably lower 
cost. When purchased in original manufacturer's packages it is more 
likely to be free from scratches and abrasion marks than film obtained in 
daylight loading units. Those who need and appreciate uniformity of film 
will find that bulk film offers it, since a roll of say 100 feet is the same 
throughout, and once its characteristics become known to the user, they can 
be depended upon as long as this supply is used. Bulk film also offers the 
advantage that it can be cut to any desired length, enough for forty ex- 
posures or perhaps only five. It is recommended to buy bulk film in so- 
called "automatic camera" packages consisting of solid metal spools, which 
provide a most satisfactory method for storing and handling film, protect- 
ing the emulsion and edges against excessive contact with fingers. BULK 
FILM SHOULD BE HANDLED WITH EXTREME CAEE and its use 
should not be attempted by workers lacking the necessary experience. 



Part II Film Exposure 

The last decade has witnessed an interesting trend in the field 
of photography. Both the professional and amateur workers had 
gradually become exposure conscious. They began to realize that 
every important characteristic of the finished photograph takes its 
root at the time the exposure is made, and that the desired result de- 
pends upon their ability to coordinate judicious exposure with skilful 
development of the negative. 

The Leiea camera is in a great measure responsible for this 
realization. Leica photography has established a definite system based 
on the successful application of a number of principles. One of these 
principles is a certain uniformity of exposures, since as many as 
thirty-six negatives are usually developed at the same time, and in- 
dividual negatives cannot be controlled in the development. 

This requirement of Leica photography brought about the in- 
terest in normal exposure. Normal exposure is that which places 
the range of brightness somewhere in the middle of the limits of the 
latitude of the emulsion. In terms of ,yery day work normal ex- 
posure strikes a compromise between tfie light and dark portions of 
the subject so that the bright portions are not overexposed while 

details in "f"^ 01 QlnarlA^xrc! QT/S TonrTrl n/--! -f/-v/-v 

108 



Film Exposure 

Prom this point, within the limits of the latitude of a given 
emulsion, a range of exposures favoring either the shadow details 
or the highlights is available, depending upon whether the pre- 
dominant part of the photograph is to bring out the dark or light 
portion of the subject. Which brings us to the matter of correct 
exposure. That exposure is correct which puts on film exactly what 
is wanted in the picture. 

A great variety of exposure meters and tables is available to 
assist us in obtaining normal exposures. But correct exposures do 
not necessarily mean normal exposures. While normal exposures 
are within reach of every owner of a reliable exposure meter, cor- 
rect exposures require judgment and skill on the part of the pho- 
tographer the knowledge of when and how to use over or under- 
exposure to get what is wanted in the picture. This knowledge 
comes with practice and experience. 

Exposure Meters 

Exposure meters are essentially of three types: 

1. Exposure tables and calculators are helpful guides to normal exposures 
based on compiled actual experiences. Some of these are available in 
the form of direct tables which suggest approximately normal exposures 
for different emulsions and for various subjects, taking into consideration 
time of day, location, season, weather, etc. Others are put up in the 
form of slides or discs made of cardboard, celluloid, etc. Then there are 
some in the form of booklets containing in addition to suggestions con- 
cerning exposures a variety of information, references, etc. The chief 
merit of all of these lies in their providing some basis for arriving at a 
more or less normal exposure. 

2. Visual exposure meters which are frequently known as the "extinction 
type" require sighting the subject through a ground or tinted glass 
screen while the amount of light admitted is gradually reduced to a 
minimum. When that minimum is reached a scale indicates the desired 
data. The greatest disadvantage of this type of meter is the impossi- 
bility to assume a standard sensitivity of the eye to light. Its chief 
advantage is its ability to give readings in extremely unfavorable light 
conditions of interiors and night photography. Any one of these instru- 
ments, if used consistently and with judgment, will provide usable in- 
formation as to normal exposure. 

3. Photometric exposure meters are the latest and to date most accurate 
and dependable means for ascertaining normal exposures. They are 
usually made as instruments of great accuracy and precision, and should 
be handled as such. The instruments are built around a photoelectric 
cell which converts light energy into electrical energy, which in turn 
activates extremely sensitive miliammeters calibrated in terms of light 
values. Such popular photoelectric instruments as the Weston or the 
Photoscope, though comparatively expensive, belong actually to those 
self-liquidating investments which earn their price through constant 
economies of film, elimination of uncertainty and securing results. " 

109 




Fig. 78 Weston Photoelectric 
Leicameter, New Model No. 650 



Any of these exposure meters when used strictly in accordance with 
manufacturer's instructions will yield results of surprising accuracy. Each 
has its own advantages and a careful comparison of them should be made 
before deciding which one will answer individual requirements. It is difficult 
to make specific recommendations because of the vastness of the field which 
Leica photography covers today. 

There are no factotums in photography. The more one knows about 
photography the more difficult it becomes to point specifically to any one 
film, exposure meter, lens, developer, paper and attach the term "universal" 
to it. Only a careful examination of the product and scrutiny from the 
viewpoint of what it is expected to perform will determine its usefulness. 

No matter what the relative merit of any of these meters may be, it 
is safe to state that the consistent use of any one of them will yield results 
far superior to those obtained by guesswork. 



How to Use an Exposure Meter 

An exposure meter, very much like a lens, has a very definite 
field coverage, varying with the make. The manufacturer supplies 
this information with every instrument. The area covered should be 
thought of as the base of a cone whose apex is in the center of its light 
sensitive surface. The angle of this apex varies anywhere from 50 
to 70. 

It should be remembered that a meter has no power of selectivity. 
For instance, if a reading is taken of a dark object back of which 
is a light surface, the meter will give a reading proportionate to the 
relative amount of light and dark portions of the entire area which 
it "sees". One should endeavor, therefore, to take a reading by 
holding the meter as close as possible to the object for whose detail 
the exposure is to be made. The meter should be held in a manner 
to prevent its shadow being cast on the area under observation. 

110 



Film Exposure 

When taking the reading of small objects occupying only a small 
portion of their background, the proper way to secure a correct read- 
ing is by the method of substitution. A sheet of paper or fabric of 
a color and brightness approximating that of the small object should 
be placed over the object and its background and a reading secured 
from that. For instance, if teeth are photographed and the meter 
directed on the face or mouth, considerable overexposure of the teeth 
would result, because the skin and lips are darker than the teeth. 
However, if a piece of ivory tinted paper is placed over the face and 
the meter directed on that, a correct-exposure of the teeth will result, 
while the lips and skin will be somewhat underexposed. This example 
is quoted merely in the hope that it will assist in the judicious use 
of exposure meters. Here again, the purpose of the picture must be 
borne in mind. 

Needless to say, instructions accompanying every instrument 
should be read and followed carefully. 




Pig. 80 Doug 

Barbara Morgan 
Summar 50mm lens, 
1/100 second at f:6.3 
DuPont Superior film 



How to Make Exposures Without an Exposure Meter 

If an exposure meter is not readily available, or if there be no time to 
use one, the following method is recommended: 
Set your shutter speed at 1/30 or 1/40 of a second. 

If the sun is shining unobstructed by clouds, make three exposures of the 
subject: one with the lens set at f :6.3, one at f :9, and one at f :12.5, 
If the sun is obstructed by clouds (no shadows cast), take three exposures 
of the subject: one with the lens at f :6.3, one at f :4.5, and one at f :3.5 (or 
larger opening 1 if available). 

This rule-of -thumb method seldom fails to produce at least one usable 
negative out of three taken. When in extreme doubt make a fourth exposure 
either at a larger or smaller opening than indicated above. Remember your 
film is the least expensive part of your equipment while opportunities for 
pictures rarely repeat themselves. 

Ill 



Exposures for Photoflash 

Average Distance Covered by One General Electric Mazda Photoflash 

Lamp in a Eeflector 

Approx. Distance of Lamp to'Subject 
Ortho Film Super-sensitive Pan 
Group No. 3 Group No. 1 Film 

5 ft. 7 ft. 

7 10 



Diaphragm 

Opening 

f:18 



f:12.5 



f:9 



f:6.3 



f:4.5 



Size of 
Photoflash 
Lamp 
No. 10 
No. 20 

No. 10 
No. 20 

No. 10 
No. 20 

No. 10 

No. 20 

No. 10 
No. 20 



7 
10 

10 

15 

15 
20 

20 
25 



10 

15 

15 
20 

20 
30 

25 
35 



These figures are based on a room with medium colored walls and 
ceiling. Where pictures are made outdoors or under adverse conditions 
at the greater distances, use the next larger diaphragm opening or reduce 
distance from lamp to subject to about 70 per cent of that shown. 



Part III Film Development 

Development with Relation to Exposure 

Leiea negatives will produce excellent enlargements if they meet 
two requirements : 

1. Fineness of grain. 

2. A comparatively low degree of contrast. 

Both of these conditions can be met by carefully selecting the 
negative material and by coordinating the exposure with the de- 
velopment. 

Leica negatives must be processed with low energy developers 
which act gently and slowly. Development is carried out on the 
time-and-temperature principle. 

Most fine grain developers adopted for Leica work are carefully 
and scientifically compounded to act uniformly and to produce pre- 
determined results. It is not necessary to delve into details of sensi- 
tometry to obtain such predetermined results. To provide a means 



112 



Film Development 

of comparison of densities and contrasts, scientists have evolved a 
definite system. The unit in which the functional dependence of 
density, contrast and exposure is expressed is the term gamma (y) 
which is defined as a numerical expression for the contrast of the 
negative obtained from a range of given exposures carried out in a 
given developer in a given time. 

Depending upon the size of the finished enlargement, the gamma 
of Leica negatives should vary between .6 to .8. The lower value, 
which stands for lo\ver density and contrast, should be aimed at for 
greater enlargements; while the higher value for smaller enlarge- 
ments. Gamma of approximately .7 will be found excellent for all- 
around purposes, and it is the gamma value of .7 on which the 
time-and-temperature units should be based for the various fine 
grain developers. 

Density and contrast of a negative corresponding to gamma value 
.7 are based upon normal exposure. Consequently, underexposures 
with the same development will result in higher contrast and less 
detail in the shadows; while over exposure under the same developing 
conditions will result in lower contrast and more detail in the 
shadows. 

The time-and-temperature factors for a given developer to 
produce gamma .7 stand for minimum development. This minimum 
is necessary to assure fineness of grain and low contrast. If de- 
velopment is carried beyond that minimum, it is likely to increase 
both graininess and contrast. In order that development be held 
to this minimum and still bring out as much detail in the negative 
as possible LEICA NEGATIVES MUST BE FULLY EXPOSED. Briefly: 
OVEREXPOSE UNDERDEVELOP ! . . . within reason of course. To put 
this in terms of practical application, the film speed ratings usually 
published should be considered as somewhat over-rated, and for best 
results the films should be used at ratings slightly below the ' ' official ' ? 
ratings. 

Developing Equipment 

The equipment for developing Leica film is extremely simple, easy 
to handle and with proper care will last a lifetime. 

For convenient development of Leiea film there are two tanks, the 
Correx and the Reelo. There is also a glass developing drum. Instruc- 
tions for handling accompany each one. The tanks should be used pre- 
ferably in all cases, except for reversal where the developing drum alone 
or in connection with one of these tanks is recommended. The greatest 
advantage of developing Leica films in one of these tanks is the fact that 
no dark room is needed for the process. Once the film is transferred into 
the tank (this can be accomplished in a changing bag), the development 
and subsequent handling do not require darkness. 

113 




Fig. 81 The Reelo All Bakelite Developing Tank 



These two tanks differ from one another by the method in which sepa- 
ration of the film layers is accomplished. In the Correx tank the film is 
separated by means of a celluloid apron with studded edges, while in the 
Reelo tank it is separated by the grooved spool. The tanks are equally 
effective and selection between them is a matter of personal preference. 

The capacity of the Correx tank is about 500.0 cc, or 16 ounces; and 
that of the Reelo about 400.0 cc, or 12 ounces. 




Fig. 82 Glass Developing 
Drum and Tray 




Fig. 83 The Correx 
All Bakelite De- 
veloping Tank with 
celluloid Studded 
edge Apron and 
Thermometer 



114 



FUm Development 




Fig. 84 Method of Winding Film upon 
Reelo Spool. 



Developers 

Those who wish to process their films themselves may use any one of 
the prepared ready-to-use developers on the market, which are available 
either in powder form or in concentrated liquid form. These preparations 
will give excellent results if used strictly in accordance with manufacturer's 

directions. 

* 

A more economical and possibly more practical way to produce 
excellent negatives is to, prepare one's own developer as well as other 
solntions required for processing Leica negatives. A few simple 
chemicals, a scale and a few graduates, are all that is necessary. 

The number of formulas offered for fine grain development is 
enormous. A careful study of them reveals the important fact that 
in addition to some processes which have purely experimental merits, 
there are only two classical basic formulas available. Others are 
merely modifications of these two: 

1. The Metol Hydroquinone Borax type. 

2. The Paraphenylene Diamine type. 

The first type represents a developer which, as far as miniature 
camera work goes, can be termed the maximum energy developer. 
It will bring out details in shadows and underexposed portions of 
the negative to a remarkable degree, while it will produce granu- 
larity of sufficient fineness to yield excellent enlargements up to 
8x10". 

The second type is a low energy, extremely fine grain developer 
which requires a fuller exposure than the first type, but in return will 
yield negatives of such fine grain, excellent definition, and low con- 
trast that enlargements of 16x20" can easily be obtained. 

Reference to fine grain performance of these two developers is made 
specifically in connection with films of Group 1, which due to their speed 
have an inherently coarser grain structure. 

115 







events with the Leica Barbara Morgan designed a series of fifteen different montages of 
various school activities. This is an example of paste up montage the simplest "type using 
many individual pictures. 



Developing Formulas 

The Metol-Hydroquinone -Borax type of fine grain developer is 
represented by the classical formula known as Eastman Kodak D-76, 
or its derivative the Modified E.K.D-76, also known as Buffered 
Borax. 



E.K. Formula D-76 

Avoirdupois Metric 

Water (about 125F. or 52C.) 24 ounces 750.0 cc 

Metol 29 grains 2.0 grams 

Sodium Sulphite, desiccated 3 1/3 ounces 100.0 grams 

Hydroquinone 73 grains 5.0 grams 

Borax (the 20-Mule Team variety) 29 grains 2.0 grams 

Cold water to make 32 ounces 1.0 liter 

Dissolve the chemicals in the order given. 

Use without dilution. 

Develop 16 to 22 minutes at 65 F. or 18 C. for films of Group 1 or 3. 

Develop 12 to 18 minutes at 65 *F. or 18 C. for films of Group 2. 

This formula can be re-used and the quantity is sufficient to develop from 8 to 10 Leica film 

lengths. 



Modified E.K. Formula D-76 (Buffered Borax Negative Developer) 

Avoirdupois Metric 

Water (about 125F. or 52C.) 24 ounces 750.0 cc 

Metol 29 grains 2.0 grams 

Sodium Sulphite, desiccated 3 1/3 ounces 100.0 grams 

Hydroquinone 73 grains 5.0 grams 

Borax (the 20-Mule Team variety) . . 29 grains 2.0 grams 

Boric Acid, crystals 203 grains 14.0 grams 

Cold water to make 32 ounces 1.0 liter 

Dissolve the chemicals in the order given. 

Use without dilution. 

Develop 20 to 22 minutes at 65 F. or 18 C. for films of Group 1 or 3. 

Develop 16 to 18 minutes at 66 F. or 18 C. for films of Group 2. 

This formula can be re-used and the quantity is sufficient to develop from 8 to 10 Leica film 

lengths. 

The two developers given above should be used for films of Group 1 in 
all cases where it is known that the film has received the minimum possible 
exposure due to adverse light conditions (such as encountered in stage, 
night, candid and actions photography). 
They are excellent standard developers for all films of Group 2 and 3. 



The Paraphenylene Diamine type of fine grain developer is em- 
bodied in a comprehensive set of four formulas designed by Dr. Sease 
of the DuPont Film Laboratories. These four formulas are remark- 
able for their delicately balanced -proportions of the same three in- 
gredients: Sodium Sulphite, Paraphenylene Diamine and Glycin, 
with the latter gradually increasing : 

118 



JrlLm Development 





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119 



Formula number 3 should be considered standard. 

Formula No. 1, which yields the finest possible grain, requires from 
three to four times the normal exposure for the Superior (Group 1 or 3) 
film or the Infra D (Group 5B) emulsion but requires little or no increase 
of exposure for the Micropan (Group 2) film. 

Formulas No. 2, 3 and 4, which yield very fine grain (the finer the 
less Glycin the formula contains), require about two times the normal 
exposure for the Superior (Group 1 or 3) film or the Infra D (Group 5B) 
film, but require little or no increase with Micropan (Group 2). 

These requirements for overexposure should be considered as merely 
approximate and as referring actually to minimum exposures when these 
films are used under inadequate light conditions. One may interpret the 
latent image formed on the emulsion as having a certain amount of in- 
ertia which is greater the lower the energy of the developer. Thus the 
greater the so-called threshold value of the light that strikes the emulsion, 
the easier it is for these low energy developers to "pull up" the image. 
Consequently when exposures are made in full brilliant light, the require- 
ments for overexposure stated above are not as great as those under 
adverse light conditions. 

Compromise Developers 

Neither of the two types of developer described above is entirely 
satisfactory for certain kinds of work where photographs taken under 
extremely poor light conditions must be considerably enlarged. Such 
a situation is frequently encountered in stage, action and candid 
photography. For such purposes ' compromise ? ' formulas were 
evolved which produce excellent shadow detail, gradation and con- 
trast, combined with exceptionally fine grain in cases where only 
minimum exposures were possible. 

Two such formulas are offered, either of which is a modification 
of Dr. Sease No. 3 formula : 

Pyro Fine Grain Formula for Not Fully Exposed Negatives 

Avoirdupois Metric 

Water (about 135 F. or 57 C.). 24 ounces 750.0 cc 

Sodium Sulphite, desiccated 3 ounces 90.0 grams 

Paraphenylene Diamine 146. grains 10.0 grams 

Boric Acid 14^ grains 1,0 gram 

Cold water to make 32 ounces 1,0 liter 

Dissolve chemicals in the order given. 

Directly before "using add to every SGOcc (16 ounces) of the above solution; 

Pyro Crystals 43J/2 grains 3.0 grams, 

filter and cool to 65 F. or 18 C. 

Develop 30 minutes for films of Group ] or 3. 

This developer cannot be re-used after addition of Pyro. 

Store it without Pyro. 

The other compromise formula is based on the well known property of 
Metol to bring out shadow detail and gradation. 

120 



Film Development 

Metol Fine Grain Formula for Not Fully Exposed Negatives 

Avoirdupois Metric 

Water (about 125 F. or 50 C.) . . . 24 ounces 750.0 cc 

Paraphenylene Diamine 146 grains 10.0 grams 

Glycin 73 grains 5.0* grams 

Metol 88 grains 6.0 grams 

Sodium Sulphite 3 ounces 90.0 grams 

Cold water to make 32 ounces 1.0 liter 

Dissolve chemicals in the order" given. 

Use without dilution. 

Develop 18 minutes at 65 F. or 18 C. for films of Group 1 or 3. 

Develop 12 minutes at 65 F. or 18 C. for films of Group 2. 

This formula can be re-used and the quantity is sufficient to develop from 8 to 10 Leica 

film lengths. It definitely improves with age and use. 

The developers described cover practically the entire range of 
Leica photography, and although there are hundreds of fine grain 
formulas offered almost every day, as matters stand now these should 
be considered best suited to successful Leica photography. These 
developers were chosen because of their simplicity, limited number of 
ingredients, for their comparatively rapid action and for their de- 
pendability. If used strictly in accordance with instructions they 
can be depended upon for consistently uniform negatives. 

Although the following statement holds true of almost every 
phase of photographic procedure, it is of particularly great impor- 
tance in connection with the preparation and use of developers : A 
person not following a recommended procedure is, at present, enter- 
ing* a field of research where definite results cannot be promised. 

Conservative use of developers which can be re-used permits the 
development of 8 to 10 Leica rolls per 100(XOcc (32 ounces) of de- 
veloper with an increase of one minute developing time per roll 
processed, i.e., one minute increase for the second roll, two minutes 
for the third roll, etc. 

Any one of the above formulas (except the Pyro "compromise" 
formula) can be re-used within reasonable standing periods, but exact 
figures as to their keeping qualities would be of little direct value because 
conditions of use and storage differ widely. 

Between developments the solutions should be stored in nearly full 
well-stoppered amber glass bottles with a special label provided for mark- 
ing the developer every time it is used. The developer should be poured 
back into the original bottle after each use, until it has been used on 8 to 
10 rolls, after which it should be discarded or set aside for "priming" the 
next batch of developer. 

' It is worth noting" that most fine grain developers produce finer grain 
and lower contrast the older they are or the more they have been used. 
Most freshly prepared developers work more energetically than those some- 
what ag-ed and used. The fresh solutions have that "fire" in them; and 
for those who wish slightly softer results and finer grain it is recom- 
mended that they "prime" the developer either by adding some 25% of 

121 



the same developer ready to be discarded, or by developing in the fresh 
developer a length of say 5 to 6 feet of fogged film. This produces a 
certain amount of oxidation in the developer which takes the "fire" out 
of it and softens its action. 

Temperature of Developers 

Suggestions given in every developer formula for a temperature 
at which, the development is to be carried out should be followed 
strictly. At temperatures below those indicated the developing agents 
may be partly or completely inactive; while at temperatures higher 
than those indicated the rate of development may be accelerated with 
resulting increase in graininess, density and contrast. 

Agitation 

As a general rule continuous and vigorous agitation is definitely 
to be avoided when developing for finest grain. Continuous agitation 
increases the rate of development, which actually should be compen- 
sated for by shortening the time. However, this would require a 
careful study of systematically developed test strips to insure uni- 
formity of results, which would depend upon the type of agitator, 
its speed, direction, etc. 

Occasional gentle agitation every three to five minutes, however, 
is not only recommended but urged. Such agitation does not increase 
the rate of development nor affect the time indicated, and is required 
to prevent streaking along the perforations of the film. 

The Short-stop and the Fixing Bath 

Before proceeding with the details of actual development, one should 
be familiar with the only other two solutions required for complete pro- 
cessing of Leica films: 

The Intermediary Short-stop and Hardening Bath. The following solu- 
tion seems to have many features which should make it indispensable in the 
processing of Leica films: 

Intermediary Short-stop and Hardener 

Avoirdupois Metric 

Water 16 ounces 500.0 cc 

Chrome Alum 145 grains 10.0 grams 

Sodium Bisulphite 145 grains 10.0 grams 

Dissolve Chrome Alum completely before adding Sodium Bisulphite ; 

stir until Sodium Bisulphite is completely dissolved. 

Use without dilution. 

This solution should be used at the same temperature as that of the 

developer. 

Film should be left in this bath for five minutes. 

This solution should be prepared just before required and discarded 

once used. 

Actual use of this short-stop on hundreds of rolls of Leica films proved 
its value. It gently checks development and gradually hardens the emul- 
sion, the hardening process being continued in the acid fixing bath which 
follows. This intermediate bath seems to correct the acidity of the subse- 

122 



Film Development 

quent acid fixing bath, to a degree which eliminates the danger of reticula- 
tion at that point. 

The hardening properties of this intermediate bath are such that 
negatives treated in it are almost impervious to scratches. It accelerates 
final drying of the film by contracting the layer of gelatine to its mini- 
mum, thus expelling as much moisture as possible. The emulsion of a 
negative treated in this solution and the subsequent acid fixing bath shows 
a remarkably glazed surface which makes it almost difficult to distinguish 
the emulsion side from the back of the film. This glaze is proof not only 
of sufficient hardness of the emulsion and fineness of grain, but also of the 
absence of reticulation. 

The Acid Hardening Fixing Bath. This is the final solution required 
for processing Leica films and its purpose is to dissolve the unexposed 
portions of the silver and thus render it insensitive to light. Another 
^ function, of, .this fixing bath is to harden the emulsion. 

While the packaged form of acid fixing powders which merely requires 
solution in a given quantity of water is quite satisfactory, far superior and 
consistently satisfactory results are obtained by the use of the newest 
formula offered by Eastman Kodak Company: 

Acid Hardening Fixing Bath far Films 
Formula E.K. F-5 

Avoirdupois Metric 

Water (at about 125 F. or 52 C.) . . . 20 ounces 600.0 cc 

Hypo (pea crystals or rice crystals) . . 8 ounces 240.0 grams 

Sodium Sulphite, desiccated y 2 ounce 15.0 grams 

* Acetic Acid, 28% pure.... l ! / 2 fl. ounces 47.0 cc 

Boric Acid, crystals l / 4 ounce 7.5 grams 

Potassium Alum y 2 ounce 15.0 grams 

Cold water to make 32 ounces 1.0 liter 

*To make 28% acetic acid from glacial acetic acid, dilute 3 parts of glacial acetic acid 
with 8 parts of water. 
Directions for mixing: 

Dissolve the Hypo in about one-half the required volume of water ; then add the 
remaining chemicals in the order given, taking care that each chemical is dissolved 
before the next is added. Then dilute with water to the required volume. 
The film should be left in this hypo bath for 10 minutes (temperature should be 

- preferably 'the same as that of the developer) , and it is frankly recommended to use 
the hypo for fixing of film once only, after which it may be collected in a separate 
bottle for fixing of paper. This may be considered by some as somewhat extrava- 
gant, but it should be worth while to know that this final step in processing some 
thirty negatives will insure their longevity, -which greatly depends on the freshness 
and strength of the hypo. 

For those who require larger quantities of acid fixing bath it is rec- 
ommended that they keep a separate solution of straight Hypo and a 
separate Acid Hardener Stock Solution, mixing them in proper proportions 
just before using. This results in fresher solution when required: 

Acid Hardener Stock Solution 
Formula E.K. F-5a 

Avoirdupois Metric 

Water (at about 125 F. or 52 C.)... 20 ounces 600.0 cc 

Sodium Sulphite, desiccated 2^ ounces 75.0 grams 

Acetic Acid, 28% pure l l / 2 fl. ounces 235.0 cc 

Boric Acid, crystals 1 *4 ounces 37.5 grams 

Potassium Alum 2*/ 2 ounces 75.0 grams 

Cold water to make 32 ounces 1.0 liter 

Dissolve chemicals in the order given, taking care that each chemical is dissolved 

before the next is added. 

Add slowly one part of the cool Acid Hardener Stock Solution to four parts of cool 

30% hypo solution (2^ pounds of hypo per gallon of water) while stirring the latter 

rapidly. 

123 



Washing the Film 

After fixing, the film should be thoroughly washed to remove all traces 
of Hypo, otherwise the negatives may in time develop stains. Washing is 
best carried out while the film is still in the developing tank. A steady 
stream of water, not colder than 65 F. (18 C.) nor warmer than 70 F. 
(21 C.), should be permitted to run into the tank through the opening in its 
cover for not less than 20, preferably for 30 minutes. If it be important 
to wash the film quickly, it is suggested to proceed as follows: Fill the 
tank with water, agitate it for one-half to one minute, pour the water out. 
Repeat this operation six or seven times. The film ought to be free from 
Hypo at the end of this procedure, and ready for drying. 

Drying the Film 

The film should be carefully removed from the developing reel and 
hung from one end by means of a clip. It is best to suspend the film so 
that it will not come in contact with the wall or other objects while drying. 
With a Viscose Sponge or soft clean chamois, wetted and thoroughly 
squeezed out, the excess water should be wiped carefully off both sides of 
the film in one slow, gentle and uniform stroke for each side. A well hard- 
ened film should dry of its own accord in 20 to SO minutes after being 
suspended. For quick drying an electric fan may be used, provided one is 
sure the fan will not direct a stream of dust onto the film. Dust particles 
hurled at the delicate gelatine surface will become imbedded in it beyond 
hope of removal. It is therefore preferable that the current of air strike 
the uncoated celluloid back side of the film. 

Soaking a Film Before Development 

Unless the exposed film is old and brittle it should not be soaked in 
water before development. There seems to be no advantage in pre- 
soaking a film to be developed. It would be just one unnecessary opera- 
tion. The old contention in favor of such a procedure was that it pre- 
vented formation of air bells and enabled the developer to start work 
more quickly and uniformly by presoftening the emulsion. Air bells are 
successfully eliminated by agitating the developer as soon as it is poured 
into the tank; while the developer needs no presoftening of the emulsion to 
start its uniform action which is to continue for some twenty minutes 
anyhow. 

It is one of the features of the technique offered here to develop a 
Leica film with the utmost simplicity and effectiveness, with complete elim- 
ination of all steps of doubtful value. 

Step by Step Developing Procedure 

To develop a roll of Leica film proceed as follows : 

Step 1. In total darkness wind film onto the spool of the developing 
tank, emulsion side in (facing center of reel). To do so, 
do not pull the film out of the closed or partly opened 
magazine. Open the magazine, take the spool out and hold 
it in the palm of the hand while rewinding it onto the reel 
of the developing tank. Be sure to close tank carefully 
and securely before turning on light. 

124 



Film Development 

Step 2. Cool developer to exact temperature required for given 
developer. While cooling developer, prepare short-stop 
bath and the hypo. Short-stop bath should be about the 
temperature of the developer. Hypo not less than 65F. 
(18C.) or more than 70F. (21C.). 

Step 3. Pour developer in steady stream into developing tank. 
Directly after filling tank, observe time on clock and start 
agitating developer. Agitate for about one minute, not 
vigorously but steadily to prevent formation of air bells. 
Agitate every three to five minutes thereafter. 

Step 4. One-half minute before expiration of full time called for 
by developing formula, start pouring out developer from 
the tank (pour into original storing container, unless de- 
veloper life is exhausted) . Shake all developer carefully 
out of tank. 

Step 5. Without rinsing, pour the short-stop bath into tank in a 
steady stream. Observe time on clock and start agitating 
for about one minute. Leave short-stop in tank for five 
minutes, agitating occasionally. Pour it off at expiration 
of time. The short-stop should be used once only. 

Step 6. Pour in hypo without rinsing tank. Start agitating 
directly after tank is filled with hypo and continue every 
two or three minutes. Fresh hypo should remain in tank 
for 10 minutes. At the end of 10 minutes, pour off hypo. 
Hypo should not be used for fixing film more than twice 
(preferably once). It can then be used for fixing out 
papers. 

Step 7. After pouring out hypo, fill the tank with running water. 
Adjust it to a temperature of between 65F. (18C.) and 
70F. (21C). Water colder than 65F. will not wash 
the film properly; warmer than 70F. it is likely to soften 
the film. After filling tank with water, agitate it briefly 
but vigorously, pour oui water and put tank under tap, 
letting the water run down in a steady stream for about 
twenty to thirty minutes. 

Step 8. Remove film from tank. Hang it by film clips in a cool, 
dry, dust-free place and wipe off excess water gently from 
both surfaces of film by means of Viscose Sponge. The 
sponge should be wet, but thoroughly squeezed out. When 
wiping emulsion side only the gentlest pressure should be 

125 



exerted to prevent scratching. The celluloid side of the 
film should be dried thoroughly with slightly more pres- 
sure. Film will dry normally in twenty to thirty minutes, 
but it is best to let it hang for about three times the length 
of time it requires for the film to become concave with 
respect to the emulsion side. 

Step 9. Boll film carefully, emulsion side in, and store it in a dry, 
dust-free, clean box. A small rubber band slipped over the 
roll will prevent film from scratching. 

Step 10. It is best not to put the film into an enlarger for from six 
to twelve hours after it has dried out. Objectionable 
Newton rings will form if " green " film is placed in the 
enlarger. 

Complete Procedure for REVERSAL of Agfa Superpan Reversible Film 

Keversible Superpan should be handled in total darkness. It can, however, 
be desensitized in a 1:2000 Pinakryptol Green Solution for two minutes, 
and then handled in bright green light such as the Agfa #103 green safe- 
light with a 25 W. bulb. 

The reversal procedure is divided into six basic operations, which are inter- 
spersed with appropriate periods of washing in running water. 

1. DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEGATIVE IMAGE 
First Developer. 

Avoirdupois Metric 

Water (125 F. or 52 C.) 24 ounces 750.0 cc 

Metpl 30 grains 2.0 grams 

Sodium Sulphite 1 ounce 30.0 grams 

Hydroquinone 180 grains 12.0 grams 

Potassium Bromide 120 grains 8.0 grams 

Sodium Hydroxide 265 grains 18.0 grams 

Potassium Sulphocyanate 75 grains 5.0 grams 

Cold Water to make 32 ounces 1000.0 cc 

Develop normally exposed film for 6 minutes at 65 F. or 18 C. with constant 
though not too rapid agitation. Do not use this developer more than once for 
consistently good results. 

Wash film in running water for 10 minutes. 

The accuracy of the first development and the thoroughness of washing following 
it are the two most important steps in the entire procedure. 



126 



Film Reversal 

2. REVERSAL 
Reversal Bath (Bleach) 

Water to make 32 ounces 1000.0 cc 

Potassium Bichromate 75 grains 5.0 grams 

Sulphuric Acid (Concentrated) 1.3 drams 5.0 cc 

Add Sulphuric acid last, pouring it slowly while stirring-. 

Agfacolor Plate Reversing Salts put up in tubes, ready to be dissolved in 18 

ounces of water may be substituted for above reversal bath. 

After the film has remained in the Reversal Bath for at least 2 minutes, 
white light may be turned on in the darkroom, and the remainder of the 
procedure may be conducted in white light. 

Carry on reversal until both the negative image and the anti-halation under- 
coating are dissolved leaving only the undeveloped silver haloid. This requires 
about 5 minutes. 

"Wash film in running water for 5 minutes. 

3. CLEARING 
Clearing Bath 

Water to make 32 ounces 1000.0 cc 

Sodium Sulphite (dessicated) 1 2/3 ounces 50.0 grams 

Clear in above solution for 5 minutes. Yellow stain is gradually removed and 
the emulsion assumes a clear white color. 

Wash in running water for 2 minutes. 

4. RE-EXPOSURE TO LIGHT 

Thoroughly expose film to white light of a 200 watt bulb or of a Photoflood bulb 
(either bulb should be placed in a reflector). Hold film about 6 feet away from 
light, rotating it so that its entire surface, both front and back, Is thoroughly exposed. 
Exposure required: 2-3 minutes. Direct sunlight should not be used. Film should not 
be held too closely to light source to avoid injury to emulsion from heat. 



5. REDEVELOPMENT 

Second Developer 

Water (at 125 F. or 52 C.) 24 ounces 750.0 cc 

MetoJ 30 grains 2.0 grams 

Sodium Sulphite (dessicated) 370 grains 25.0 grams 

Hydroquinone 60 grains 4.0 grams 

Sodium Carbonate (monohydrated) . . . 295 grains 20.0 grams 

Potassium Bromide 30 grains 2.0 grams 

Cold water to make 32 ounces 1000.0 cc 

Develop until image has become thoroughly blackened, which requires about 
5 minutes. 

Rinse in running water for 3-5 minutes. 

127 



6. FIXING 

Fix for five minutes in regular acid hardening fixing hypo bath (p. 123). 

Wash in running water for 10-15 minutes. 

Wipe off surface water gently with the aid of viscose sponge. 

Hang up film to dry. 

All solutions and the running water should be maintained throughout the 
procedure at 65 F. or 18 C. Utmost cleanliness is required for success- 
ful results. Avoid contamination of solutions through carrying one into 
another. 

General Suggestions 

Utmost cleanliness should be observed throughout processing of Leica 
negatives. 

Use only the best and purest chemicals, and once a brand is adopted 
continue to use it for uniform results. 

Observe greatest accuracy in weighing and measuring chemicals. 

Never permit fingers to come in contact with emulsion side of film 
either before or after developing. 

Never handle film except by its edges. 

If film becomes soiled, wipe it carefully with a soft chamois skin 
dipped in a suitable film cleaner (see page 130). 

Apron of Correx tank should be removed when not in use, and kept 
suspended by one or both its ends. 

Films should be kept as far away as possible from heat, radiators, hot 
water pipes, etc. It should be remembered that most of our negative ma- 
terial is nitrate stock and highly inflammable. Therefore films should be 
kept in a well ventilated cool dark place, away from open flame. 

Developing and handling of Leica negatives should not be turned into 
an obsession, but should be considered as only one of the factors which 
contributes towards the final picture. 

Reticulation 

Reticulation is a peculiar phenomenon occurring on films, and in the 
case of Leica films it may actually ruin an otherwise perfect negative. 
It is due to local strains in the gelatine which may be caused by a sudden 
change in temperature of solutions, or atmospheric conditions. It occurs 
in different degrees, from an extremely mild form barely distinguishable 
by the eye, to a very severe form. Reticulation looks like miniature ele- 
phant skin shrivelled into a labyrinth-like pattern. In its severest form 
it produces actual tiny cracks in the emulsion; the accompanying illustra- 
tion shows this condition. 

Reticulation can happen at any point during processing of film, in- 
cluding pre-soaking, during development, or at the point of change from 
developer to hypo. It can even occur while the finished film is drying. 

To minimize the danger of reticulation, the pre-soaking of the film, 
and its washing between solutions should be entirely eliminated. The use 
of the short-stop as an intermediate bath between the developer and hypo 
cannot be recommended strongly enough. The chrome alum and sodium 
bisulphite short-stop has a beneficial effect upon the film by its gentle 
hardening and slightly acid action as a transition from the alkaline de- 
veloper to the highly acid hardening fixing bath. It is believed that the 
short-stop carried over in small quantities into the hypo bath corrects 
the acidity of the latter to the point where it will not cause reticulation* 

128 



Film Development 




Fig. 87 Reticulation, mild Fig. 88 Reticulation, acute 

(Anonymous!) cracks in emulsion 

(Anonymous ! ) 
Newton Rings 

Another source of considerable annoyance are the so-called Newton 
rings. These are irregular spots of all colors of the spectrum appearing 
on the surface of the enlarging paper while the negative is in the enlarger 
for printing. In appearance these Newton rings suggest those charac- 



U 



u 



Fig. 89 Masking plate for elimination of Newton Rings, actual size for 
tracing 



129 



texistic, rather pretty, patterns which oil forms on water. While pretty 
to look at, Newton rings are a decided nuisance for they will ruin any 
print, and are hard to eliminate. 

They occur particularly on "green" film, that is, film that has just 
been dried but still contains moisture. For this reason it is recommended 
that films not be put into the enlarger for six to twelve hours after drying. 

Newton rings are actually caused by the condenser of the enlarger 
not being in perfect contact with the entire back of the film, but merely 
touching it at several points, indicating that the film is not in a true plane. 

Of most remedies suggested for correction of this annoying condition 
the one providing a special mask or spacer, as shown in the cut which is 
a full size tracing, is the most practical. This masking plate can be made 
from a thoroughly fogged, developed and fixed out piece of cut film, with 
the aid of a sharp razor blade. The regular masking negative carrying 
plate is taken out of the enlarger, the film placed over it as usual emulsion 
side down, and the special mask placed over the negative; the entire as- 
sembly is then slipped into the enlarger and from this point the procedure 
is Carried on as usual. 



Film Cleaner 

Film that is dusty, dirty, shows finger marks, lint, etc., should be 
carefully cleaned before placing it in the enlarger. 

An excellent all-around film cleaner is easily prepared as follows: 
Ethyl Alcohol (pure grain alcohol) ... 85% (or parts) 

Methyl Alcohol (wood alcohol) 10% (or parts) 

Strong Ammonia 5% (or parts) 

This cleaner is not "dry", as is carbon tetrachloride and similar cleaners. 
Because this cleaner is "wet", it does not charge the film electrically, thus 
leaving it without the usual tendency to attract lint and dust from the 
air. This cleaner should be applied to both surfaces of the film with a 
clean, lintless fine linen cloth, soft chamois or lens tissue. 



Reducing or Intensifying Leica Negatives 

These two processes are, to say the least, dangerous for miniature 
camera work, and their use is definitely discouraged. Either of these pro- 
cesses increases the grain considerably and destroys definition. However, 
for those who wish to save a valuable negative, the two formulas most 
suitable for miniature camera work are offered: 

E.K. FORMULA R-5 PROPORTIONAL REDUCER 

Stock Solution A 

Avoirdupois Metric 

Water 32 ounces 1.0 liter 

Potassium Permanganate 4 grains 0.3 gram 

Sulphuric Acid (10% solution) Yz ounce ' I6J3~ccT 

Stock Solution B 

Water f ..."".; 77 "96" ounces SrOHDSers 

Ammonium Persulphate 3 ounces 90.0 grams 



For use, take one part of A to three parts of B. When sufficient reduction is 
secured the negative should be cleared in a 1% solution of sodium bisulphite. 
Wash the negative thoroughly before dryinjr. 



130 



Film Intensification 

E.K. FORMULA IN-5 SILVER INTENSIFIER 

For 35mm Negative and Positive Films 

The following formula is the only intensifier known that will not 
change the color of the image on positive film on projection. It gives 
proportional intensification and is easily controlled by varying the time of 
treatment. The formula is equally suitable for positive and negative film. 

*Stock Solution No. 1 



Avoirdupois 

Silver Nitrate 2 ounces 

Distilled water to make 32 ounces 

* Store in a brown bottle. 

Stock Solution No. 2 
Sodium Sulphite, desiccated. 2 



Water to make. 



32 



ounces 
ounces 



Stock Solution No. 3 

Hypo 3 1 /2 ounces 

Water to make 32 ounces 



Metric 
60.0 grams 

1.0 liter 



60.0 grams 
1.0 liter 



105.0 grams 
1.0 liter 



Stock Solution No. 4 

Sodium Sulphite, desiccated l /2 ounce 15.0 grams 

Metol 350 grains 24.0 grams 

Water to make 96 ounces 3.0 liters 

Prepare the intensifier solution for use as follows : Slowly add 1 part of solu- 
tion No. 2 to 1 part of solution No. 1, shaking or stirring to obtain thorough 
mixing. The white precipitate which appears is then dissolved by the addition 
of 1 part of solution No. 3. Allow the resulting solution to stand a few min- 
utes until clear. Then add, with stirring, 3 parts of solution No. 4. The 
intensifier is then ready for use and the film should be treated immediately. 
The degree of intensification obtained depends upon the time of treatment 
which should not exceed 25 minutes. After intensification, immerse the film 
for 2 minutes with agitation in a plain 30% hypo solution. Then wash thor- 
oughly. 

Storage and Preservation of Films 

This matter is again a question of personal preference. The writer 
knows of as many storing and filing systems as he knows Leica workers. 
There are transparent cellophane envelopes in book or box form holding 
strips of from three to eight negatives. There are books with flaps of 
transparent paper and books with pockets. There are filing cabinets and 
chests of endless variety. 

Personally, the writer prefers to preserve, store and file Leica nega- 
tives in uncut lengths, in rolls firmly but not tightly wound. A small rub- 
ber band (about Vz n diameter) is slipped around the roll before placing 
it in a steel box divided into small sections of twenty-five to a box. Each 
roll is given a number and a brief description of the entire roll marked 
under the corresponding number on ihe inside lid of the box. Each box 
is marked with an alphabet number and a record kept in a loose leaf 
scrap book into which contact prints from every roll are pasted. 






The Negative Viewer and Marker is Con- 
venient for Examining Completed Films 



131 





132 



OF 

tl^E 

JOHN N. HARMAN, JR. CHAPTER 5 

Probably 'everyone who (has ever made a Leica shot and 
" blown it up" to a good sized enlargement has wished for an 
opportunity to do a bit of retouching on minor parts of the nega- 
tive. But a microscopic eye is needed for work as exacting as this 
and retouching and spotting have as a result been relegated to the 
final print. 

Many a cynical megacamist has seized this apparent fault as 
the clinching point in his arguments against "postage stamp' 7 
negatives. And this with little reason, for there are three ways 
by which Leica photographs may be conveniently put into the form 
of enlarged negatives for retouching before the final print or en- 
largement is made. 

Retouching, however, is not the only advantage offered by the 
use of enlarged negatives for they come in handy in many ways. 
Whenever several enlargements requiring dodging or projection 
control are desired to be made identical with one another, the use 
of an enlarged negative not only simplifies the procedure and cuts 
the over-all working time, but it insures the uniformity of the final 
prints. All the dodging and retouching may, for example, be done 
upon one master enlarged negative of from 4x5 to 8 x 10 inches 
in size, and all prints of any size may be contact printed, enlarged, 
or reduced from this with unvarying results. The contrast of ori- 
ginals that are too dense or too flat may also be Improved in the 
preparation of the enlarged negative. Furthermore, enlarged nega- 
tives offer an excellent medium for the combination of parts of 
different negatives when, as is sometimes the case, the final print 
is built of several separate images. 

There are three methods which may be used to obtain good 
enlarged negatives without excessive time or trouble in processing. 

The first involves the use of a new and .singular photographic 
m^'erial, "Direct Copy Film". This unusual film produces a 
negative directly from a negative although it is processed in a 
manner no different than that regularly used for chloride printing 
paper. 



133 



The second method is based upon the use of a reversible film 
for the original exposure in the Leica. Upon special development, 
this reversible film produces a positive (normally used for pro- 
jection purposes) which is then enlarged on a process or commercial 
film to give the enlarged negative. 

The third method embraces the preparation of an intermediate 
film positive from which the enlarged negative is made. This is 
naturally the longest process in point of time but it is well known 
and will do the trick admirably if the special films required for 
either of the first two methods are not obtained. 



Direct Copy Film is a new material which is being manufactured by 
the Agfa Ansco Corporation of Binghamton, N. Y. The emulsion of this 
remarkable film has properties by means of which it can produce in one 
single exposure and development a negative from a negative (or for that 
matter, a positive from a positive). The emulsion of the film is treated 
during manufacture so that when developed without any exposure what- 
soever, a maximum density of opaque silver is produced. However, for 
every increasing amount of exposure the film shows a corresponding 
increase in transparency after development. Thus, light parts of an ori- 
ginal are duplicated by transparent portions of the copy film and shadow 
regions of the original are represented with equal accuracy. Aside from 
this unusual characteristic the emulsion of Direct Copy Film resembles 
a chloride printing paper in color sensitivity, required exposure, and gen- 
eral handling and processing in the darkroom. Because Direct Copy Film 
has an extremely fine-grained emulsion no additional graininess is pro- 
duced in the final enlargement by this method. 

Because of its peculiar properties, Direct Copy Film makes the prep- 
aration of enlarged negatives a rapid and simple procedure. The only 
operations requiring special mention are those of exposure and develop- 
ment. Fixation and washing are done in the conventional manner. 

Since Direct Copy Film has approximately the same speed as the 
standard soft grades of contact printing paper, Leica negatives may be 
enlarged onto it without unduly long exposures when a photoflood bulb is 
used in the enlarger. A small strip of chloride printing paper such as 
Convira may be used in making a preliminary test exposure, and the cor- 
rect printing time determined from the test exposure. The piece of Direct 
Copy Film should be mounted on the enlarging easel with the emulsion 
side up. The Leica negative to be enlarged should be inserted in the en- 
larger, not in the usual way, but with the emulsion side facing upward 
instead of downward. This will give a reversed (from left to right) image 
on the easel and a correct image in the final print. The density of the 
enlarged negative should be controlled by adjusting the exposure and not 
by modification of the developing time. Thin copy negatives indicate 
over-exposure, while an enlarged negative that is too dense is the result 
of under-exposure. Amber or bright orange light may be used in the 
darkroom. 

134 



Enlarged Negatives 

Development of the enlarged negative on Direct Copy Film can be 
carried out in any soft-working film developer, but the two following 
formulas are recommended for best results. 

For Normal Gradation on Direct Copy Film 

Avoirdupois Metric 

Water to make 32 ounces 1.0 liter 

Metol 23 grains 1.5 grams 

Sodium Sulphite, anhydrous ...... 2 oz. 290 gr. 80.0 grams 

Hydroquinone 45 grains 3.0 grams 

Borax 45 grains 3.0 grams 

Potassium Bromide 8 grains 0.5 grams 

Use without dilution. Develop 12 to 20 minutes at 5 F. (18 C.)- 

For Moderate Brilliance on Direct Copy Film 

Avoirdupois Metric 

Water (lukewarm) 32 ounces 1.0 liter 

Metol 90 grains 6.0 grams 

Sodium Sulphite, anhydrous 6 ounces 180.0 grams 

Sodium Bisulphite 60 grains 4.0 grams 

Hydroquinone 180 grains 12.0 grams 

Sodium Carbonate, monohydrated . 360 grains 24.0 grams 

Potassium Bromide 48 grains 3.2 grams 

Add cold water to make 1 gal. 4.0 liters 

Use without dilution. Develop 8 to 10 minutes at 65F. (18 C.). 

As mentioned above, variations in results should be controlled more 
by adjustment of exposure rather than by modification of developing 
time. Best results will be obtained by keeping within the times recom- 
mended for each developer. Stains will be avoided by the use of a con- 
ventional acid short stop bath between development and fixation. 



Enlarged Negatives from Reversible Film Originals 

The second method of preparing enlarged negatives relies upon the 
use of a reversible film in the Leica for the original exposure. This film 
is developed by a reversal process to a positive, usually for projection 
purposes. A film of this kind, prepared especially for the Leica, is made 
by the Agfa Ansco Corporation of Binghamton, N. Y., and is sold under 
the name of Superpan Reversible. It is a high speed, panchromatic 
material which may be compared to the supersensitive type in group 1 
(see pages 101, 104). Because it is a reversal film it gives positives 
which have an exceptional fineness of grain a noteworthy point for all 
miniature-camera work. The positive resulting from the processing of 
the Superpan Reversible Film can be easily enlarged onto a piece of 
Commercial, Commercial Ortho or Process Cut Film and developed in a 
standard negative film developer. The exposure required by Process Film 
will be about the same as that needed for the faster grades of Bromide 
enlarging paper, while Commercial and Commercial Ortho Film will 
require about one-tenth as much exposure. 

135 



The processing of the reversible film original will be done at a nom- 
inal charge by the film manufacturer but it can be carried out satisfactor- 
ily in about two hours by the procedure outlined in detail on page 126 
of this volume. 

Enlarged Negatives by the Positive-Negative Process 

The third method by which enlarged negatives may be made from 
Leka originals requires the preparation of an intermediate positive film. 
This may be made, of course, by contact printing onto 35mm. positive 
film stock and proceeding as with the reversible film positive. However, 
greater convenience is undoubtedly afforded by the preparation of the 
intermediate film positive in an enlarged form. This is easily done by 
enlarging the original Leica negative onto a sheet of Process or Commer- 
cial Film instead of the usual bromide paper. Development can be carried 
out in a conventional negative film developer such as the following: 

Avoirdupois Metric 

Water (lukewarm) 32 ounces 1 liter 

Metol 90 grains 6 grams 

Sodium Sulphite, anhydrous 6 ounces 180 grams 

Sodium Bisulphite 60 grains 4 grams 

Hydroquinone 180 grains 12 grams 

Sodium Carbonate, monohydrated . . 360 grains 24 grams 

Potassium Bromide 48 grains 3.2 grams 

Add cold water to make 1 gal. 4 liters 

TRAY DEVELOPMENT: Use full strength. Normal devel- 
opment time, 5 to 7 minutes at 65F. 

TANK DEVELOPMENT: Dilute one part above developer to 
one part water. Normal development time, 12 to 14 minutes at 
65F. 

This enlarged positive film when fixed, washed and dried can then be 
contact printed or enlarged onto another piece of Process or Commercial 
Film to produce the final enlarged negative. Retouching and dodging 
can, of course, be done at either of the two intermediate steps inter- 
mediate positive, or final enlarged negative. If Process Film is used for 
both intermediate positive and final master negative, developing time 
should be decreased to avoid results of excessive contrast. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: For finer gradation, softness and minute details 
expected of pictorial work, it may be found that substitution of the posi- 
tive Process or Commercial film, suggested by the author, by a softer film 
may be more effective. Reference is made to the type of film offered by 
orthochromatic emulsions such as Eastman Portrait or Safety Ortho films, 
Agfa Plenachrome or Defender Pentagon. These films are more sensitive 
to light in general and a shorter exposure is required than for the positive 
film. The Safelight, of course, would need to be changed from yellow to 
ruby, according to recommendations contained in each package of film. 
Otherwise, the procedure is not different from that outlined by the author. 



136 






WILLARD D. MORGAN CHAPTER 6 



A photographic darkroom can be the source of many enjoyable 
hours. Here is a place where you can try out some of those new 
photographic ideas of yours, make your exhibition enlargements, try 
out the latest developing formula, make photo-montages, lantern 
slides, develop color film, and experiment with various enlarging 
papers. As you complete your darkroom it will quickly become the 
meeting place for your friends who have similar interests. After a 
hectic day at the office or some other occupation the evening hours 
in your darkroom will be one of the most enjoyable relaxations you 
can experience. 

Make the darkroom a model of convenience, cleanliness, and neat- 
ness. If you cannot find space for a separate room for your work 
don 7 t worry but fix up the kitchen sink for your developing and en- 
larging equipment. Dark shades over the windows will exclude all 
light, and the darkroom safety light may be easily installed over 
the sink. If the kitchen is not convenient explore the bathroom and 
confiscate one corner for your equipment. A wide board over the 
bathtub will hold several trays, while the bathtub and sink may be 
used for washing the prints or films. There are thousands of if bath- 
tub finishers" located in every section of the country who are doing 
excellent photographic work. The writer belonged to this fraternity 
of "bathtub finishers'' for many years before he had an opportunity 
to enjoy the thrills of having a separate darkroom completely 
equipped for his work. 

If you happen to be living in a small apartment and wonder 
how you can solve the darkroom situation try converting the kitchen- 
ette into a darkroomette. Such a transformation has been cleverly 
done by John T. Moss, Jr. of New York. The accompanying photo- 
graph will give a complete plan of Mr. Moss's darkroomette. Note 
that the folding doors may be closed or opened as required. The 
refrigerator can be used for keeping solutions cool, or it may be a 
source of ice cubes when required. It is surprising how small a space 

137 



can be utilized for doing all one's developing and enlarging work, 
so don't let the space problem worry you when yon set up a place to 
do your finishing work. J. Harlan Davis of Mt Vernon, Ohio has 
solved his space problem by constructing a * 'folding darkroom' 5 
right in his library. He has constructed a wall cabinet which holds 
all his equipment, and the door swings down to make the work table. 




Fig. 92 "Darkroomette" 
of John T. Moss/ Jr., util- 
izing facilities of the mod- 
ern kitchenette 



A Model Darkroom 

In order that we may obtain a complete picture of what an 
amateur darkroom should look like let's take the model darkroom 
recently constructed by Lee Parsons Davis of New Bochelle, N. Y. 
The accompanying photographs and drawings will give you complete 
information, even better than any long detailed descriptions. Mr. 
Parsons based his plans upon a similar darkroom constructed by 
Clifford H. Beegle of Beaver Falls, Pa. 

The inside dimensions of Mr. Parsons' darkroom are seven feet 
by six feet. Although this space may at first seem small it is sur- 
prising how much room there is to work and also how much space 
there is for storing equipment and supplies. The secret of this space 
utilization is that there are many storage drawers, and several shelves 
for chemical storage. Space has been made for print drying racks, 



138 



Leica Darkroom 



ferrotype tins, and a large sink five feet long by sixteen inches wide 
and one foot deep. The sink is constructed of California white pine 
1*4 inches thick. The side and end boards are 12^ inches wide, and 
the bottom is one wide board. These boards were grooved to fit at 
a planing mill, and set together without glue or nails, then bolted 
on the ends and bottom. 

There are three faucets over the sink, two of which are combina- 
tion faucets which permit the proper temperature regulation of the 
water. One of the faucets has a small under valve which permits an 
outlet for tray washing of prints as shown in the accompanying illus- 
tration. A removable drainboard for the sink provides for additional 
working space when required. The 11 by 14 inch developing trays 
will fit across the sink while the space below can be used for a larger 
washing tray. Plenty of electrical connections, safety lights, as well 
as the regular white lights are provided. 

Finally, and one of the most important points to consider in the 
darkroom is the ventilation. A fresh air inlet has been provided for 
through the door of the darkroom, while the foul air is sucked out 
through a light-tight duct by an electric fan. This permits constant 
circulation of air, and when two or three people are working in the 
darkroom at one time there is always plenty of good clean air. 





Fig. 93 Interior of photographic 
laboratory of Lee Parsons Davis. 



Fig. 94 Outside of Mr. Davis' pho- 
tographic laboratory showing posi- 
tion of exhaust fan. 
Note light trap ventilator on door. 



139 




Fig. 95 Elevation facing work bench showing enlarging table, cabinets 
and cross-section of sink 



Key to drawings (figures 95, 96, 97) : 



No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 10 
No. 11 
No. 12 
No. 13 
No. 14 
No. 15 
No. 16 
No. 17 
No. IS 
No. 19 
No. 20 
No. 21 
No. 22 
No. 23 
No. 24 
No. 25 
No. 26 
No. 27 
No. 28 

No. 29 
No. 30 



Work tench and cabinet for print drying racks 

Sink lead lined 

Wratten safe light, series No. 3, 40-watt Mazda bulb 

Safe lights 

Electric convenience outlets 

Electric outlet for enlarger 

Electric bright light 

Electric exhaust fan 

Fresh air inlet (light trap) 

Foul air discharge duet 

Cold water faucet 

Combination hot and cold water faucet 

Variable overflow drain pipe 

Removable drain board 

Sliding enameled developing trays 

Towel rack 

Light-tight door gasket 

Air thermometer 

Coat hook 

Stool 

Light-tight blind for exterior window 

Storage shelf for chemicals, etc. 

Storage space for solutions 

Trimming board and cutter 

Tray storage racks 

Storage space 

Equipment and supply drawers full depth of work bench 

Bench top and back b'oard covered with acid and alkali proof Micarta 1/16" thick 

witn chromrum trim 

Foul air outlet grille 

Proposed recessed cabinet for books and film storage 



140 















(D 



(2) 




Fig. 96 Elevation showing sink, exhaust fan, safe lights, drying racks, etc. 




Fig. 97 Plan of Lee Parsons Davis' model darkroom. 



Stocking the Complete Laboratory 

Naturally one's darkroom equipment and supplies will be determined 
by individual tastes and requirements. Here is a list to consider when 
stocking your laboratory with everything- but the "kitchen stove". 

Developing 1 tanks for film . . . developing trays for paper enlarge- 
ments . . . enlarging equipment . . . film and glass slide contact printers 
. . . illuminating control rheostat for use with photoflood bulb in en- 
larger . . . paper cutter . . . safety lights for paper and films . . . 
chemicals and chemical weighing scale . . . electric agitator for film 
developing tank . . . thermometer . . . cotton and viscose sponges 
. . . supply of bottles for keeping solutions . . . supply of beakers and 
graduates for mixing and measuring solutions . . . small electric stove 
^for heating solutions . . . metal clips for hanging film to dry . . . de- 
veloping glass drum for color films or reversing other films . . . supply 
of enlarging paper . . . filing boxes for negatives which must be kept 
free from dust at all times . . . and finally a small corkboard mounted 
on the wall for tacking up formulas and special data which is often re- 
ferred to such as weight conversion tables, developing times at various 
temperatures, etc. 

A Two Room Laboratory 

Now let's study still another darkroom or laboratory which is a 
little more elaborate and has the double room feature with a small 
separate nook for the chemical mixing department. This darkroom 
was designed by Clarence Slifer of Hollywood, California and de- 
scribed in the August 1934: issue of the American Cinematographer. 
Mr. Slifer describes his laboratory as follows : 

In keeping with the progressiveness that is so apparent in Miniature 
Photography, herewith is presented a plan of a model laboratory. This 
room in which photographic processing is carried on, is not called a dark- 
room, simply because that word is a misnomer. It is not dark, for at all 
times, with the exceptions of when loading magazines or developing tanks, 
there is an abundance of light: properly filtered light for printing and 
daylight for other operations. 

Removed is the stigma that the word darkroom has implied. This 
model laboratory is not a poorly ventilated closet, under the cellar stairs, 
but is a room planned for comfort, convenience, and practicability. All of 
which are conducive to better photographic work and the full enjoyment 
of miniature photography. 

From the plan, it will be noticed the room is divided into two main 
divisions; the laboratory proper and the study. The laboratory, to take 
care of all photographic work from glossy prints to the advanced pic- 
torial processes. The study, to serve as a place for working out pho- 
tographic problems or as a place where you may argue with friends about 
the gammas, the paraphenylenes, and the reticulations of photography, 
without having your sanity questioned by other members of the household 
or being relegated to that esteemed position now held by butterfly-chasing 
professors. 

The essential features of the model laboratory are: 

1. A shallow wooden sink provided with removable slats for tray sup- 
ports. Its six-foot length easily handles three trays UTD to 36"*20" in 

142 



Leica Darkroom 



size. Swing faucets practically "cover" the entire sink. Above the 
sink are shelves for stock solutions, etc. Below the sink, are racks 
for trays, box for waste and space for miscellaneous equipment. In 
the wall, above the right end or the sink, is a light-tight ventilator. 
This ventilator withdraws all hypo or chemical fumes arising from 
developing or toning prints. Also at this end of the sink, is a light 
fixture containing a day light bulb. The light from this fixture is 
concentrated down upon the hypo or toning tray, and is actuated by a 
foot switch. This permits examining prints for tone or contrast with- 
out drying the hands. The safe-light used for observing the develop- 
ing of prints, has two degrees of brilliance: dim and bright. The 
bright light is controlled by a foot switch and is used only for limited 
periods of print examination. For cleanliness, liquid soap and paper 
towels are a part of the sink equipment. 

2. A film ^ developing bench especially equipped for miniature negative 
developing. The importance of agitation in small film processing- is 
recognized by the inclusion of an electric agitation machine in the 
laboratory equipment. Also provided is a negative viewing box (a 
white light behind opal glass). Affixed to the glass are gamma films 
of different densities for use in judging the progress of development. 
An ice chest for cooling solutions may be placed under the bench. 

3. A print washing machine preferably of the Kodak rotating type. This 
provides a quick, efficient, and thorough means of washing prints with 
little handling. 



Fig. 98 Plan of two 
room laboratory designed 
by Clarence Slifer 




/CAlfr 1PODJ 



143 



4. A drain-board for prints after they have been removed from the 
washer. 

5. A holder for paper towels and a shelf for the radio (the companion 
in the laboratory). Indicated here, is a stool, as much printing may 
he carried on while seated. 

6. A double, indirect safe-light for general room illumination. 

7. A long cabinet of an exaggerated desk-like appearance, with shelf 
or cabinet space above. Underneath the left end is a set of drawers 
for keeping Bromoil brushes, paints, and other materials. Space is 
provided for leg-room when seated before the portion of the bench 
at the window. Here is an ideal place to work upon Bromoils, spot 
or color prints, retouch enlarged negatives, etc. Underneath the right 
end of the bench, are frames with stretched cloth-net for laying prints 
upon, to dry. 

8. A sliding light-tight shutter for the window. 

9. A cabinet-bench for a miniature negative enlarger of the Leitz Foco- 
mat or Valpy type. The enlarger is controlled by a foot switch, thus 
leaving both hands free for "dodging". This freedom is further en- 
hanced by the use of a metronome for timing prints audibly, during 
difficult exposures. At other times a large electric clock serves the 
purpose. On the wall, back of the enlarger, is an Illumination Control 
Rheostat for use with a Photo-flood lamp, when enlarging upon chlo- 
ride (contact) papers. Light-tight drawers are in the cabinet, for the 
storage of photographic paper. To the left of the enlarger, is a print 
trimmer. To facilitate print trimming, the edge of the print trimmer 
is illuminated by a light, sunk in the cabinet. 

10. An Il"xl4" contact printing machine, which is used for printing en- 
larged negatives and also strips of Leica film, for proofs. 

11. A film loading and negative filing desk. 

12 Chemical closet, for chemical storage and mixing. In the lower part 
of the cabinet, is a bin for hypo crystals and a fixture for supporting 
a five-gallon bottle of distilled water. Due to its location, chemical 
dust in the laboratory is eliminated. 

13. Light-tight entry to the laboratory, affording easy access and ventila- 
tion. The partitions fold back, whenever it is desirable. 

14. Dry mounting press, for mounting photographs. 

15. Bookshelves, for those indispensable photographic books and maga- 
zines. 

16. A light-tight film drying cabinet, six feet high. Air is drawn in, 
through silk screens, from the study, thus minimizing the nuisance of 
dust. The cabinet may also be used for drying hyper-sensitized film. 

17. A cabinet for camera equipment. Upon this cabinet is an easel for 
holding prints to be admired or glared at. A conventional, picture- 
illumination fixture is used for light. 

18. A Bromoil transfer press and a cabinet for card stock, etc. 

19. Desk-like drawing table with long fixture for diffused light above. 

20. Long, comfortable window seat. 

The plan of this model laboratory is based upon the knowledge gainec 
from a number of years' experience in many photographic "darkrooms" 
So turn back and study the plan over, for perhaps you may find some ideas 
for your Ideal Laboratory for Leica Photography. 

144 



PRINTING 



WILLARD D. MORGAN CHAPTER 7 



After the Leica negative has been made the next step is to have 
it printed, either by contact upon paper or film, or by direct enlarge- 
ment. The choice in printing really depends upon our individual 
requirements. Some prefer to make paper contact prints of all their 
negatives for reference purposes, while others would rather make 
enlargements direct. In order to reproduce the finest qualities in a 
Leica negative it is necessary to either make positive film or glass 
slides for projection upon a screen or to make enlargements upon 
some of the various printing papers now available. "We will discuss 
the methods for enlarging first. 

Making positive prints from Leica negatives offers many distinct 
advantages : 

1. There is the choice of many fine enlarging- papers which may be secured 
in various surfaces and grades of contrast. The chapter on enlarging 
papers will give complete information on this point. 

2. Enlargements may be shaded or dodged during- the printing in order to 
emphasize or hold back any portion of the picture. For example an 
overexposed sky may be printed longer than the underexposed fore- 
ground. 

3. The unattractive or disturbing parts of a negative may easily be omitted 
to improve the composition of the finished picture. 

4. The enlarging easel and the enlarger housing* may be tilted for correct- 
ing* the perspective in a picture. This feature is especially valuable when 
enlarging architectural pictures which have been taken close to the 
subject with the camera pointed slightly upward or at a sharp angle. 

5. The slow printing contact or chloride papers can be used when a photo- 
flood bulb is placed in the enlarger. 

6. Enlarging screens, gauze, special effect filters, and other accessories 
may also be used with the enlarger for securing special effects in en- 
largements to please the various individual tastes. 

7. The Leica enlargement of post card size or larg-er produces a picture 
which can easily be studied by anyone. 

Selecting the Enlarging Equipment 

Before the actual enlargements can be made it is necessary to 
select the proper enlarging equipment. A good enlarger will last a 
lifetime. By actually enlarging your own negatives you will learn 

45 



many things about your pictures. You will have a keener sense of 
the proper composition, a better judging of correct exposures, im- 
proper focusing \vill show up instantly, and even when you are making 
your original picture you may have in mind certain enlarging papers 
for the subjects taken. So in order to gain these advantages let's 
become more familiar with the actual working equipment available. 

The Valoy Enlarger 

The present Valoy enlarger is actually the outgrowth of the former 
Filoy and F^lab enlargers. While these latter enlargers are still producing 
excellent eJargemeiat! for those who still own them, the present Valoy 
enlarger was constructed to give a few additional conveniences in handling 
the negatives. This enlarger may be described as follows: 
1 Baseboard, 15% x 18 inches in size, for holding the paper easel and 
the metal upright bar which supports the enlarger lamp housing. 

2. Upright metal bar, l inches in diameter, available in 80cm and 120cm 
lengths. Electric connecting wire passes through the center of the 
metal upright. At the base of the upright i S> a grounding connection 
marked "E" for attaching a ground wire if desired. 

3. Lamp housing supported by an extension arm which clamps around 
the metal upright bar. 

4 Adjustable lamp base for centering and otherwise moving the enlarging 
bulb into the best position to give an even illumination over the entire 
negative area. 

5. Removable condenser with adjusting lever for clamping Leica negative 
into position for enlarging. 

6 Space for accommodating various masks for single frame, Leica double 
frame, 3 x 4cm, and 4 x 4cm negatives. Hinged glass negative holders 
also available for use with single negatives which have been cut from 
the regular rolls. 

7. Focusing lens mount will accommodate the ^various Leica lenses. The 
50mni lenses are recommended for use in this enlarger. 

8. The condenser may be removed for cleaning by turning the clamping 
ring inside of the lamp housing, removing the spring, and then lifting 
out the condenser. It is a good plan to remove this condenser fre- 
quently and carefully clean the surface with lens tissue or a clean 
linen. 

9. An Intermediate ventilating ring is recommended for use with the 
Valoy enlarger when a photoflood bulb is used. 

10. A small snap switch is attached to the baseboard of the enlarger for 
making the exposures. 

The Focomat Enlarger 

The Focomat Enlarger is ver7 similar to the Valoy Enlarger with 
the exception of the automatic focusing features. The lamp housing, 
movable condenser and method of inserting the film in the Focomat 
Enlarger is just the same as in the Yaloy Enlarger. The differences 
may be mentioned as follows : 

146 



Enlarging 





Fig. 99 Valoy Enlarger, 
complete with easel, mag- 
nifier, orange filter and 
negative masking carrier 
plate 



Fig. 100 Focoinat Enlarger, complete with 
easel and orange filter 

1. As shown in the illustration the Focomat Enlarger has two extension 
arms which attach the lamp housing to the upright pillar. The upper 
arm holds the lamp housing, while the lower arm likewise holds the 
lamp housing in a vertical position and at the same time makes the 
changes in the focus of the lens. 

2. The Focomat Enlarger can be adapted for use with any 50mm Leica 
lens. 

3. There are three different settings on the focusing ring of this enlarger. 
These settings are used with the different film holders, such as, the 
regular holder for receiving rolls of Leica film, and also the glass plate 
holder which holds the film in a slightly different plane for enlarging. 

4. A magnification scale is included. 

5. On the upright pillar there are two holes. The upper one is for use 
with the enlarger when the paper holding easel is in position. The 
lower hole is used for marking the position of the bracket on the lamp 
housing when the easel is not to be used. 

The Focomat Enlarger is focused with one of the Leica lenses s at the 
Leitz Company in New York before delivery. Once this setting has been 
made, there is no need for making a change. Any of the 50mm Leica 
lenses may be used or the special Varob Enlarging Lens can be used. The 



147 



Varob lens is really recommended because this lens can be left on the 
enlarger continually and it will not be necessary to use the lens from the 
Leica Camera. 




Fig. 101 Focomat Enlarger which 
accommodates all negative sizes up 
to 2% x Sy 2 inches. 




Fig. 102 Vanos Enlarger 
for use with all negatives 
up to 2% x 3% inches. 
Note counterweight for 
balancing weight of en- 
larger. 

Enlarger Accessories 

There are various accessories for use with the Valoy and Foco- 
mat Enlargers. Masking plates for use with single frame, double frame, 
3 x 4cm, and 4 x 4cm negatives may be used in these enlargers. Glass plate 
negative holders are also available for enlarging single negatives. The 
2% x 3% Focomat and Vanos Enlargers accommodate all film sizes up to 
their maximum areas. Orange niters are also of value when making en- 
largements or glass lantern slides. A special attachment ring is available 
for fitting to the Elmar or Hektor 50mm lenses. This ring permits the 
operation of the iris diaphragm by turning a knurled ring with a special 
calibrated scale on the side. In this way it is very easy to read the lens 
-stops from the side of the ring. As all enlargements should be made with 
the lens closed down at least two or three stops, such a ring is recom- 
mended. Preliminary focusing is done with the lens wide open. 

The Vanos Enlarger 

The Vanos Enlarger is designed for enlargement of all sizes of minia- 
ture camera negatives. This enlarger will accommodate all films from 
the single frame size of 35mm film to 2% x 3% inches. Its optical system 
is so arranged that the Leica interchangeable lenses can be used in it. As 
standard equipment a 95mm lens is available. The focusing bellows is 
adjustable for use with other interchangeable Leica lenses. The Vanos 
Enlarger as well as the large size Focomat Enlarger have stationary con- 
densers. A special optically flat glass sandwich plate is used for holding 
Leica films or cut films up to 2% x 3% inches, otherwise the method of 
using the Vanos Enlarger is practically identical with that of the Valoy 
or the small Focomat Enlarger. 

148 



Enlarging 



A special Offset Arm is also available for use with the Valoy and 
Focomat Bnlargers. This Offset Arm is of special value when making "big 
enlargements because the lamp housing is extended an additional 6 inches 
away from the upright pillar. As the Offset Arm contains a short rod 
itself, it is possible to raise the lamp housing of the enlarger about 18 
inches higher than the top of the regular upright bar which comes with the 
enlarger. Even when making huge enlargements up to 2 or 3 feet or 
greater, this Offset Arm can be used very successfully in the horizontal 
position. The arm may be moved vertically or horizontally by loosening 
the set screw and turning the attachment in various positions. In the 
horizontal position as shown in the illustration, the picture may be pro- 
jected upon a wall for making the huge enlargements. 

If the Leica lens is used without the Adjustable Diaphragm Ring, the 
figures engraved on the lens mount represent the following ratios: 



Relative Aperture: 
Ratio of Exposure: 



1.9 (2.0) 2.5 3.2 (3.5) 4.5 6.3 9 12.5 18 
0.36 0.63 1 2 4 8 16 32 





Fig. 105 Diaphragm King, 
available for Elmar 35mm 
and 50mm, and" for Hektor 
50mm lenses when these 
lenses are used on en- 
largers 

Fig. 103 Offset arm for 
making great enlarge- 
ments 

Making the Actual Enlargements 

Now let's suppose that the Valoy Enlarger has been selected and 
we are ready to make our first enlargements. First, check up on the 
darkroom equipment and make certain that the following materials 
are available: 

1. The Valoy Enlarger. 

2. Developer, short stop, and hypo solutions as well as trays. The 
trays can be selected for the size of enlargements which will be 
made. A set of 5 x 7 and 8 x 10 inch trays are always of value. 

3. Enlarging paper. (See next chapter on Enlarging Papers). 

4. Check up on the proper safe-light and other accessories for the 
darkroom use. (See chapter on the Leica Darkroom). 



149 




Montage by Barbara Morgan Photos by Henry Kloss 

All photographs made with Summar 50mm lens, 1/1000 second at f :4.5 

Eastman Super-X ftlro Note reversible prints used in design 



After all, there is very little equipment required for making 
Leica enlargements. You can easily confiscate the kitchen sink and 
drain board for this work after the windows have been covered with 
a blanket or black cloth. The darkroom chapter will give you more 
complete information about becoming a 'bathtub finisher. 

Before placing the Leica negative into position in the Valoy En- 
larger, make certain that there are no dust particles clinging to the 
film. If there are, remove them with a soft brush or with a clean 
lintless linen cloth. The movable condenser should always be in- 
spected for dust or dirt particles. These points are very essential 
because small dust particles may spoil an otherwise perfect enlarge- 
ment if they are not removed beforehand. The Negative Viewer and 
Marker can be used very successfully for picking out the best nega- 
tives for enlarging. "With this attachment, it is possible to make a 
small nick in the edge of the film. Then, while working in the dark- 
room, the negatives can be picked out very quickly by running a 
thumb along the edge of the film. 

When the correct negative has been selected, insert the film into 
the negative carrier of -the enlarger with the emulsion side down. 
Snap on the light and move the film so that it appears in the frame 
which is projected down onto the paper holder. This can be done 
while the condenser is in the raised position. Next, move the clamp- 
ing lever forward in order to release the condenser and thus clamp 
the film into a plane position. Now, raise or lower the lamp housing and 
turn the focusing mount, into which the Leica lens has been screwed, 
until sharp focus has been secured over the entire picture area. 

Some Leica workers secure' critical focusing by placing special 
negatives with sharp line drawings in the enlarger before the regular 
negative to be enlarged is inserted. Then, when perfect focus is se- 
cured by projecting the lined negative onto the enlarger easel, the 
focusing negative is removed and replaced by the regular film strip. 
A black over-exposed frame can also be used for this purpose provid- 
ing a few fine scratches are made on the emulsion side of the film. 

A hand magnifier or reading glass can also be used for viewing 
the projected image on the enlarging easel. Sometimes this latter 
method is very convenient for securing critical focus. 

The enlarging easel should be set for the proper size of the enlarg- 
iftg P a pe r - The two adjustable masking bands can be moved for 
making the proper adjustments. It is best to have a small white 
margin around the finished enlargement. This white margin can be 
varied according to requirements. 

152 



Enlarging 

After the projected negative is properly focused and centered 
on the enlarging easel, you are now ready to make an exposure test. 
Select a small strip of enlarging paper and place it on the easel with 
the emulsion side up. Stop the lens down to one or two diaphragm 
stops. A small pencil flash light may be used to make the adjustment 
of the lens diaphragm. This flash light can be covered with a piece of 
red paper. With the proper lens stop set you are now ready to snap 
on the switch and expose the test strip. Two or three different ex- 
posure times should he made on this test. A small card can be moved 
across the test strip at one or two second intervals, depending upon 
the speed of the paper and also the density of the negative. With a 
little practise it is very easy to count seconds without watching a 
clock. There are various methods used for counting. For example, 
seconds can be counted in this way: Thousand 1 Thousand 2 
Thousand 3 . Or, if this may be too monotonous, try the following : 
1 chimpanzee, 2 chimpanzee, 3 chimpanzee, etc. There are excellent 
darkroom clocks with second hand dials for use in timing negatives on 
enlarging papers. 

The diaphragm stops on the enlarging lens can be more easily 
seen if a small white card is placed just below the lens in order to 
throw the reflection of the light back onto the lens. The card can be 
bent in such a way that the light will even be thrown around to one 
side of the special attachment ring in case it is used for adjusting the 
diaphragm stops. 

After the test strip has been exposed, place it in a developer and 
develop for a full time of iy 2 t 2 minutes in case of bromide papers. 
If the slow chloride contact paper is used, the developing time will 
probably be about one-half the time required for bromide paper. 
After the test strip has been fully developed, rinse it in the fixing 
bath for a few seconds and then turn on the white light and examine 
the exposures. The correct exposure can usually be determined very 
quickly. Now place a full size sheet of enlarging paper in the en- 
larging easel and snap on the light for the required length of time. 
Remove the paper and place it in the developing tray. After proper 
development, rinse the picture in the acetic acid short stop which is 
made up as follows : 

Acetic Acid (28%) 1 l /z oz. 48 cc 

Water 32 oz. 1000 cc 

From the short stop the print is placed in the acid fixing solution for 
about 15 minutes. See the next chapter on Printing Papers for in- 
formation about the acid fixing solution. 

153 



After the picture has been thoroughly fixed, it should be washed 
in a tray in running water for at least one hour before placing out to 
dry on blotters or in the special blotter roll which is now available. 

Estimating Print Density 

Some people have a very easy time turning out excellent prints which 
embody everything- that is known as quality. Others have a hard time 
making good prints. It is true that some people have a gift for such 
work, having the ability to put quality into their prints by instinct or intui- 
tion, but even the average person who lacks that spark should be able to 
turn out most satisfactory prints after once getting the feel of making 
them. 

Let's see what is involved in the process of producing a latent image 
upon a sensitized paper and subsequently converting that latent image 
into a real image in terms of black and white and the intermediate tones 
of these two colors. 

The emulsion of the paper coats the surface very similarly to that of 
a coat of paint* Paint consists of a vehicle, which is usually linseed oil 
or other more or less volatile substance, and tiny particles of pigments 
suspended in the vehicle. The emulsion of the sensitized paper consists 
of gelatine, the vehicle in which particles or grains of light-sensitive sil- 
ver bromide, chloride or a mixture of both are suspended. The emulsion 
has a thickness. This thickness may vary with the different types of 
papers. There are particles of sensitive silver salts that are near the 
upper surface of the emulsion and some that are joined to the surface 
of the paper. And there are particles of these salts scattered in between. 
When light strikes the surface of the paper, after passing through the 
negative, it strikes the sensitive silver salt grains. If little light reached 
the surface of the emulsion, only those silver grains become affected by it 
that are nearest the surface. The more light that reaches a certain point 
of the paper, the deeper it penetrates into the emulsion and the more par- 
ticles of silver salts are affected by it. Obviously a certain na|xamum 
amount of light must be admitted to the surface of the paper tC affect 
the lower layers of silver salts imbedded in the emulsion. 

After exposure, the latent image produced upon the emulsion of the 
paper must be developed through conversion of the silver salts into 
metallic silver grains. When the print is immersed in the developer its 
chemicals begin to react with the silver salts in the emulsion after the 
water of the developer softens the dry gelatine. The particles of developer 
gradually penetrate into the thickness of the emulsion until they reach 
all the way through it to the paper proper. Obviously a certain minimum 
of time must elapse between the time when the uppermost grains of silver 
are developed and the time when the lowermost grains are converted 
into silver. 

This is the reason for the requirement of paper to be developed for 
a minimum time before withdrawing it from the developing solution. In 
most instances that minimum time for bromide and chlorobromide is set 
at one and one-half minutes. That is the minimum time of development. 
If after the printing has been developed for one and a half minutes, and 
not less, it appears weak and flat, it apparently has been underexposed and 
more exposure should be given. If it appears to' be too dense it has been 
apparently overexposed and the subsequent exposure should be shortened. 

154 



Enlarging 

Longer development than the minimum of one and a half minutes is 
frequently indicated. Some prints acquire a certain tone quality through 
longer development. Thus it can be said that with certain developers 
for instance after a minute and a half development almost all details 
of the picture are available and the development is continued for another 
half minute with very little apparent change taking place in the print. 
But when finished and dry such print will have that quality and richness 
which we always look for. 

An excellent and frequently overlooked method of learning how to 
make good prints consists of making some prints on lantern slides or on 
positive cut film. The emulsion of lantern slides and positive cut film is 
similar to that of bromide papers. Lantern slides and transparencies made 
on positive cut film have a greater brilliance and greater latitude than 
bromide papers. This is only measurably true. Their emulsions being 
almost the same, the difference of quality results from the viewing method 
employed, slides being viewed by transmitted light while bromide prints 
are viewed by reflected light. This difference will become quite apparent 
when^one will visualize a cross-section of an emulsion similarly exposed. 
Bromide paper emulsion and lantern slide or transparency emulsions of a 
similar negative would show under great magnification that the densities 




Fig. 107 Reflections 



of the deposit of black silver grains are almost identical and they form 
terrace-like recesses or slopes ranging from blackness merely at the sur- 
face of the emulsion to total blackness of the entire thickness of the 
emulsion. It is easy to see that transmitted light penetrates through these 
layers of different degrees of blackness with a different intensity, thus 
forming degrees of intensity that can be likened to shades of gray. Light, 
however, that is reflected from a black surface backed with white paper 
can produce only a very limited range of tones of gray which would de- 
pend on the thickness of the black. 

Thus if one would use positive cut film or lantern slide stock instead 
of bromide or chlorobromide papers for enlargements or portions of en- 
largements one will begin to evaluate these differences of the thickness 
of silver deposits. Lantern slides or transparencies must be viewed by 
transmitted light. Viewing them in a developing tray will produce un- 
favorable, erroneous results. A transparency that may look fully devel- 
oped in the tray will look flat when viewed against a light box. And one 
that looks totally black in a developing tray will show excellent brilliance 
and contrast when viewed against an adequate light source. A dozen 
lantern slides or pieces of positive cut film would be an excellent invest- 
ment and one will get more information from such experiments than from 
a whole volume written on the subject. That is the only way to get the 
feel of the matter and it cannot be recommended strongly enough. Later 
on, after having made a number of prints in the form of transparencies 
one may adopt the same method for judging prints: when they are devel- 
oped according to a standardized method and fixed, view them against some 
strong source of white light, while wet, and if your print looks good that 
way, it certainly will be good when dry and finished. 

Prints should be wet when viewed through transmitted light, particu- 
larly those made on double-weight paper which may require a stronger 
source of light than those made on single-weight paper. 

Incidentally it should be remembered that lantern slides and cut film 
transparencies can be developed in the same developers which are used for 
developing of bromide or chlorobromide papers. 

Printing Control During Enlarging 

The enlarging of a negative permits much greater latitude in 
the actual printing control as compared to contact printing. During 
enlargement, it is possible to introduce soft focus lenses, special dif- 
fusion screens, and also use special paper masks or other means of 
dodging the picture during exposure. While contact printing permits 
very little variation in the finished print, a little shading is about all 
that can be done above the negative during exposure. 

Dodging may be necessary when printing a negative in which the 
sky is considerably overexposed while the foreground may be normal 
or even underexposed. The correct exposure is made for the fore- 
ground and then a cardboard is used to mask out the foreground while 
the sky is given a few additional seconds in order to bring out the 
clouds or to keep the sky from printing white. With a little practice 

156 



Enlarging 




Fig. 108 Tea Time 



Morgan Heiskell 



and ingenuity the operator can devise various methods of dodging or 
shading. For example, a large cardboard can be cut with a round 
hole through which the picture may be projected as required for 
bringing out certain effects in the print. Also, small cardboard 
discs can be attached to a thin wire when it is necessary to hold back 
certain portions of the picture during exposure. In case there is con- 
siderable dodging to be done on a print, the diaphragm on the enlarg- 
ing lens can be stopped down several stops more in order to give a 
longer working time. During the shading process, it is quite essential 
to keep the cardboard moving in order to prevent a sharp line from . 
appearing where different exposures are made. A little practise will 
eliminate this trouble. Many enlargements can be shaded simply by 
moving the hand below the enlarging lens and thus blocking out any 
part of the picture which may be necessary. 

Still other methods of control are possible by using a supple- 
mentary soft focus lens in front of the enlarging lens or a thin piece 
of tulle may be mounted in a holder and moved around just under the 
lens during the exposure. Also, special effects may be secured by 
placing screens directly over the enlarging paper. Sometimes these 

157 



screens are printed on glass plates in order to give a small space be- 
tween the screen and the paper and thus permit a slightly softer 
result. Still another method of obtaining special effects on the en- 
largement is by using a clear glass plate with fine sand sprinkled 
around the plate where the background of the picture is to be held 
back or diffused. For example, the backgrounds of portraits may be 
printed by this method. 

Although many people like to use these special methods of secur- 
ing certain results, the ideal way is to make the enlargement naturally 
without diffusion or the use of special screens which only give a false 
effect in an attempt to imitate etchings and lithographs. It is not 
necessary to make the original Leica negative through a diffusion lens. 
Once a sharp negative is available, it can be used for any purpose 
thereafter. 

Some enlargements may be greatly improved by skilfully using an 
ordinary flash light for overexposing certain areas, while the rest of the 
paper is covered. In doing this, the orange filter is moved over the lens 
of the enlarger in order to prevent exposure on the paper. However, the 
projected red image will guide you in flashing the light over the areas 
which are to be darkened. Thus a sky may be made almost black for spe- 
cial effects, or, the background of a portrait may be darkened or graded 
off. Still another method of using a flash light is for making a small 
narrow black margin around the printed picture while it is still in posi- 
tion in the enlarging easel. To do this, cut a sheet of cardboard slightly 
smaller than the final picture will be. This cardboard is placed over 
the sensitized paper in the enlarging easel. By moving the card into one 
corner there will be two sides left with a margin of possibly % or % 
of an inch. Slowly pass the flash light along this exposed margin. Then, 
push the card into the opposite corner and continue around the other two 
sides. When the paper is developed, the image as well as the black 
margin will appear on this same print. 

The Use of Photoflood Bulbs in the Enlarger 

With the introduction of the photoflood bulbs, it is now possible to use 
greater illumination in the Leica enlargers. With a photoflood bulb, the 
slow chloride contact papers can be used very successfully. As these 
papers require considerably longer exposure as compared to bromide papers, 
the photoflood illumination is perfect for making the exposures. Very 
dense negatives can likewise be used with the higher illumination available 
from photoflood bulbs. 

A rheostat or illumination control is recommended for use with the 
photoflood bulbs. Such controls are available at your photographic dealer. 
The Leitz Illumination Control is made for one photoflood bulb and contains 
-seven different stops for varying the intensity of the illumination. Also, 
there is another illumination control known as the Variac manufactured by 
the General Radio Company in Cambridge, Mass. The Variac Transformer 
can be used for delivering voltages between zero and 130 volts from the 
115 volt circuit. The Variac does not overheat if operated continuously 

158 



and this transformer will control any number of photoflood lamps tip to 
four. Such a method of controlling the photoflood bulb in the enlarger is 
ideal because it is not always necessary to have the bulb burning: at its 
brightest intensity for making- enlargements. By turning down the volt- 
age and using the bulb at less illumination, it is very easy to do all the 
focusing of the negative and thus prolong the life of the photoflood bulb as 
well. The Variac Transformer is designed for use on alternating current 
lines only. 

It should be noted that only photoflood bulbs especially designed for 
enlarging purposes should be used. Ordinary photofloods have the manu- 
facturer's emblem at the tip of the bulb which will cast an objectionable 
shadow upon the image. This emblem cannot be removed by ordinary 
methods. Special enlarger photofloods are made with the manufacturer's 
emMem placed along the bulb's neck. Subsequently a photo enlarger bulb 
made by the General Electric Co. frosted inside and out for better diffusion 
is known as the 200 watt, 105 to 120 volt photo enlarger bulb. 

Occasionally a photoflood bulb may break or crack in the enlarger. 
Therefore, it is a good plan to place a small square of clear glass over the 
movable condenser in order to prevent it from being scratched by a bulb 
which may possibly break. Also, a special ventilating ring is available for 
placing below the upper half of the lamp housing. This ventilating ring will 
keep the enlarger from overheating when the photoflood bulb is burned for 
any length of time for making the longer exposures. 

Frequently it is possible to make a number of interesting" pictures 
from one negative. In other words, a negative may contain two or three 
different compositions of special interest. Individual portraits can be 
selected from a group picture by greater enlargement of the negative. 
Naturally when negatives are to be enlarged to any considerable size, 
it is quite essential that they have fine grain development in their original 
processing. 

Reduction of Leica Negatives by Projection 

In the chapter on Making Leica Film and Glass Positives, there 
is special information about reducing Leica negatives, or, printing 
Leica negatives in natural size. Considerable interest may be created 
by preparing a series of Leica enlargements as well as a number of 
Leica reductions from the normal size of Leica negative. "When making 
the small prints, a 3, 6 or even 9cm Extension Tube may be placed be- 
tween the enlarger and the enlarging lens. In this way it is even pos- 
sible to reduce a Leica picture to 1/4 of an inch in diameter if neces- 
sary. Such small miniature pictures may be used for ring or locket 
settings as a novelty. 

Micro slides can be successfully enlarged by direct projection in 
one of the Leica Bnlargers. Many medical and professional workers 
will find this method of enlarging micro sections of special value for 
study and filing purposes. 

159 




Pig. 110 Gear Cutting 

Suminar 50mm lens, 5 seconds at f:12.5 
Perutz Persenso film 



I. Luckman 



Contact Printing 

It is also possible to make your "contact" prints by projection. 
Once the correct setting has been determined, the entire strip of film 
can easily be printed within a. few minutes after a few test strips have 
been made. With a little skill it is also possible to print all these 
test strips onto one large sheet of paper and then the entire sheet 
placed in the developer. This method is recommended for filing pur- 
poses especially. The individual prints can be numbered and the 
number of the roll as well as any other data may be placed at the top 
of the sheet of paper. If desired, a master negative 8^5 x 11 inches 
in size could be made for printing the numbers as well as the outlines 
of the picture spaces before the contact prints are made on the sensi- 
tized paper. For this purpose, a special enlarging easel can be con- 
structed with notches or guide lines and, the easel is thus moved 
from frame to frame as the prints are made. 

Actual contact printing is done by placing the Leica negative in direct 
contact with the sensitized photographic paper. The emulsion, or dull side 
of the negative, must face the emulsion side of the paper. In other words, 
contact printing is really natural size printing where the printed picture is 

160 



exactly the same size as the original negative. While working in the dark- 
room one may be doubtful about the emulsion side of the paper. A quick 
test can be made by touching the tongue at one corner of the paper. The 
side which feels slightly sticky is the emulsion side which is also slightly 
shiny. 

The most elementary way to make a contact print is to place a strip 
of photographic paper, emulsion side up, on a smooth surface. Then, place 
the negative face down on the paper and force complete contact by pressing 
a glass over both. This setting is naturally done under the usual darkroom 
safelight for paper. The white light is turned on for making the exposure 
on the contact print. The enlarger can also be used as a light source for 
this purpose very readily. In case the enlarger light is too strong, one or 
two sheets of tissue paper placed in the film plane of the enlarger may be 
used to soften the illumination. After exposure the paper is developed. 

However, most workers prefer a neat printer for making their contact 
prints. Such a printer can either be made or purchased. The Eldia, Eldur, 
and Laver Printers supplied by the Leitz Company can all be used for 
making paper contact prints as well as for contact printing on film or glass 
slides. The Willo strip printing frame made by Willoughby's or the Agfa 
printer can also be used for printing single frame and double frame 
negatives. 

The chapter on Printing Leica Positives gives detailed information 
about using the Eldia, Eldur and Laver Printers. These printers are also 
illustrated in that chapter. In the Eldia Printer, the paper can be wound 
around the spool with the negative. Then, the empty spool on the opposite 
side of the printer is turned so that the paper and film both advance at 
the same time. The exposures are made by turning on the enlarger light 
or any other strong source of illumination may be used. This same method 
of printing can likewise be used in the Laver Printer. The Eldur Printer 
and also the Glass Slide Printing Attachment for the Laver Printer can be 
fitted with a small metal pressure plate for use when making individual 
contact prints on 2 x 2 inch paper which has been previously cut for the 
purpose. 

A number of Leica users have even made a contact printer by taking 
two pieces of plate glass cut 5 foot strips and 35mm in width, or the exact 
size of the film. One side is hinged with tape. With this printer it is very 
easy to place a negative film in position and a strip of unexposed contact 
paper over the film. The two glass plates hold both in perfect contact 
during the exposure when the white light is turned on. Such a method 
is very rapid although it is necessary to make a normal estimate of the 
exposure for the entire strip or film. 

Single contact prints or paper strips containing 4 or 5 exposures can 
easily be developed in trays. However, when longer strips of 3 or 5 feet 
are to be developed, it is necessary to use a special developing tray with a 
roller weight at the bottom under which the paper strip is passed. During 
development, the paper strip is quickly passed back and forth through the 
developer in the tray. Such developing trays may be secured from your 
photographic dealer. These trays can also be used for developing film 
strips if special care is taken. WJien using the Azo 35mm perforated or 
unperforated paper which may be secured in 200 foot rolls, the developing 
time will be approximately 45 seconds, when using the D-72 Eastman 
Formula at a dilution of one part of developer to two parts of water. A 
different developer and time must naturally be given when developing nega- 
tive or positive films in this type of tray. 

Still another method of developing strip paper is by using the Correx 

161 



or Reelo Developing- Tanks. The paper is wound into the reels similar to 
the method used for inserting and developing film negative strips. When 
development is complete, the reel can be quickly immersed in a short stop 
solution for a few seconds and then placed in the fixing bath. If additional 
paper strips are to be made, the paper must be unwound from the reel, the 
reel and apron are then thoroughly washed in running water before using 
again for development. The exposed strip of paper should be left in the 
fixing solution for at least 10 minutes. 

The Agfa Ansco Company supplies the fast Brovira paper in perforated 
35mm width for contact printing. The Azo paper supplied by the Eastman 
Kodak Company as well as the Brovira paper may be secured in the 
various degrees of contrast. 

After the contact print has been made, the single prints can be 
mounted for quick reference for indexing purposes on individual 
cards or in a special photo album. Special mounting masks are avail- 
able for preparing the individual contact prints for filing. There is 
also the "Willoscope available for viewing single contact prints. This 
little device has a magnifier and also a place to hold the single contact 
print for viewing. This viewer also contains a space for the contact 
prints and at the same time it can be folded in a very small space and 
carried in the pocket. The method of printing or mounting the indivi- 
dual pictures on a sheet 8% x 11 inches in size may be of great value 
for filing purposes. In fact, contact prints could be used more gen- 
erally than they are, not only for filing purposes and keeping track of 
negatives, but also for making attractive contact print albums. Con- 
tact prints assembled according to subjects and special layouts with a 
few captions would certainly make an attractive album. It is sur- 
prising how much may be seen even in a small contact print. 




Mountain Scene 



Elmar 35mm I/SO f :5 Agfa Superpan, medium yellow filter. 



Ernst Schwarz 



162 






JERT M. LUDLAM CHAPTER 8 



The average user of a miniature camera is having relatively little 
culty in turning out negatives of reasonable quality. Exposure 
ers representing but a fraction of the first cost of the camera have 
linated the guess-work in negative making, particularly since 
iature negatives are developed uniformly for a given time at a 
d temperature. Nevertheless, the prints of most workers do not 
n. to satisfy them, and one is continually asked, "Why don't my 
its have lifer 9 

The answer is fundamental to miniature photography. In order 
>btain a minimum grain size, we are using developers of very low 
rer and are developing only to some point of compromise between 
mal contrast and the smallest grain. Photographers using larger 
atives develop in solutions of considerable power and carry de- 
>pment much further. Consequently, the contrast of their nega- 
s is considerably greater than that of ours. Years before the 
ent of miniature photography paper manufacturers recognized 

need for papers whose inherent contrast corrected for mistakes 
levelopment and began producing papers in several degrees of 
trast (soft, medium, hard, etc.). It was found that a negative 
a certain contrast had become the accepted standard and the 
mfacturers designated as normal, or medium, that paper which 
duced the most pleasing print from a negative of this quality. 
3e the formulas recommended by manufacturers in every paek- 

of paper are based on this average negative, we must consider 
negatives in the class which manufacturers call weak or flat nega- 
is and accordingly must use the contrasty formulas or papers 
)mmended for such negatives. 

Because of the misleading nature of the term normal or medium 
ipplied to papers, most workers in miniature photography believe 
b they should not have to use any other paper if their negatives 
e been correctly exposed and developed. Kather should the be- 
ner, if he must follow a hard and fast rule, consider the use of 

163 



papers of greater than normal contrast as being the standard with, 
miniature negatives. In those cases where the paper is furnished in 
only one grade the contrast formula recommended by the manufac- 
turer should be used. If this rule is followed, nine out of every 
ten negatives which at present are unsatisfactory will become valu- 
able additions to the tyro's file. 

* 

Choice of Paper Stocks and Surfaces 

Printing papers today are produced in so many surfaces that it 
would be impossible to give any comprehensive list. Different manu- 
facturers use widely differing designations for papers of very similar 
surfaces, so that the only satisfactory way of choosing some special 
surface is through an inspection of samples. If the prints are to be 
reproduced they should be made on glossy paper and ferrotyped 
unless the reproduction is to be considerably smaller than the original, 
in which case semi-matt papers are quite suitable. One of the most 
beautiful surfaces is obtained by using a matt or rough matt paper 
and waxing the finished print with a waxing solution obtainable in 
any photo supply house. 

The paper stocks most commonly used are white, cream and buff; 
the most common weights being the single weight, generally used for 
contact work, and the double weight or light card, usually associated 
with enlargements. Prints which are not to be mounted in albums 
or on regular mounts are much more satisfactory on double weight 
stock, while prints for mounting, particularly in albums, are best 
made on single weight stock. No hard and fast rule, however, can 
be attempted. "With, regard to the color of the stock itself, it should 
be remembered that black and white prints are not satisfactory on 
buff tinted mounts, nor are buff tinted stocks satisfactory on gray 
mounts; white, however, is satisfactory with almost any stock. 

Tone Gradation 

It is impossible to reproduce on paper every gradation of gray 
available in the negative. This holds true of contact printing as well 
as enlarging. Sensitized paper has a much shorter scale than nega- 
tive material. The reason for this is the fact that a picture is seen 
on paper by reflected light while a negative is examined by trans- 
mitted light. The white of the paper will not reflect more than 50 
per cent of the light falling on it while the blackest part of the print 
will still reflect at least 2 per cent of the light leaving a difference in 
tone of perhaps 25 to 1 as compared with 60 to 1 in the negative, since 
the densest part of a negative may only transmit one-sixtieth of 

164 



first learn to make excellent pictures with the fundamental process 
of photography. 

Generally the tone gradation scale is shortest in fast projection 
papers and is longest in slow papers. It is claimed that the longest 
scale range can be obtained in contact or so-called chloride papers. 
Contact papers are available in as many as six grades of contrast 
while projection papers only in two or three. Thus the choice of a 
proper degree of contrast in contact paper will enable one to obtain 
sometimes a better print on contact paper than on projection paper, 
provided a suitably strong light is available. Although I have my- 
self recommended the use of contrast grades of paper at the begin- 
ning of this chapter and again here, it must be remembered that this 
is only for beginners. Normal and soft grades of paper produce 
beautiful middle tones even in the contrast developers recommended 
by the makers. Contrast, hard, vigorous papers etc. have not as 
yet been perfected to the point where they can produce the full 
tone scale of a medium grade paper. The more advanced worker 
has found other means of building up the contrast, either in develop- 
ment of the negative or in later steps such as the enlarged negative 
processes. However the beginner will get very acceptable prints by 
following the simple process of using the contrast grades of paper or 
the contrast developers. 

Fast Projection Papers 

Fast projection papers are commonly known as bromide papers because 
silver bromide is the sensitive agent in their emulsions, in fact, the emulsion 
is very similar to that of slower plates and films. Most of these papers are 
made in several degrees of contrast as well as a variety of surfaces and 
stocks as mentioned above. Some idea of the papers commonly used, which 
fall in this class, can be obtained from the following list : 

Brovira produced by the Agf a~Ansco Company 
Velour Black Defender Company 

PMC Bromide Eastman Kodak Company 

Novabrom Gevaert Company 

Press Bromide Haloid Company 

Ilford Bromide Ilford Ltd. 



Wellington Bromide 



Wellington & Ward Ltd. 



Slow Projection Papers 

Slow projection papers are known as chloro-bromide papers because 
their emulsions are made up of both chloride and bromide of silver. Be- 
cause of the presence of silver bromide these papers are considerably faster 
than ordinary contact papers whose emulsion is made up entirely of silver 
chloride; they are therefore suitable for enlarging, the exposure in gen- 
eral being approximately four times that necessary for a regular bromide 
paper. The long range of tones which can be obtained with, these papers is 
making them very popular for portrait and pictorial work as is also their 

166 



Enlarging Papers 



moderate speed which makes them available both for direct enlargements 
and for contact prints from paper negatives. The papers most commonly 
used, which fall in this class, are as follows : 



produced by the Agfa-Ansco Company 

" " " Dassonville Company 

" " " Defender Company 

" " " Eastman Kodak Company 

tt cc tc <t it (( 

" " " Gevaert Company 

" " Haloid Company 

" " Ilford Ltd. 

Wellington & Ward Ltd. 



Indiatone 

Charcoal Black 

Veltura 

Illustrators' Special 

Vitava 

Gevalux 

Projecto 

Clorona 

Mezzotint 

Contact Papers 

Contact papers are often called chloride papers because they depend 
for their sensitivity on chloride of silver alone. Being very slow they were 
seldom used for enlargements until the development of the photo-flood lamp 
and its use in miniature enlargers. Proper selection of the contrast of the 
paper will reward the user with very pleasing results. There are so many 
contact papers available on the market today that any attempt to list them 
would be wholly inadequate. However, contact papers manufactured by the 
firms making the projection papers listed above are as follows: 



Convira 

Apex 

Azo & Velox 

Novagas 

Industro & Nomis 

SCP 



produced by the Agfa-Ansco Company 
" " " Defender Company 
" " " Eastman Kodak Company 
" " " Gevaert Company 
" " Haloid Company 
" " Wellington & Ward Ltd. 




Wickie and Suzanne 

Siaxnmar 50mm, f:6.3 Peromnia Film. 



Ed. Schaefer 



Development 

The following tables give the formulas recommended by the 
paper manufacturers for their papers most commonly used in en- 
larging. The formulas have been grouped in three classes, soft, 
medium and hard, but it should be remembered, however, that the 
hard formulas are the ones which should be used with papers pro- 
duced in only one degree of contrast as their natural contrast falls 
in the class of medium papers. 



SOFT PAPER DEVELOPERS 



Metol 80 

Sod. Sulphite 438 

Hydroquinone 24 

Sod. Carbonate 328 

Pot. Bromide 15 

Water to make 



NvBr 
Grains Grams 



5.7 
31.0 

1.7 
23.0 

1.1 



GVA 
Grains Grams 



29 
350 

42 

280 

14 



Avd. 32 Ounces 



2.1 
25.0 

3.0 
20.0 

1.0 



D64 
Grains Grams 



26 
185 



145 
19 



1.8 
13.0 

2.0 
10.0 

1.4 lH- 

Metric 1000 cc 



Artura 
Grains Grams 



23 

164 

20.5 
64 



1.6 
12.0 

1.5 
4.5 
0.8 



Novabrom really suggest using any mixture between their softest 
and hardest formulas to obtain the particular contrast required. 



NyBrMed 
Grains Gram 
48 3.4 
356 
40 
328 



15 



25.0 
2.9 

23.0 
1.1 



MEDIUM PAPER DEVELOPERS 

D7S Artura D52 Haloid V.B. 

Grains- Grams Grains Grams Grains Grams Grains Grams Grains Grams Grains Gram! 



Metol 


9 


0.6. 
9.3 
2.5 

14.0 
0.4 


13 1.0 
193 14.0 
32 2.3 
365 27.0 
4 0.3 
Avd. 32 Ounces 


12 

178 
41 
136 
6 


0.9 
13.0 
2.9 
10.0 
0.4 


11 0.8 
164 12.0 
45 3.2 
109 7.7 
11 0.8 
Metric 1000 


12 
176 
48 
176 
6 
cc 


0.9 
12.5 
3.4 
12.5 
0.4 


16 
164 
48 
273 
16 


1.1 
12.0 
3.4 
19.0 
1.1 


Sod. Sulphite 
"Hydroquinone . . . 
Sod. Carbonate.. 
Pot. Bromide 
Water to make 


, 131 
. 35 
, 197 
, 6 



Soft 

Agfa 

Grains Grams 



Med. 

Agfa 

Grains Grams 



NvBr 
Grains Grams 



Metol 

Sod. Sulphite .. 
Hx^lroquinone . . 
Sod. Carbonate 
Pot. Bromide . 
Water to make 



14 

219 

50 

278 
5 



1.0 
16.0 

3.6 
20.0 

0,4 



D64 
Grains Grains 



17 
274 

55 
383 
6 



Avd. 32 Ounces 



1.2 
19.0 

3.9 
27.0 

0.4 



16 
274 

56 
328 

15 



1.1 
19.0 

4.0 
23.0 

1.1 



13 
185 

66 
145 

19 



Metric 1000 cc 



1.0 

13.0 

4.7 

10.0 

1.4 



Wei. 
Grains Grams 

16 
560 



48 

560 

5 



l.l 
40.0 



3.4 

40.0 

0.4 



VIGOROUS PAPER DEVELOPERS 



GVA 

Grains Grams 
Metol .................. 21 1.5 

Sod. Sulphite .... ...... 350 25.0 

Hydroquinone ......... 80 5.7 

Sod. Carbonate ........ 525 37.0 

Pot. Bromide .......... 15 1.1 



DsV 

Grains Grams 

24 1.7 

328 23.0 

83 5.9 

219 15.0 

31 2.2 



D64 
Grains Grams 



. 
Avd. 32 Ounces 



Dn* 

Grains Grams 

13 1.0 14 1.0 

277 20.0 1094 80.0 

117 8.3 130 9.3 

217 15.0 360 25.0 

25 1.8 70 5.0 

Metric 1000 cc 



. 

Water to make 

*D11 is for positive film and is shown to indicate the high sulphite content required for fih 
processing as compared to paper. , *wuwsu lor nil 

NvBr-~Novabrom. GVA-Gevalux. V.B.-Velour Black. DsV.Dassonville. 

Several two-solution developers could be recommended for use 
with papers produced in only one degree of contrast. The purpose 
of separating the developer into two stock solutions is to permit the 
contrast of the developer to be altered by altering the proportion of 
the two stock solutions. It will be noticed in the previous tables that 
Eastman's D64 formula approximates the average in each contrast 
group. 



168 



Enlarging Papers 

To those workers who may object to a formula requiring two or 
three stock solutions, a universal developer formula is offered with 
the full confidence that it will prove invaluable as an all-round 
developer for everything except negative films. This formula is 
comparatively simple to prepare, keeps almost indefinitely, produces 
beautiful tones on almost any kind of paper, can be used successfully 
not only for contact papers and projection papers but also for lantern 
slides, positive films, transparencies, etc. This formula approximates 
Eastman's D52, which our table indicates as of medium contrast. 



Universal Developer 

Water (at 125 F) 

Metol 

Sod. Sulphite (dry) 

Hydroquinone 

* Sod. Carbonate (dry) 
Pot. Bromide 

Methyl Alcohol (wood alcohol) 
Cold Water to make 

* If Monohydrated Sod. 
Carbonate is used 



16 ounces 
75 grains 

2 l /2 ounces 
300 grains 

Z l /z ounces 
75 grains 

4% ounces 
32 ounces 



500 cc 

5 grams 
75 grams 
20 grams 
105 grams 
5 grams 
150 cc 
1 liter 



4 oz., 10 grains 120 grams 



Dissolve above chemicals in the order given. It will be found that the 
Hydroquinone and Carbonate will not dissolve completely until after the 
wood alcohol is added. It will be found helpful to mix the alcohol with an 
equal amount of cold water before adding- it to the solution. Add alcohol and 
water mixture slowly while stirring. The solution will gradually clear. 
Filter it into an amber glass bottle. It is ready to use as soon as cool. 

This developer works best at approximately 70 F. It should be diluted 
as follows: 

Stock Solution Water 

For Bromide papers, lantern slides, positive film, 

transparencies 1 part 6 parts 

For Chloro Bromide papers (slow projection) 1 part 4, 5 or 6 parts 

For Contact papers . 1 part 3 parts 

Many photographers like the rich blacks obtainable with an amidol 
formula such as the following: 



Amidol Developer 

Water 
Sulphite 
Amidol 
Pot. Br. 



32 oz. 
328 grains 
10-30 grains 
50 grains 



1 liter 
23.4 grams 
3.6 grams 
0.7 to 2.1 grams 



The chief difficulty with amidol is the staining of fingers and the necessity 
of preparing fresh developer each time it is used. The developer rapidly 
oxidizes with use, becoming discolored and unserviceable within an hour or 
so. The addition of 50 grains (3.5 grams) of Pot. Meta-bisulphite to the 
Sulphite solution when mixing the developer will considerably lengthen its 

169 



useful life, particularly if the sulphite and meta-bisulphite are boiled to- 
gether for several minutes. In using this developer, papers manufactured 
in several different contrasts must be used, inasmuch as little change can be 
effected by altering the developer. 

The staining of the fingers will not occur if the precaution of rinsing 
the fingers every time they have been in solution is observed. This should be 
done in all developing to avoid carrying back into the developer the oxidized 
solution left on the fingers. 

Altering Developers 

The amount of bromide given in the stock solutions is the mini- 
mum amount required to keep the highlights clear; it may be in- 
creased from this point, increasing the warmth of tone, up to the 
degree of warmth manifested in an olive brown tone. The maximum 
is about 40 to 50 grams per 32 ounces of ready to use developer. 

Aside from modifying the bromide content of developers, varia- 
tions can be obtained by adjusting the proportion of metol, hydro- 
quinone and carbonate in any MQ developer. For instance, to gain 
additional contrast, the Hydroquinone, Potassium Bromide and Car- 
bonate can be increased in equal proportion. The increase in bro- 
mide is necessary to prevent too vigorous action and will not appre- 
ciably alter the color of the print, the additional carbonate offsetting 
this tendency as well as increasing the developing action. For softer 
results the metol can be increased considerably if the hydroquinone 
is decreased proportionately and, if extreme softness is required, the 
carbonate can also be decreased. Decreasing the carbonate slows up 
development and gives olive tones, whereas increasing the carbonate 
increases the speed of development and gives very black tones. 

So much for developers. Each package of paper and every maga- 
zine offers some variation of the foregoing with sufficient instructions 
to cover their preparation and use. Because of the complex nature 
of the developing process and the uncertainty of results, if different 
developers are used, it is advisable for the beginner to definitely 
choose one formula and stick to it until he has learned to produce 
consistently satisfactory results with it, making only such modifica- 
tions as seem necessary to obtain greater or less contrast or colder 
or warmer tones. 

Exposure 

This brings us to the most difficult problem of all, determining 
the correct exposure for the print. 

It should be borne in mind that the final print density is the 
result of both exposure and development, thus if a- test were made 
and the test strip developed for say two minutes, the subsequently 
correctly exposed print should also be developed for two minutes. 

170 



Enlarging Papers 

However, having determined the exposure by these means, it is 
still necessary to make one or more tests before the final exposure will 
be decided upon. Most of us in making test prints attempt to conserve 
our paper by using a small strip, and find it extremely difficult to 
decide from an inspection of the strip whether or not the exposure 
really was correct. It has been my experience that if the test in- 
cludes the whole picture it could be extremely small (same size as 
the negative) and still a very good estimate of the necessary varia- 
tion from the exposure given could be made; far better than from a 
test strip the same size or larger comprising but a small portion of 
an 8 x 10 enlargement. 

Therefore, I prefer to make my test prints 2x3 inches in size 
using the entire negative. Prom this slight enlargement (2x) a 
quite critical examination can be made in bright light after the 
print has fixed for a minute or two. Not only can the correct ex- 
posure be determined but the picture itself can be studied. By cut- 
ting an 8x10 sheet into four -strips each two inches wide a total of 
twelve 2x3 test prints can be made with very little waste of paper. 

All tests for an evening 7 s work are made at one time and a 
record of the correct exposures kept. Sufficient fresh developer must 
be used so that it will not deteriorate appreciably. The correct 
exposure for the final print is then determined by multiplying the 
correct exposure for the test print by the necessary factor to com- 
pensate for the increased enlargement, as given in the table below : 



Exposure Factors at Various Magnifications 

Size of Enlarged MULTIPLYING FACTOR 


Image of Full Negative 


if original test print was: 


(Neg. 1x1% in.) 


1x1% in. 


2x3 in. 


#JL% in. 


1x1% inches 


I 


% 


14 


2x3 


2 


1 


% 


3x4% 


4 


2 


1 


4x6 


6 


3 


1% 


5x7% 


9 


4 


2 


6x9 


12 


5 


3 


7x10% 


16 


7 


4 


8x12 


20 


9 


5 


9x13% 


25 


11 


6 


10x15 


30 


13 


7% 


11x16% 


36 


16 


9 


12x18 * 


42 


19 


10 


13x19% 


49 


22 


12 


14x21 


56 


25 


14 


15x22% 


64 


28 


16 



171 



Another table which proved very helpful is that of squares of 
certain basic stop values: 

f: Values: 1.9 2*2 3.2 3.5 4.5 5.6 6.3 8 9 12.5 18 25 

f : Values 

Squared: 3.6 4.8 10.2 12.2 20.3 31.4 39.7 64 81 156 324 625 

RATIO OF EXPOSURE: FIRST STOP USED TO PROPOSED STOP. 



First Stop 


Used f 


. 


Proposed Stop f: 




1.9 


2.2 


3.2 


3.5 


4.5 


5.6 


6.3 


8 


9 


12.5 


18 25 


1.9 


1 


1 


3 


3 


6 


8 


11 


18 


22 


40 


90 170 


3.5 


1/3 


1/2 


1 


1 


2 


3 


3 


5 


7 


13 


30 50 


6.3 


1/10 


1/10 


1/4 


1/4 


1/2 


3/4 


1 


2 


2 


4 


8 16 


12.5 


1/40 


1/30 


1/15 


1/10 


1/8 


1/5 


1/4 


1/2 


1/2 


1 


2 4 


18 


1/100 


1/70 


1/30 


1/30 


1/15 


1/10 


1/8 


1/5 


1/4 


1/2 


1 2 


25 


1/200 


1/100 


1/60 


1/50 


1/30 


1/20 


1/15 


1/10 


1/8 


1/4 


1/2 1 



A few examples I believe will suffice to show the use of these 
tables. 

First, supposing we have made a test print using the full nega- 
tive enlarging it to 3x4% inches. The correct exposure was 10 
seconds at f :6.3. Our final enlargement is to be 11x14 losing only 
a small portion of the negative at each end; i.e., the enlarged image 
on the easel would measure 11x16% inches from a 1x1*4 inch nega- 
tive but we will use only an area 11x14 in size. 

Consulting our first table we find that the exposure should be 
9 times that required for one test print or 90 seconds. 

Consulting the second table we find that if an exposure at f :4.5 
is made it need be only % that at f :6.3, so we can open our lens to 
f :4J5 and expose 45 seconds. 

Similarly if we have made an exposure of 30 seconds at f :6.3 
and we wish to double the exposure without increasing the time, we 
find from the second table that f :4.5 requires % the exposure of 
f:6.3, so we open to f :4.5 and use the 30 second exposure, getting 
the same result as 60 seconds at f :6.3 would give. 

One other problem frequently occurring is that when we have 
made an excellent print 8x10 in size we wish to repeat it on 11x14 
without wasting paper. 

Consulting our first table we find that an 8x12 print requires 
20 times the exposure of a 1x1% and that an 11x16% requires 36 
times the exposure of a 1x1%. The 11x16% inch print would then 
require 36/20 or 9/5 the time required for the 8x12. An exposure 
double the exposure given the 8x12 would be close enough. This 
ratio will hold true regardless of the amount of the negative used 
providing the larger print includes the same proportion of the 
negative as the smaller print did. 

172 




Ruth Henry M. Lester 

Elmar 90mm lens, % second at f:6.3. J)u Pont Superior Film, 2 Pbotofloods 



173 



Comparative Speed of Yarious Projection Papers 

Another bit of information which each worker must determine 
for himself, but which is invaluable, is the relative exposure required 
for each brand of paper as compared with any others he may use. 
This is particularly desirable if expensive papers are being used, all 
preliminary work being done on the less expensive paper and the 
final print being made at considerable saving. 

Figures opposite each paper stand for UNITS of Exposure Time. 

(UNITS: seconds, minutes or counts.) 

These data are approximate only and should be used with caution as 
papers vary greatly in their sensitivity to light: 

Agfa Brovira Gevaert Novabrom 

Soft 1 Vigorous 7 

Medium l 1 ^ Normal 3 

Hard 3 Extra Vigorous 8 

Extra Hard 6 Gevaert Gevalux 15 

Dassonville 1% Eastman Kodak 

Defender Velour P.M.C. Normal 1 

Black Soft 2 Medium 2 

" Medium 3 Contrast 3 

" " Hard 5 News Bromide Soft 1 

" Hard 6 Medium .. 1% 

Veltura 25 Contrast.. 2% 

Gevaert Novabrom Vitava Projection 10 

Extra Soft 2 Illustrators' Special 20 

Soft 2% Vitava Opal 20 

It should be borne in mind that there is a definite relationship 
between the exposure time given a print and the time of develop- 
ment required to bring out as many details of the negative as possible. 
Most of the developers used for papers are so compounded as' to 
produce a fully developed image in one and a half to two minutes. 
Prints developed for less than that will not show all details, while 
those developed for longer are apt to appear flat. However, just as 
in the case of negatives, a certain amount of latitude is available in 
some papers, permitting longer exposures and shorter development 
or shorter exposures with longer development. This latitude will 
enable the worker, with skillful handling, to obtain a variety of 
results from one paper. If the negative is very dense and contrasty, 
a softer print with more details will result from longer exposure 

174 



Enlarging Papers 

and shorter development, while a soft and flat negative will yield a 
snappier print with underexposure and longer development. 

Definite knowledge of how to obtain these results must be left 
to the worker himself, who will fully succeed in the proper control 
of Ms paper and developer provided lie will select one paper, one 
developer and learn all there is to know about both. 

Short Stop 

After the print has been fully developed it should be immersed for a 
few seconds (from 5 to 10) in a so-called short-stop bath. This bath is 
indicated for two reasons. It instantly stops the developing- processes of the 
print, and it neutralizes the alkalinity of the developer, preventing the 
carrying over of traces of developer into the acid hypo fixing bath. This 
neutralizing action of the short-stop bath is important because it imparts 
longer life to the acid hypo fixing bath and a more uniform action of 
same. If this acid rinse bath is used, the fixing bath will fix out almost 
twice as many prints as it would if no short-stop bath were used. 
One quart (one liter) of the short-stop bath will process about twenty 
8 x 10 prints or their equivalent of smaller prints. Properly prepared, an 
acid fixing bath (one quart) will fix out approximately thirty 8 x 10 prints 
or their equivalent in other sizes if the short-stop bath is used between 
development and fixation or about one-half that number of prints if only 
an ordinary water rinse is used. 

A short-stop bath is prepared by diluting one and a half ounces of 
acetic acid (28%) with 32 ounces of water (or 48cc to one liter of water). 
If 28% of acetic acid is not available same may be prepared from glacial 
acetic acid (a much more economical way) by diluting three parts of glacial 
acetic acid with eight parts of water. It should be remembered that only 
a short rinse in this short-stop bath is required (from five to ten seconds) 
while longer immersion (one minute or more) will degrade the tones of 
most enlarging paper, will cause blisters and general disintegration of the 
emulsion of the print. 

Fixing 

Fixation is of utmost importance, as upon its thoroughness depends in 
a large measure the permanence of the photographic print. Preparation of 
an acid fixing bath should be done as carefully as that of development. 
Fixation is generally complete within ten to fifteen minutes, provided every 
surface of the print has full access to the bath and that the prints do not 
stick together. The prints are best kept moving in the fixing bath. 

There are three ways of preparing an acid fixing bath: First, for the 
workers who do not turn out great quantities of prints a very satisfactory 
way of preparing hypo is by purchasing ready put up packages of powders, 
which contain all necessary ingredients, and follow instructions on each box. 

Second, for those who do more work and like to prepare their own, 
the following formula is most satisfactory and generally used: 



Water 64 ounces 2 liters 

Hypo 16 " 480 grams 



175 



When thoroughly dissolved, add the entire quantity of the following: 

Hardening- Solution Separately Prepared 
Water (at about 125 F.) 5 ounces 160 cc 
Sodium Sulphite (dry) 1 ounce 30 grains 

Acetic Acid (28%) 3 ounces 96 cc 

Potassium Alum 1 ounce 30 grams 

Dissolve the sulphite completely before adding the acetic acid. After 
the sulphite-acid solution has been mixed thoroughly, add the potassium 
alum with constant stirring. When the alum is dissolved entirely, harden- 
ing solution should be cooled after mixing and slowly added to the cool 
hypo solution while stirring the latter rapidly. 

The third method, for those who require large quantities of hypo to be 
kept for considerable time, is to prepare an acid fixing bath by dissolving 
two pounds of hypo in a gallon of water and keeping it in a well stoppered 
bottle. Separately a stock hardener solution is prepared as follows: 
Water (at about 125 F.) 56 ounces 1700 cc 
Sodium Sulphite (dry) 8 " 240 grams 

Acetic Acid (28%) 24 " 750 cc 

Potassium Alum 8 " 240 grams 

Cold water to make 1 gallon 4 liters 

Dissolve the chemicals in the order given, following instructions 
given for formula above. 

The fixing bath is quickly made by adding one part of this stock hard- 
ener to four parts of cool hypo solution. 

Finally, a very effective and economical method of securing hypo for 
prints is to provide a large bottle and to pour into it all the hypo that has 
been used once and not more than twice for fixing of negatives. Such 
hypo is good enough for prints and makes it more practical to use fresh 
hypo for every film treated. 

It would seem unnecessary to warn against the use of old worn out 
baths, but somehow everybody seems to do it. Hypo, Acetic Acid, Alum 
and Sodium Sulphite are cheap (even the water hasn't been so highly taxed 
as some things as yet). Your time and effort in getting a print as you want 
it are valued at your own price; a worn out bath can stain every print and 
you won't know it until you turn the bright lights on. Don't take the 
chance! Another suggestion, thirty seconds devoted to moving each print 
about in the hypo when first brought over will insure even fixing and prevent 
unaccountable rings, and other marks from appearing during any later 
treatment. One more, when a bath becomes milky, either through use or 
old age, throw it away. 

Washing 

Having brought a print to this point with success, one looks for- 
ward to the prideful joy he will experience when showing it to friends 
and then tosses it into a tray of water into which a dozen other prints 
will be similarly tossed before the first is removed, supposedly com- 
pletely washed. "With the water running full force a print cannoi 
be thoroughly free of hypo if other prints have been continually 
brought over from the hypo bath. Washing should continue for 
at least a full hour after the last print has been brought over, 
preferably rinsing each print as it is taken from the hypo, "Washing; 

176 



Enlarging Papers 

cannot be stressed enough if permanency is desired, as any trace of 
cliemical left in the paper will discolor or fade the print, perhaps 
not in the first six months, but a well washed print will last for years. 
Thoroughness of washing after fixing is just as important as 
every other step in preparing a good print. A print insufficiently 
washed will deteriorate just as a print insufficiently fixed. Tin* 
water used for washing prints should not be colder than 65 nor 
warmer than 75 to 80. "Washing should be complete in an hour's 
time if the prints are moved about and the water constantly changed. 
The Eastman Kodak Company makes and sells an excellent tray 
syphon which if used in accordance with instructions accompanying 
it, makes a most ideal aid for thorough washing of prints. This device 
is easily attached and is absolutely fool-proof and safe in its operation. 

Hypo Test 

It is highly advisable to apply a very simple hypo test to be sure that the 
prints are completed washed. 

The following Hypo Test Solution is recommended by the East- 
man Kodak Company and is known as Formula HT-la: 

Avoirdupois Metric 

Potassium Permanganate 4 grains 0.3 gram 

Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda) ... 8 grains 0.6 gram 

Water (distilled) to make 8 ounces 250.0 cc. 

To make the test, take 4 ounces (125cc.) of distilled water in a 
clear glass and add % dram (Ice.) of the permanganate-caustic 
soda solution. Pour % ounce (15cc.) of this diluted solution into 
a clean 1-ounce graduate. Then take six 4" x 5" prints or their 
equivalent from the wash water and allow the water from them 
to drip for 30 seconds into the % ounce of test solution. If a 
small percentage of hypo is present the violet color will turn 
orange in about 30 seconds and become colorless in about one 
minute. In such case the prints should be further washed until 
no color change is produced by the test which proves that the 
hypo has been eliminated. 

Drying 

Drying the print offers very little difficulty if a few points are 
remembered. Curling is due to uneven drying more than anything 
else. If the surface water is not wiped oif , it will collect in pools 
leaving, at times, dents in the print which, when finally dried out, 
shows strain marks in the gelatin. A print carefully wiped dry with 
a viscose sponge and then dried on cheese cloth, face down, will 
have so little curl as to flatten of its own accord when filed away. 
Even when dried face up on a blotter, the curl is not objectionable. 
The Eastman Kodak Company produce a print drying roll con- 

177 



sisting of a long length of corrugated paper together with two similar 
lengths of blotting paper, the one faced with a specially prepared 
cloth to prevent sticking to the face of the print. The two lengths 
of blotting paper and the corrugated paper are rolled over a card- 
board tube, forming a roll approximately 10" in diameter. Prints to 
be dried are laid between the blotters facing the cloth. The roll 
may be placed before a fan or left standing. When the prints are 
dry they will be found to have a backward curl, quickly becoming 
flat when removed. 

Ferrotyping 

There are two types of tins available for f errotyping prints requiring 
high gloss finish. The least expensive are black enamel tins. Slightly 
more expensive but very practical are chromium plated tins. Either type 
will produce excellent results indefinitely if they are well cared for. They 
scratch easily and should be protected from rough handling, grit and dirt 
They should be carefully washed with a wet chamois or viscose sponge 
directly after use. When stored they should be interlined with line paper or 
wax paper, placed face to face. Do not allow your chemicals or solutions 
to remain on your ferrotyping tins for any length of time as they will eat 
into the enamel eventually causing blisters and corrosion, thus rendering the 
tins useless. 

Ferrotyping to produce really glossy prints is not a difficult matter if 
a few precautions are followed. Glass, coated with paraffin or beeswax has 
been suggested from time to time but is never really successful. Ferrotype 
tins are too cheap to consider such substitutes. The tin must be thoroughly 
cleaned with a soft cloth and a few drops of benzene or hot water every 
time any particle is noticed to be adhering from the last prints. The tin 
should then be lubricated with a solution of paraffin in benzene (10 grains 
of paraffin to 1 oz. of benzene, 1 gram to 50cc). A few drops of this solu- 
tion rubbed evenly over the tin and then polished gently with a soft cloth 
is sufficient; this need not be repeated unless it becomes necessary to clean 
the tin with hot water or benzene to remove particles stuck to the tin. 
Normally it suffices to polish the tin with a soft cloth each time it is used. 
Only glossy paper, specially coated for ferrotyping during manufacture, 
should be used. The print should be brought from the wash water, rinsed 
under the tap, and without draining laid face down on the tin and squeezed 
dry. Too much pressure may cause the prints to stick; not enough, and they 
will not get good contact with the tin and will have an uneven gloss. Little 
difficulty, however, will be experienced as the latitude is considerable. The 
tins are then set aside to dry in any warm spot with a current of air, such 
as a window. Drying should take several hours at least; artificial heating 
is not good, causing sticking and uneven drying which leaves strain marks. 
If, on the other hand the prints are left in a damp place, or sufficient air 
is not allowed around them, such as setting one tin next to another 
separated by only a fraction of an inch, the drying will proceed from the 
edges in and a ring shaped strain mark will develop. When dry, the prints 
fall off of their own accord or will peel off readily if a corner is loosened 
with a knife. Brown stains sometimes appear on the surface of ferrotvped 

178 



Enlarging Papers 

prints, due to insufficient rinsing of the print or the tin. A damp cloth will 
wipe this dirt away without affecting the gloss. Insufficient washing will 
leave hypo in the print which turns yellow and cannot be remedied. Grains 
of dirt or bits of gelatine stuck to the tin produce little holes in the print 
which cannot be remedied. Ferrotyping on glass produces a waxy looking 
surface which is anything but desirable. Cleaning with benzene, soaking 
and referrotyping on a tin will produce excellent results. 

Toning 

There are two relatively simple methods of sepia toning depending 
for their action on the conversion of the silver image to silver sulphide. 
By bleaching the regular bromide print in a solution of Potassium Ferri- 
cyanide and then redeveloping the bleached image in Sodium Sulphide 
very excellent sepia tones may be obtained. The bleaching solution will 
keep indefinitely and is as follows: 

Water (cold) 32 ounces I liter 

Pot. Ferricyanide 200 grains 14 grams 

Pot. Bromide 200 grains 14 grams 

Liquid Ammonia 20 drops 20 drops 

When prints have been fixed, wash thoroughly to remove any trace of 
hypo; prints on rough surface papers should be thoroughly dried before 
bleaching, others may be bleached without intermediate drying. Bleach 
until the image is but faintly visible. Wash all the yellow stain away under 
the tap and redevelop in the following: 

Water 32 ounces 1 liter 

Sodium Sulphide 200 grains 14 grams 

Redevelopment takes but a minute, after which the print should be thor- 
oughly washed and dried. To obtain Brown-Black tones do not bleach com- 
pletely. Dilute the bleaching bath 5 to 1 to facilitate even bleaching and 
rinse off when the image is about half bleached. 

The second method depends on the action of alum on hypo to form the 
sulphide. The bath is made up as follows: 

Water 32 ounces 1 liter 

Hypo 4 ounces 100 grams 

Alum 1 ounce 30 grams 

The above solution is milky in appearance and should not be filtered, but 
before use it must be ripened to avoid bleaching the prints. Toning is done 
between 90 and 115 F. taking from 30 to 60 minutes. 

The bath may be ripened by toning three or four old discarded prints 
or by the addition of the following: 

Silver Nitrate 8 grains 0.5 grams 

Common Salt 8 grains 0.5 grams 

Water 2 l / 4 ounces 70 cc 

Toning may also be carried out in the cold solution, taking from 6 to 
24 hours. An excellent plan is to keep a bath in the dark room at all times 
and tone all discarded prints as well as those which it is purposely planned 
to tone. By using the cold solution the process is fool proof, toning being 
even throughout the print if it is first moved about to insure even wetting. 
The prints may be left in the bath almost indefinitely without harm. By 
toning discarded prints, many unusual things will be discovered. 

Those prints which it is planned to tone should be printed slightly 
darker than is desired as the toned print is several shades lighter than the 

179 



black and white original. If the hypo alum bath is not ripened the first 
few prints will lose their delicate details. 

There are numerous other methods of toning to obtain different colors, 
but their use is not recommended to the beginner. Many manufacturers 
issue pamphlets, obtainable through their dealers, describing these processes. 

Spotting 

Miniature camera work requires great care and cleanliness in 
every step of the process, including the storing of the negatives and 
their handling during inspection or use. However, no matter how 
much care is exercised, prints will show occasional dust spots and 
more rarely, dark spots, due to pin holes or minute scratchings in 
the film. The removal of the latter is difficult, being impossible on 
glossy prints and requiring very delicate use of the retouching 
knife on matt and semi-matt prints. Spotting the former is not so 
difficult with a little experience. 

The hardest part of spotting prints is to find a pencil, crayon 
or paint which will match, the print not only in color but also in 
gloss. Pencils are effective only on a matt or rough, surface where 
the slight gloss of a pencil closely matches that of the paper. For 
most papers with matt surfaces, the carbon type pencils, which have 
almost no gloss at all, are very satisfactory. On the semi-matt papers 
ordinary soft retouching pencils are often quite satisfactory. For 
sepia toned prints on semi-matt surfaces, sepia crayons can be used. 
Fine spotting brushes with Chinese India Ink are very satisfactory 
if the tones of the print are real black, such, as obtained from con- 
tact paper when very little bromide has been used in the developer. 

For really good results on all kinds of papers, a medium such as 
paint which is flexible both as to color and gloss is necessary. The, 
one drawback to paint, however, is the fact that for single prints 
or even to spot less than say half a dozen prints at one time, it is 
necessary to go to considerable bother in preparation. Some spotting 
colors are available on glazed paper cards but the most satisfactory 
method is to obtain artist's water colors, coming in tiny trays. Three 
colors are really necessary, lamp black dull, blue black dull, and 
burnt sienna slightly glossy. For mixture with the above to obtain 
the necessary gloss a tube of Talen's blackish and another of Talen's 
brownish should be obtained. The total cost of the above, together 
with a good spotting brush, would be about two dollars and would 
last for many years. 

Using a small bit of opal glass for a palette, carry a bit of the 
dull color on your wet finger to the glass. To this should be added 

180 





Willett 



Albert Simmons 
181 



some of the glossy color, until, as mixed with the finger on the glass, 
the color appears to be slightly more glossy than the print. Some 
experimenting will be necessary before the right sheen can be recog- 
nized, but it should always be remembered that the dull paints have 
less sheen than has the roughest matt paper, with the possible excep- 
tion of such special finishes as Gevalux. Moisten the brush with a 
turning motion in a drop of water on the palette, wiping off any 
excess water with the same turning motion on a bit of photographic 
blotter, still turning the brush in the same direction, take up a bit 
of the mixed color and apply to the print in very small dots. Do 
not attempt to finish the job in one operation, keep the dots separated, 
letting them dry while working on a different portion of the print 
and then coming back, several times if necessary, to fill in the spaces 
between the dots. If the brush is not too wet and if the minimum 
amount of water has been used in mixing the colors, it will be found 
that by very light strokes nice even dots can be made which will 
not smear or vary appreciably in color when dry. The smallest pin 
holes appearing in a print usually require about three of these fine 
dots to be properly concealed. If it is attempted to put one large dot 
in these holes, the paint will dry in a little lump which will usually 
rub off after it has dried. In using an etching knife to remove dark 
spots, such as are caused by pin holes in the negative, it will usually 
be found most successful to carry the operation a shade beyond the 
adjoining tones, spotting with the proper color so as to obtain the 
right gloss, since on glossy prints any knife work leaves a matt 
surface and on matt prints knife work leaves a semi-gloss surface. 

Another method of spotting matt prints, particularly suitable 
for portrait work, or where large areas are to be covered, such as 
working in backgrounds or clouds, is the use of chalks. These can 
be obtained in blocks from artists ' supply stores or can be prepared at 
home from the filing obtained when sandpapering retouching pencils 
to a fine point. The only things which must then be bought are 
stumps and pumice powder (used by draughtsmen on tracing cloth 
for making the ink hold and obtainable from most artists' supply 
stores). Excellent stumps can be made at home after a little practice 
by rolling lengths of paper on a diagonal so as to obtain different 
sized points. However, soft chamois and paper stumps cost little. 

The print is first rubbed lightly with pumice to eliminate any 
possible grease and the chalk, mixed with a little pumice, is then 
rubbed on and worked with a stump to the necessary shade. For 

182 



Enlarging Papers 

large areas, such as working in backgrounds or clouds, a ball of 
cotton dipped into the mixture of pumice and chalk is used to cover 
the area, the larger stumps then being used to work in the shading 
and detail. In working in backgrounds a soft eraser can be used to 
break the outline in long slanting strokes, a soft bit of clean cotton 
then being used to soften the edges of the breaks and smooth out the 
outlines. Some experimenting and a considerable study of studio 
portraits will be necessary before really good work of this sort can 
be done. To fix the chalk to avoid rubbing, etc., provide a large tray 
of water. The tray should be considerably larger than the print and 
should contain about 2 inches of water, more if possible. Holding 
the print by both ends, give it a considerable curve and in one move- 
ment draw it into the water, to the bottom of the tray and out at 
the other end of the tray. Allow the water to drain off one end and 
without shifting the position of the print hang it up to dry. Streaks 
will appear if the movement of the print through the water is jerky 
or if the print is moved around while the water is draining off. 

When Matte and Semi Matte Papers are used a light coating of 
wax often lends a beautiful luster to the print. "Waxing prepara- 
tions may be obtained from your dealer. In applying them it is best 
to use a small pad of cheesecloth to apply a little wax over the entire 
print, then quickly rubbing off the excess with a clean cloth. Some 
preparations require considerable time to dry; others can be handled 
within an hour. The bottle should give all necessary information. 

Presentation of the Finished Prints 

One phase of photography which is almost totally ignored by 
the average worker, is the presentation of his print. Not that the 
frame is required to appreciate the beauty of a picture, but it does 
help considerably. The average album of snapshots is undoubtedly 
the best illustration of the worst method of presenting prints. If the 
prints are to be mounted in albums, considerable thought should be 
given to the size of the prints, the widths of their borders, and the 
color of the stock in comparison with the size and color of the album. 
Prints in black and white do not show up effectively on buff or ivory 
stock nor are they as effective in an album the pages of which are of 
buff or have a brown tone. They should be mounted, preferably, 
on white or gray. Similarly, buff prints or sepias look their best 
against the background having brown or buff tones. The mounting 
of the prints in, the album should be tasteful rather than convenient. 
The use of tissue, black, brown or white, under the print and showing 

183 



a narrow edge, is very effective. After some experience, the amateur 
with a taste for modern contrasts will learn to use tissues of such 
striking colors as red or blue. 

For prints to be shown separately, mountings on heavy stock 
are to be recommended. The simplicity and taste which is shown in 
the choice of the stock and the method of mounting will be the key- 
note of its success, yet it is a relatively simple matter to prepare 
such mountings. 

Embossing Prints 

The simplest of all is the embossed print. For this, it is neces- 
sary to carefully plan the print so that no trimming of the picture 
is necessary. Sufficient border is left to properly frame the finished 
picture, somewhat more at the bottom than at the top and sides. A 
piece of card is then chosen, about the same thickness as the stock 
or slightly thicker; this is trimmed the same shape as the picture 
but a trifle larger. If a heavy glass plate is available a light is 
placed under it, the card just trimmed laid on that and the picture 
placed face down over the card and adjusted to leave an equal border 
around the pieturd. With an embossing tool, the back of a tooth 
brush or knife handle, the stock is rubbed equally all around the 
edge of the card, causing the picture area, when viewed from, the 
face, to be sunk behind the border. Many variations will suggest 
themselves to the imagination, such as beadings, double borders, etc. 
The print thus embossed may then be trimmed to equalize the borders. 
The edges may be roughened by laying the print on the table with 
the edge out to the table edge and scraping with a sharp knife. 

In cutting the card so as to make window mounts, cut from the 
back and against a hard surface so as to leave a smooth edge. To 
cut on an angle, lay a steel or other thin ruler under the knife, hold- 
ing the knife firmly and keeping the blade of the knife and the nail 
of the index finger firmly against the guide thus maintaining a con- 
stant angle. 

The final step in mounting, particularly for Christmas cards, is 
the book or folder. The print may simply be placed in the folder, 
or a card mount nicely embossed, or again a window mount may be 
prepared and the whole placed in the folder. The folder preferably 
should be of lighter material than the card used as a mount in the 
last two cases, although like everything else, this is really a matter 
of taste and individuality. A tissue paper fly leaf may or may not 
be inserted. The cover may have some design embossed into it or 

1QA 



Enlarging Papers 

may be printed with a linoleum or wood block. Any number of 
variations suggest themselves and much pleasure will be derived from 
making individual mounts. 

One word about pasting. Library paste, homemade paste and 
any glue will do the job. Some contain products which will injure a 
photograph, but most are quite satisfactory. However, for a neat 
and convenient, as well as reliable job, nothing is as satisfactory as 
dry mounting tissue. A hand iron, kept nicely warm, or if of the 
automatic type, set at a low heat, is just right for mounting pictures 
up to 11" by 14" and the thinnest mounts will lie flat. 

Eubber cement is probably the best and the cleanest mountant. 
It should be spread with a large brush over both the mount and the 
print and allowed to dry for more than a half hour. The print 
must then be carefully adjusted to guide marks previously made on 
the mount, for once placed it will be impossible to move the print. 
Any excess cement around the edges can be removed with a soft 
cloth. Do not get rubber cement on waxed prints as it removes 
the wax. When using paste glue or cement the mounted print 
should be placed under light pressure for a short while before putting 
in a press or under heavy pressure for final drying. When transfer- 
ring from the light to the heavy pressure a careful inspection should 
be made to be sure no paste or cement has oozed out at the edges of 
the print. 

Many advanced workers are using thin papers for paper nega- 
tives,- a beautiful result can be obtained by printing on the thinnest 
papers available and carefully mounting on medium weight mounts. 
This is particularly satisfactory for Christmas cards. Thin papers 
must be treated carefully to avoid air bells in the developer and hypo. 

And so a little has been said regarding many things. Perhaps a 
first reading has confused some or led others to believe that the 
whole matter is unnecessarily involved. I hope, however, that in 
some way many who have read this chapter will become more keenly 
appreciative of the importance of printing as one of the major steps 
in producing a photograph; far too little has been said to date 
regarding this angle of photography, each newcomer apparently be- 
ing expected to struggle along until somehow he succeeds in turning 
out one or two good prints from each package of paper he buys. 
If, as has been stressed several times before, the beginner will stick 
to one paper, one developer, etc., until lie is turning out a fair aver- 
age of good prints, he should find that lie has learned to do this 
with very little waste of paper and time. 

185 




Fig. 118 A Dandelion Gone 
to Seed. . .Photo by Wm. M. 
Harlow 

135mm Elmar lens, f:36, 5 sec- 
onds, Panatomic. Sliding Copy 
Attachment used. 




Fig. 119 Sprouting Peas 

186 



J. M. Leonard 



COPYING AND CLOSE-UP PHOTOGRAPHY 



WILLARD D. MORGAN CHAPTER 9 

Data Tables by Henry M. Lester 
* 

In ordinary use the Leiea cannot be adjusted for photographing 
objects at distances less than 3y 2 feet without the aid of special sup- 
plementary front lenses or one of the copy attachments. Thus the 
3^ foot mark becomes the dividing line or norm for the Leica user 
who is interested in photographing large or small objects. Let us 
step across the threshold of this 3% foot mark and explore the 
wonders of the world of small objects. What a contrast! In the 
large object field we were photographing people, buildings, moun- 
tains, and even the moon or sun far out into the space of infinity. 
Yet in the small object world there is a universe in itself to be 
explored by the inquisitive mind. Here a book page may be copied 
or a micro-organism photographed on the Leica negative with a 
2,000 times magnification. A truly amazing contrast from infinity 
to 2,000 times magnification. The user of a Leica can readily span 
this gap. 

Intensive work in photographing the large object world has been 
carried on for nearly a century. However it has only been in recent 
years that small object or micro photography has become an essen- 
tial part of our daily living, mainly because of the important ad- 
vances in camera design. The eye of the camera was made to peer 
into the inner structure of the world. All the large hospitals and 
educational institutions have elaborate photographic departments 
equipped for the close-up micro photography of specimens which 
are invaluable for future reference by the medical and teaching staff. 
Police departments use the camera for close up photography just 
as nimbly as they use their guns. Industrial firms keep constant 
photographic records of their products which may be used for refer- 
ence, sales, or advertising purposes. The visual education field is 
an important user of close up or small object photography for pre- 
senting thousands of different subjects on the projection screen or 
by actual photographs to millions of students. Such examples show 

187 



us how Immense and likewise important the field of small object 
photography has become. Let us now learn how to use our Leica 
camera for this type of work. 

Practically everyone who uses a camera has had the occasion to 
make close-up photographs of objects. Such pictures may have been 
more or less successful depending upon the camera and experience 
of the operator. The copying possibilities of a camera should really 
be looked upon as the visual note book which is indispensable for 
keeping accurate records of any object, such as machine parts, draw- 
ings, manuscripts, geological specimens, medical subjects, or small 
magnified pictures of insects. In fact it may be said that anything 
can be copied that can be illuminated adequately for photographic 
purposes. 

If you are a student the copy camera outfit can quickly be 
applied for illustrating your biology note book, or possibly you may 
need references from rare books which can not be removed from the 
library. In the latter case the camera can be utilized perfectly and 
at a minimum expense. The developed negatives may be placed in a 
projector or enlarger and read directly from the projected image. 

Importance of Small Object Photography 

This chapter on Small Object Photography should be studied 
carefully because it is the basis upon which other chapters have been 
prepared. A thorough knowledge of the copying equipment and 
methods will enable you to grasp a complete understanding of the 
following chapters which are so closely related to the present chapter : 

A. The Leica as an Ophthalmic Camera. 

B. Miniature Camera for Miniature Monsters. 

C. Making Leica Film and Glass Slides. 

D. Dental Photography with the Leica. 

E. Photomicrography with the Leica. 

F. The Leica in Visual Education. 

G. Historical Keseareh with a Leica. 

Close up photography of small objects really has a field and technique 
quite different from the usual type of photographic work which is prac- 
ticed by everybody who can focus a camera and click the shutter. When 
we start taking photographs of a butterfly, newspaper clipping, flower, 
mineral specimen, or any small object, a number of special problems arise. 

1. The camera requires additional equipment. 

2. Focusing becomes more critical as depth of focus decreases. 

3. Exposure factors change and are calculated according to the degree of 
magnification required. 

4. Proper illumination becomes an extremely important problem. 

188 



Copying 



5. It is often necessary to use color filters in order to obtain certain re- 
sults. 

6. The Leica camera and auxiliary equipment must be mounted on a rigid 
base, free from vibration. 

7. The proper film must be selected for use with the various types of copy 
work. 

8. Even the specimens to be copied should be mounted or properly ar- 
ranged in order to insure a perfect reproduction on the negative. As 
the final picture will be reproduced in black and white, or monotone, 
it is important to select objects which will produce the best contrasts 
and details required. 

As most of us are not equipped with spacious photographic studios 
our camera equipment should be small, light, and easily portable. 

Even the developing technique is of great importance for films made 
of small objects. 

Once the proper equipment has been assembled for any type of close 
up photography there will be many interesting objects to photograph. In 
fact you will begin to see a new world in miniature. 

Accessories for Close Up Photography 

There are a number of accessories provided for covering every 
possible demand which may arise for the Leica user who wishes to 
use his camera for copying. Each copy attachment will be indi- 
vidually described in order to present the features of each one in 
such a way that the Leica worker may easily make the proper choice 
to fit any special requirement. 

Sliding Focusing Copy Attachment 

Shortly after the introduction of the Model C Leica with the 
interchangeable lens feature in the Fall of 1930 I 
started experimenting with the use of various ex- 
tension tubes placed between the camera and lens. 
These extension tubes actually take 
the place of the familiar long exten- 
sion bellows to be seen on the larger 
view cameras. My results for this 
type of close-up copy work were 
very encouraging and I saw the pos- 
sibility of developing a new field 
for Leica users. Following the 
work with the metal extension 
tubes I designed the first Sliding 
Focusing Copy Attachment which 
has since been manufactured and 
distributed to thousands of Leica **J* f^f dy) 
users during the last few years. sition for Copying 




189- 



Basically the Sliding Copy Attachment, also known as the Fuldy 
Copy Attachment, consists of two metal plates, one for attaching to 
the camera and the other for holding the lens and extension tubes. 
On the part which holds the camera there is a ground glass with a 
masked out area equal to the size of the Leica negative. This ground 
glass screen is in exactly the same plane as the film in the Leica 
camera. Therefore when the image of the object being photographed 
is in sharp focus on the ground glass it will also be in perfect focus 
when the camera is moved into the same position directly over the 
lens. 

The Fuldy Copy Attachment has been designed for use in any 
position required for photographing either horizontal or vertical sub- 
jects. A tilting top or Ball Jointed Tripod head may be used for 
securing this attachment to a tripod for indoor or outdoor use. A 
special bolt can be secured for inserting into the hole of the Sliding 
Arm which is also used for holding the rod of the illuminating 
bracket. "When this bolt is in position the Leica or the copy attach- 
ment can easily be secured in a horizontal position for photographing 
such objects as the human eye, maps on a wall, or mounted speci- 
mens. In fact after a little experience with the Sliding Copy Attach- 
ment it will be found that any photographic angle may be quickly 
secured. 

Around the focusing plate there is a clip mount for attaching the 
special magnifier which is of value when obtaining extremely critical 
focus. Once the Leica is attached to the sliding plate of the Fuldy 
accessory it can readily be reloaded at any time without removing 
from this plate. A Wire Release must be used for releasing the 
shutter in order to avoid any possibility of jarring the camera at the 
time of exposure. 



Description of Sliding Copy Attachment Parts 

The accompanying illustration gives complete information about the 
various parts of the Fuldy Copy Attachment. This copy attachment is 
adapted for use with the various Leica models which have the interchange- 
able lens feature. Owners of the early Model A Leica can have their 
cameras converted so that the lens will be detachable, for use on this at- 
tachment as well as for the Leica enlars-er and 

190 



Copying 




Fig. 121 Essential Parts of the Sliding: Focusing Copy Attachment 

1. Light shield to prevent stray light from entering camera opening while 
focusing. 

2. Threaded opening for securing the attachment to a tripod, extension 
arm of the reproduction stand, or the Sliding Arm for use with the 
upright pillar of the Leica enlarger. 

3. Dove-tail groove into which the sliding plate (No. 8) moves while focus- 
ing and making exposures. 

4. Stop for use when changing from focusing to photographing position. 

5. Leica lens screwed into position. 

6. Clamping ring for holding the Leica camera securely to the sliding 
base plate. 

7. Key for turning clamping ring (No. 6). 

8. Sliding base plate for holding the Leica camera, focusing ground glass, 
and also the magnifier. 

9. Focusing ground glass in exact plane with the film in the camera. 
There is also a place to attach the magnifier when necessary. 

10. Space cut from the sliding plate (No. 8) to permit the Model F or G 
Leica camera to fit properly. 

The Fuldy Attachment in Use 

The Fuldy device may be set up as follows: 

A. Attached to the Sliding Arm which is secured to the upright column 
used for the Leica enlargers. 

B. Mounted on the Collapsible Reproduction Stand. 

C. Secured to a ball jointed or tilting top tripod head which in turn is 
attached to a firm support such as a tripod. 

191 



Before the set up is complete the subject to be copied must be placed 
into position and properly illuminated. Finally the correct focus is deter- 
mined by moving 1 the camera close or away from the object. Fine focusing 
is obtained by using the focusing mount on the lens, or in the case of the 
50mm lenses the lens barrel is moved back and forth in its mount. Once 
perfect focus has been secured on the ground glass the camera is slid into 
position ready for making the exposure. Stop the lens down as far as 
practical after focusing and before making the exposure. 

When the regular 50mm Elmar lens is used on the Fuldy Attachment 
directly without the use of additional extension tubes it is possible to 
photograph any object which comes within the maximum area of 15 x 20 
inches and a minimum area of 4 x 6 inches simply by moving the lens mount 
in or out and setting the camera in the proper position. On account of the 
sliding feature of the Fuldy Attachment it is not possible to collapse the 
lens far enough for including greater areas than 15 x 20 inches without re- 
sorting to a special adjustment which extends the usefulness of the attach- 
ment up to any limits including infinity. To obtain such areas proceed as 
follows: 

1. Place a rubber ring 1 (such as the ring supplied with the Micro Ibso 
Attachment) around the barrel of the 50mm lens. 

2. Slowly push the lens barrel into the mount until the image is sharply in 
focus on the ground glass. The rubber ring will then be flush with 
the base of the lens mount, and thus mark the exact position where the 
lens is in focus. In this position the lens barrel projects into the at- 
tachment and thus prevents the upper sliding plate from moving. 

3. After exact focus has been secured pull out the lens barrel, slide the 
camera into position, and push the lens barrel back to its proper posi- 
tion now accurately marked by the thick rubber ring. 

This method of securing photographs of larger areas is seldom required 
because the majority of subjects copied are much smaller and may be 
copied in the regular way with the Fuldy Copy Attachment. 

The Extension Tubes 

In order to secure proper focus at the higher magnifications it is 
necessary to move the Leica lens away from the film plane. Instead of 
using a cumbersome bellows similar to the larger view cameras for holding 
the lens in proper position I designed the 12mm, 30mm, 60mm, and 90mm 
metal extension tubes for this purpose. With such a set of tubes together 
with one of the collapsible 50mm lenses, any combination can be secured 
to obtain the proper magnification and focus upon an object which might 
be as small as a pinhead. Such tubes are small and light and keep the 
lens in a rigid position at all times. 

When the Fuldy Attachment is used with th~ 30mm tube and the 50mm 
lens natural size or 1:1 pictures may be made. By pushing the lens barrel 
into its mount additional areas may be covered. The 60mm tube is very 
useful for securing slightly higher magnifications and also for use when 
the Fuldy Attachment is used with the microscope. An unusually long set 
up of 'extension tubes may be seen in the arrangement for insect photog- 
raphy illustrated in J. M. Leonard's chapter. 

The introduction of the Sliding Focusing Attachment in connection 
with extension tubes of various lengths greatly increased the Leica's use- 
fulness. Every day new fields are being reported where the application 
of these accessories was at first found useful and later became indis- 
pensable. 

192 



1. Twig and buds of 
sugar maple show- 
Ing bud scales 
and bud scars. 

2. Flower bud of 
flowering d o g - 
wood. 

3. Leaf bud of flow- 
e r i n g dogwood 
showing valvate 
scales. 

4. Naked bud of 
wayfaring tree. 

5. The leaf scar 
covers the bud. 

6. Stipule scars ap- 
pearing as a line 
encircling the 
twig. 

7. Twig and buds 
of butternut show- 
ing a leaf scar, 
bundle scars, and 
superposed buds. 

8. Collateral buds. 

9. Leaf scar and 
stipule scars. 

10. Pseudoterminal 
bud and branch 
stub of red mul- 
berry. 

11. Thorn. 

12. Stipular spines of 
black locust. 

13. Pseudoterminal 
bud and branch 
scar of basswood. 





6: 




: 11 



Fig. 122. Twig and Bud Photographs by Wm. M. Harlow 



During the Winter months the leafless trees in our forests or parks 
have very reliable marks of identification on their very "finger-tips" or 
twigs. Dr. Harlow uses the Sliding Focusing Copy Attachment for secur- 
ing interesting close-up photographs of these buds. Here is a field of pho- 
tography which is extremely interesting and many Leica users can apply 
their knowledge of copying very successfully. 



193 



Most of the information concerning the use of these accessories was 
available for the 50mm lenses because they are the most popularly used. 
It will be found however that lenses of longer focal length are extremely 
useful for certain types of work* In order to facilitate and simplify the 
use of these accessories with any of the Leica lenses and tubes the Editors 
now offer for the first time a new table and some basic formulas which 
will enable the average worker to determine certain important factors for 
the different lenses and extension tubes without resorting to tedious experi- 
mental or mathematical work. 

The table given on pages 198, 199 was computed for the 50mm lenses 
(either Elmar, Hektor, or Summar). This table should be consulted not 
only for information regarding the use of these three lenses, but also as 
an example of information that can be obtained by the use of the few sim- 
ple formulas which follow. 

It should be noted that the figures contained in this table referring 
to the depth of focus are based upon the diameter of the circle of confusion 
being ,03mm (approximately 1/750 of an inch). This is the only part of 
the table which is affected by the size of the circle of confusion. Should 
a smaller circle of confusion be required, or a larger one be found suffi- 
cient, the data given in the table should not be used, but other figures 
computed with the aid of the formulas appended. 

The 135 mm Lens Mount 

Still another method of securing focus for objects at any distance up 
to infinity, when using the Fuldy Attachment, is by using the special 
135mm lens mount which is llmm shorter than the regular mount for this 
lens. In other words this mount is made to compensate for the llmm dis- 
placement of the lens in the Focusing Copy Attachment. (This mount may 
be ordered through any Leica dealer in the United States.) 

The 135mm lens is easily unscrewed from its standard mount and 
placed in the shorter mount for use on the Fuldy Copy Attachment. With 
this mount in place the copy attachment is excellent for use in taking 
portraits or any other subject which can be focused upon the ground glass. 

The special 135mm mount is supplied with a reducing ring for at- 
taching the 50mm lenses. By using this set-up it is possible to secure fine 
focusing simply by turning the focusing mount of the 135mm lens barrel. 
Additional extension tubes can be attached when required to secure higher 
magnifications. 






. 






















| 


INCH 


ES 








1 



Fig. 123 Latent Finger Print 
on Black Rubber Surface . . . 
Gray Finger Print Powder. 
Photo by Ira Gullickson. Slid- 
ing Copy Attachment, used 
with 30mm tube 



194 



Copying 



Use of Extension Tubes Directly on the Camera 

Without Sliding Focusing Attachment 

It is frequently desirable to use various Extension Tubes or 
their combinations directly on the camera, without the use of the 
Sliding Focusing Attachment. This is quite practicable. The tube 
is simply screwed into the camera and the lens is screwed into the 
tube. Such an arrangement sometimes can be used in lieu of auxil- 
iary front lenses. The focusing is then done to scale. Great accuracy 
is an absolute prerequisite of success. 

The following table is given for this type of work. 

It is based upon the diameter of Circle of Confusion of 0.03mm. 

Since it is impossible to compose the picture on the film visually 
it is recommended to use a plumb weight whenever this method is 
employed. Special plumb-weights are available, but any plumb- 
weight will be found to work as long as it will be made so that it will 
drop in a line with the optical axis of the lens. 

WORKING DISTANCE, RATIO OF MAGNIFICATION, DEPTH OF 
FOCUS, EXPOSURE FACTORS AND FIELD OF COVERAGE FOR 
EXTENSION TUBES USED DIRECTLY ON LEICA CAMERA 
(without Sliding Focusing Attachment) with ALL 50mm Leica Lenses: 

Elmar f :3.5 Hektor f :2.5 Summar f :2 



Total 
Length 
in Milli- 
meters 


Extension 
Tubes 

MM 


Working 
Distance 
(from 
object 
to Lens) 

in MM 


Depth of Focus 
at f/12.5 
Nearest Farthest 
points in focus 

in Millimeters 


Exposure 
Factor 
(Increase 
in exposure) 

(Times) 


Approximate 
Field 
Covered 

in MM 


Ratio of 
Reduction 
or Magni- 
fication 


12 


12 


259 


251 


267 


1.5x 


96 X144 


4:1 


22 


22 


164 


161.5 


167 


2.0x 


54 X 81 


2.25:1 


30 


30 


133 


131.3 


134.7 


2.5x 


38 X 58 


1.6:1 


42 


12+30 


109 


108.2 


110 


3.4x 


29 X 43 


1.2:1 


60 


60 


92 


91.6 


92.7 


4.8x 


20 X 30 


1:1.2 


72 


60+12 


85 


84.6 


85.5 


6.0x 


16 X 24 


1:1.5 


90 


90 


78 


77.7 


78.4 


7.75X 


13 X 20 


1:1.8 


102 


90+12 


74.5 


74.3 


74.8 


9.25x 


12 X 18 


1:2 


120 


90+30 


71 


70.8 


71.2 


11. 5x 


10 X 15 


1:2.4 


142 


90+30+12 


69 


68.8 


69.2 


14.75x 


9 X 14 


1:2.6 


150 


90+60 


66.6 


66.4 


66.8 


16.0x 


8 X 12 


1:3 


162 


90+60+12 


65.5 


65.4 


65.7 


IS.Ox 


7.5 X 11 


1:3.25 


180 


90+60+30 


64.0 


63.9 


64.1 


21.0x 


6.7 X 10 


1:3.6 


192 


90+60+30+12 


63.0 


62.9 , 


63.1 


23.5x 


6.25 X 9-35 


1:3.85 



lot; 




Fig. 124 Photo of Herbarium Sheet by Carl B. Wolf. An example to 
show the use of the Leica Copy Equipment in one particular photographic 
subject. 



** :I^^^V'\*^^ ; v i^ : m^\, o?~ *~ 



- * 




Figr, 125 Writing Showing Shading Vari- 
ations in Pen Pressure and Grain of 
Paper. Elmar 50mm Lens with Focusing 
Copy Attachment 



Fig. 126 Copy of Typewriting. . . by Ira 
Gullickson. Pica type, ruled square on 
glass over typing. Fine detail shows type 
and kind of paper. Printer's ink in dotted 
line seen as being different from typing. 
Fuldy Copy Attachment with Elmar 50mm 
lens, 30 and 60mm tubes. 



196 



Copying 



Exposure Factors 

For ALL Extension Tubes When Used With Various Leica Lenses 

and the Sliding Focusing Attachment 



Tubes Lenses: 


35mm 


50mm 


73mm 


90min 


105mm 


135nim 


llmm 


1.75x 


l.DX 


1.33x 


1.26x 


1.21x 


l.OSx 


12mm 


1.8x 


1.54x 


1.35x 


1.28x 


1.24x 


1.09x 


22mm 


2.65x 


2.1x 


1.7x 


1.5x 


l,46x 


1.35x 


30mm 


3.45x 


2.55x 


2.0x 


1.78x 


1.65x 


1.5x 


60mm 


7.5x 


4.8x 


3.3x 


2.75x 


2.45x 


2.1x 


90mm 


12.8x 


7.8x 


5.0x 


4.0x 


3.45x 


2.75x 


* Special Focusing 
Tube: 

Shortest 
Adjustment: 
81mm 


ll.Ox 


6.8x 


4.5x 


3.6x 


3.1x 


2.55x 


* Special Focusing 
Tube: 

Longest 
Adjustment: 
97mm 


14.2x 


8.6x 


5.4x 


4.3x 


3.7x 


2.95x 



* This Extension tube was originally designed to permit the use of the 135mm lenses 
in connection with the Sliding Focusing Attachment. It is actually a sawed-off 135mm 
lens mount. The 135mm lens is screwed into this tube. In this form it can be used 
on the Sliding Focusing Attachment even at infinity: the calibrations having been retained. 

A special threaded collar is supplied with this tube which permits the use of any 
other Leica lens. However lenses other than 135mm cannot be used for infinity focus in 
connection with this tube. These lenses are used merely for extreme magnifications, in 
which case this tube becomes a convenient adjustable extension tube. 

This table of Exposure Factors for all tubes and all Leica Lenses will 
be found useful for ascertaining* the correct exposure factors: 

1. when using" extension tubes directly on the camera (without 
Sliding Focusing Attachment), interposing them between the 
camera and any lens. 

2. when using various extension tubes or their combinations _ in 
connection with Sliding Focusing Attachments and any Leica 
Lenses. 

For the purpose of exposure factors the Sliding Focusing Attachment is 
considered just as any other tube of llmm length. Every tube, depending 
on its length, has its own exposure factor, which is constant for every lens. 



197 



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Formulas 



1. L = Diameter of lens 

f 
D 2 

2. T = = Exposure factor (increase of exposure) 

F a 
B F 

3. = = Ratio of reduction (As a function of the object 

IF or magnification distance) 

F 

= Ratio of reduction (As a function of the image 

IF or magnification distance) 

4. F 2 =(D F) . (B F) = (Relation between focal length, object 

and image distance) 

D . JF 
B = = Working distance of object to lens 

D F 

B . F 
D = = Distance of image to lens 

B F 

5. Depth of focus at a given diameter of Circle of Confusion: 

L . B . F 

A = = Nearest point in focus 

(L . F) +C(B F) 
L . B . F 

Z = = Farthest point in focus 

(L . F) C(B - F) 

Explanation of Symbols 

M Ratio of Magnification 
R Ratio of Reduction 

Size of Object (linear dimensions) 

1 Size of Image on film (linear dimensions) 
B* Distance of Object to the Lens 

D* Distance of Image to Lens 
F* Focal Length of Lens 
f Stop of diaphragm 

T Exposure Factor (increase of exposure) 
C* Diameter of Circle of Confusion 
L* Diameter of Lens 

A* Nearest point in focus when lens is focused for B. 
Z* Farthest point in focus when lens is focused for B. 

* It is important to express all units of length in the same system, either metric or linear 
(inches) . 

Practiced Applications 
1. Diameter of Lens : 

(Focal Length) 



L = or 



f (Lens Stop(f)) 

Example: 

What is the diameter of the aperture of a 50mm lens when it is 
stopped down to f:12.5? 

50 

L r= = 4mm. 

12.5 



200 



Copying 



2. Exposure Factor: 

Increase of Exposure T = 



D : 



(Distance from lens 
to film plane) 2 



F 2 (Focal length) 2 

Example: 

What is the exposure factor for a 90mm tube when used directly 
on the camera in connection with a 90mm lens? 

[90mni (tube) + 90mm lens] 2 
Distance from lens to film plane 



180 : 



32.400 



90 : 



= 4x 



90 2 81.00 

3. Eatio of Reduction or Magnification : 

Distance from Object to Lens 
Size of Object O B F less Focal length of Lens 



O 

T 



Focal length of Lens 



Size of Image 
Example: 

Ratio of Reduction of an object 900mm from a 35mm lens: 
90035 865 



35 



35 



or: 



Focal length of lens 



say 25 -f- 1 

F 



D F 



O 



Distance from Lens 
to Film Plane minus 
focal length of lens 
Example: 

What is the ratio of Magnification obtained when using 60 and 
90mm extension tubes in connection with a 73mm lens (tubes 
directly on the camera no S. F. A.)? 

[60 + 90 + 73 (lens)] = D = 223 
F 73 73 1 

= = = or 1 -T- 2 

D F 22373 150 2.06 




w 






Fig. 127 Copy of Old Mining Shares... by Willard D. Morgan. Focusing 
Copy Attachment used with Elmar 50mm lens 

201 



4. Distance from Lens to Object or (B) 

" Lens to Film Plane (D) 
(knowing one how to find the other) 

Basic Formula: F = (D F) . (B F) 
D X F B X F 



B = D = 



D F B . F 

Examples: 

What is the distance at which the object is to be placed when a 
60mm tube and S. F. A. are used with a IS 5mm lens? 

(135 + 60 + 11) X 135 



B = 



(135 + 60 + 11) 135 
206 X 135 27810 



= 392mm 



206 135 71 

What Extension tubes are to be used when a 50mm lens is avail- 
able and the object is 97mm from the lens? 

97 X 50 4850 

D = = = 103mm 103mm 50mm lens = 53mm 

97 _ 50 47 

or 53mm = llmm (S. F. A.) + 12mm (tube) + 30mm (tube) 

5. Depth of Focus : 

The depth of focus for any lens at any opening or distance depends 
on the diameter of the Circle of Confusion. In all standard Leica 
formulas the diameter of the Circle of Confusion is taken to be 
C = 0.03mm 

L X B X F 
Nearest point in focus: A = 



(LXF)+C(B F) 

L X B X F 

Farthest point in focus : Z =: - 

(L X F) C (B F) 

Example: 

What is the depth of focus of a 90mm lens at Stop F: 9, focused 
upon an object 5 'meters away, assuming the size of the C. of C. 
to be 0,01mm? 

90 

= 10mm; B == 5000mm C = 0.01 



9 

10 X 5000 X 90 4,500,000 

A == - = - = 4750mm 
(10 X 90) + .01 (5000 90) 900 + 49.10 

10 X 5000 X 90 4,500,000 

Z = -- = -- = 5300mm 
(10 X 90) .01 (5000 90) 900 49.10 

Depth of focus will result in everything being in sharp focus at 
from 4.75 meters to 5.30 meters. 



202 



Copying 

Avoiding Vibration During Copying 

Usually most close-up copy work requires time exposures ranging 1 from 
3 /4 second up to 5 minutes or even more. During such exposures there must 
be no vibration in the equipment to cause a blurred image on the negative. 
In order to avoid vibrations the following points should be observed. 

1. Use a rigid support for copying equipment. 

2. Release shutter with a Wire Cable Release. 

3. In case you are working in a building which transmits the 
annoying vibrations of passing trains, trucks, or a subway, a 
sponge rubber mat might be placed under the baseboard of the 
copying attachment in order to absorb the motion. 

4. When all the extension tubes are in use have a support or clamp 
to hold the combination rigid. 

5. When vibrations cannot be avoided use more illumination on the 
object, a larger diaphragm stop, fast film, and make fast 
exposures. 

Focusing 

As the camera lens is placed closer to the object the focusing becomes 
more critical. Naturally without perfect focus the object will be reproduced 
on the negative as a slight or even complete blur. With the Leica camera 
there are three methods of obtaining proper focus. 

1. By actual focusing upon a ground glass in the Sliding Copy 
Attachments. 

2. By measurement and the use of the printed tables supplied for 
the purpose. 

3. By using the fixed focus attachments such as the Bemar, Belun, 
Besal, etc. 

Ground glass focusing is recommended in the majority of cases because 
it is so easy to actually see the object projected upon the glass surface which 
is in the same plane as the film in the camera. A special 5x magnifier is 
of additional help when determining exact focus with the Sliding Focusing 
Copy Attachment. In case there is too much stray light falling upon the 
ground glass, when the magnifier is not in use, take a piece of black paper 
about 4x6 inches in size and wrap this around the ground glass mount. Use 
a rubber band to hold the paper shade in position around the base. You will 
now have a paper tube which will keep out any stray light. When the 
magnifier is in position this paper tube is not required. 

The ground glass of the Focusing Copy Attachment looks grainy when 
examined with the aid of the 5x magnifying glass. Considerable improve- 
ment of the clearness of the image is obtained by applying a drop of oil 
(cocoanut oil is very good) to the ground surface of the glass. Rub the oil 
in gently and evenly, moving the finger first in one direction, and then at 
right angles to it. This method will eliminate the graininess considerably 
and increase the luminosity of the image, permitting better focusing. 

Critical Focusing and the Special 30x Magnifying Glass 

A special 30x magnifier is available to secure critical focus for those 
who require the utmost precision and accuracy. This magnifier consists of 
a small eyepiece equipped with a tiny lens of the microscope ocular type 
and Quality. The lens with its mount slides in a collar which fits into the 
half-rim clip on the ground glass of the Focusing Copy Attachment. This 
magnifier cannot be used with the regular ground glass supplied with the 

203 



Fuldy Copy Attachment, be It ever so fine-grained. It would only magnify 
the grain 30 times, but would not resolve the details of the image focused 
upon the surface. 

A special ground glass is available for use with this 30x magnifier. 
It has a narrow strip of clear glass running across the center of the disc. 
This clear strip is about 3mm wide. A millimeter scale is engraved in 
finest hairlines upon the ground side of the glass disc, which corresponds to 
the film plane in the Leica camera. The scale starts with in the center 
of. the disc and continues to the right and to the left of the in millimeter 
markings. 

The magnifier is placed upon the Copy Attachment just like the regular 
5x magnifier. The eyepiece is then moved in or out until the scale en- 
graved upon the glass appears in perfect focus, sharp and clear. Then the 
object or the camera is moved until the small portion of the object seen 
through the magnifier appears in sharp focus. It will be found that the 
image is clear and brilliant and permits the finest hairline adjustment. 

This 30x magnifier works upon the principle of picking up the mag- 
nified image of the object from the air. The focal point of the lens of this 
magnifier is so critical, that if the image is not exactly in the film plane, it 
will appear unsharp until corrected. The focusing should be done with the 
lens of the camera open enough to permit sufficient illumination to enter for 
easy focusing. After correct focus has been secured, reduce the lens dia- 
phragm to the desired stop. 

Coarse focusing, or the preliminary work in bringing the object into 
fairly accurate focus upon, the ground glass, is secured by placing the 
camera closer or farther away from the object. In doing this the Sliding 
Arm to which the camera and Copy Attachment are secured is raised or 
lowered on the metal upright bar which supports the equipment. In case 
the camera is in the horizontal position mounted on the Sliding Arm or on 
a tripod it is only necessary to move either the object or the camera closer 
or farther away until sharp focus is secured. 

When using a 50mm dens, fine focusing can be secured by turning the 
lens mount or by slowly pushing the lens barrel in or out of the mount. 
If the 90mm or any other lens besides the 50mm lenses are used the fine 
focusing is easily secured by slowly turning the focusing mount on each lens 
until sharp focus is secured. 

When working with small objects a convenient stage or mount can be 
made with an adjustable rack and pinion arrangement similar to the stage 
of a microscope. Sometimes such a stage can be picked up in a second 
hand store for only a few dollars; it makes a perfect platform for adjusting 
small objects. Such a stage is fully described in the chapter by J. M. 
Leonard on photographing insects. 

Focusing by Measurement 

When the Leiea is to be used without the aid of additional copy at- 
tachments accurate focusing may be secured by referring to the special 
booklet of tables for the Front Lenses, which is available free for any 
Leica owners who use the Front Lenses in copying. This booklet of tables 
gives the exact distance between the object and the film of the camera (not 
the lens), the exact area covered by either one of the three supplementary 
Front Lenses used, and also the depth of focus at the various diaphragm 
stops. 

When using the Leica with the Front Lenses it is necessary to have 
the camera secured to the Sliding Arm or to a tripod or any other fixed 
support, in order to keep the camera perfectly rigid. 

204 



Copying 

Still another method of focusing by measurement is with the use of 
the various Extension Tubes directly on the camera. When these tubes are 
used singly or in combination it is not necessary to use the three Front 
Lenses already mentioned. The Extension Tubes will enable you to use the 
Leica at closer distances. For those who wish to use the Leica for copying 
without the use of any copy attachment, a measurement table for use with 
the Extension Tubes screwed directly into the camera has been prepared by 
Mr. Lester. The Single Exposure Leica, described in the first chapter, can 
be used very successfully for testing these fixed distances. 

A special copying baseboard can easily be prepared to include the 
various areas given in the table by marking out the rectangular areas in 
ink or cut lines in the wood. Each rectangle should have figures giving 
the area and also the Extension Tube and lens setting required to secure 
perfect focus. Such a ruled board will be of great convenience for use 
where many pictures are to be made of objects which are fairly uniform in 
size. 
Stopping Down the Lens 

All copying should be done with the lens stopped down to f:6.3 or 
smaller if possible. As the lens is stopped down the depth of focus in- 
creases, thus insuring perfect focus at all times even if a slight miscalcula- 
tion has been made when securing the original focus. When working with 
high magnifications the lens should always be stopped down to f :12.5. A 
special diaphragm Attachment Ring is available for use with the Hektor 
and Elmar 50mm lenses, in order to adjust the diaphragm with side cali- 
brations and thus avoid the necessity of standing on one's head to read the 
settings on the face of the lens in case it is pointing; down toward an 
object. 




Fig. 128 Sea Urchin (Original Specimen 1% inches diameter). Series of 
Four Pictures by Willard D. Morgan 

Photographs made with Focusing Copy Attachment and various extension tubes to secure 
different magnifications. Highest magnification made with a 21 cm tube extension. 

205 



Fixed Focusing 

The various fixed focus attachments such as the Belun, Behoo, and 
Bazoo are of value for certain uses and when only a few areas are to be 
covered. The Belun attachment is permanently in focus for making; pictures 
the exact size of the Leica negative or a 1:1 ratio. The Behoo and Bazoo 
have extension legs with markings for special settings and areas covered. 
Complete information about these attachments will be found in a special 
booklet from the Leitz Company. 

Securing Proper Illumination 

The importance of proper illumination of objects to be* photo- 
graphed at close range cannot be over-emphasized. Objects can be 
flooded with strong light until they become flat, lifeless, and washed- 
out reproductions on the negative. However with the proper type 
of lighting the very same objects will take on a richness of tone 
value which makes the final picture strong and at the same time a 
perfect reproduction of the original. 

One of the first methods of checking proper lighting is by per- 
sonal observation. Side, top, or back lights may be adjusted at 
various distances from the object, diffusion screens can be used to 
soften strong direct light rays, high 01? low power bulbs should be 
used when necessary. In some cases it may even be necessary to set 
up one or more flash bulbs for making the picture. In most cases the 
lights can be adjusted visually. 

The best way to check the intensity of the illumination over an 
object such as a manuscript page, is by using an exposure meter. 
When in doubt about the proper balancing of the lights this meter 
provides a rapid means of cheeking. 

For the majority of objects the ordinary side lighting with the 
lights set at a 45 angle is sufficient. One or two lights are placed on 
each side, depending upon the size of the object. When these lights 
are placed at a 45 angle the strong light rays illuminate the area to 
be photographed without causing back reflections which would ruin 
the picture, or at least make it fall short of becoming a perfectly 
illuminated reproduction. 

A convenient lighting set-up consists of two ordinary desk lamps 
with reflectors. Two frosted 75-watt bulbs are sufficient for illumi- 
nating all areas up to 12 x 16 inches. Beyond -this area use four or 
more lamps as required. Even such a rule may not hold for every 
set-up, because it is possible to use two photo-flood lamps or two 500- 
watt lamps in reflectors and evenly illuminate greater areas. If you 
have a Kodalite, Solite, or similar lighting outfits they can be used 
very successfully for copying. Usually the high power bulbs must 

206 



Copying 

be replaced with globes of lower light intensity in order to avoid over- 
illumination. 

It is also possible to nse normal daylight when convenient, al- 
though artificial lighting is more constant and easier to control. 
Sometimes when copying in libraries it is not possible to carry in 
extra equipment such as lights. Here is where it is necessary to use 
natural daylight. When photographing under such conditions the 
full illumination from a window is sufficient. Avoid any cross light- 
ing from other windows which may cast shadows or otherwise cause 
uneven illumination. 

Strong lights are useful when photographing moving subjects 
where short exposures are required. In some cases the strong lights 
may cause too much heat or otherwise disturb the subjects. To avoid 
this the focusing may be done with a small light, then when the ex- 
posure is to be made the full illumination is snapped on just before 
the shutter is released. It may also be advisable to use stronger 
lights when heavy color correction filters are used, thus reducing long 
exposures. 

Lighting Medical Specimens 

Macro photography of gross specimens is a term often heard 
when referring to the copying of medical objects such as bone sec- 
tions, animal or human organs, or sections of tissues. Here is where 
a knowledge of lighting is of special importance in order to obtain 
good detail in the objects and also avoid glistening high lights or bad 
reflections. In some cases the objects can be placed under water in 
a large glass specimen jar, with the light directed from the sides. 
Annoying reflections are thus avoided. 

When a medical or any other subject is to be reproduced with 
a plain white background there are three ways to do this. 

1. Make the photographs and then opaque the negative by painting 
around the object with opaque paint. 

2. By using a white surface as a background for the object. 

3. Produce a strong back lighting through an opal or ground glass. 
Such a backlight will overexpose the background around the ob- 
ject. The specimen is illuminated from the top in the usual way. 
When the paper enlargement is made from this negative the 
background will reproduce perfectly white if the exposure is made 
for the object only. 

One of the most useful accessories for copy work is an illuminated 
light box. With such a box the under or back lighting is easily 
controlled, because the lights may be switched on for only part of 

207 



the time while the exposure is being made for the specimen mounted 
on top of the ground glass. Such a lighting also helps to eliminate 
unnecessary shadows when necessary. The top lights are used for 
illuminating the object. 

When a jet black background is required for a light object It 
may be obtained by using a red glass, or celluloid, or paper, in the 
illuminated box providing positive or orthochromatic film is used 
in the camera. The red does not register on this film, therefore when 
the finished enlargement is made a rich black is secured for the 
background. Black paper or cloth may also be used for a similar 
purpose. 

Still another lighting set-up which produces a white background 
without shadows can be prepared by mounting a clear pane of glass 
about six inches or more above a plain white surface which is strongly 
illuminated. By arranging the top lights at the proper angles the 
shadows are cast out of photographing range while the illuminated 
white surface produces an even background. This arrangement is of 
value for photographing many objects besides medical specimens. 



Fig. 129 Focusing 
Copy Attachment Set- 
up with Illuminated 
Light Box for Copy- 
ing X-rays, and Ob- 
jects which Require 
an Illuminated Back- 
ground 




208 



Copying 

Exposure Time in Copying 

As the camera is placed closer to objects and the lens Is separated 
farther from the film plane, the relative exposure time increases. Con- 
sequently^ the values of the diaphragm stops vary according to the degree 
of reduction or magnification. For example, when photographing objects 
in actual size on the Leica negative the diaphragm of the 50mm lens will 
be lOOmni from the film plane. In other words, when photographing objects 
actual size on the Leica negative the distance between the nodal plane of 
the lens and the film must be twice as great as the focal length of the 
lens. With such varying conditions the actual value of the stop changes, 
with the resulting changes in exposures. Once the correct exposure for a 
given distance has been determined the exact factors for exposures at dif- 
ferent settings may easily be determined by referring to the tables. 

The following six points must be observed before determining the 
exact exposure time: 

1. Intensity of the light used. 

2. Diaphragm stop to be used. 
3'. Speed of the film. 

4. Multiplying factors of any filters used. 

5. Character of the object to be copied, which may be dark or light, rough 
or smooth. 

6. The distance between the lens and the film, which determines the ex- 
posure factor for reduction or enlargement as given on page 198. 

When photo graphing very small objects it will be found that it is dif- 
ficult if not impossible to get a reading on the exposure meter, which 
will be correct. This is due to the fact that the average meter usually 
covers a much greater field than that occupied by the object. It will be 
found helpful to get a piece of paper of about 5x7 inches or some other 
material of a brightness or color similar to that of the average color or 
brightness of the object and get a reading on that by placing it approxi- 
mately in the plane of the object with relation to the light source. In the 
case of insects or similar small objects it will be found most expedient to 
color a piece of paper with water colors, giving it the average tint of the 
texture of the insect. 

The most accurate method of determining exposures when copying 1 is 
to make actual test pictures with different exposure times. A short length 
of film may be placed in the Leica magazine and exposed under varying, 
lighting, filter, diaphragm, and magnification or reduction conditions. De- 
velop this film the proper time and then study the results and determine 
the exact exposures to be given on the next roll of film which will be ex- 
posed under the correct requirements. 

Even a single exposure can be made on a short piece of film inserted 
directly into the Leica after the Film Magazine and Take-Up Spool have 
been removed. To do this, cut a piece of film approximately four inches 
in length and insert directly into the camera back of the shutter. Press 
one end down ahead of the other to avoid catching the film edge on the 
lower metal frame which determines the margin along one side of the 
negative. Try loading in daylight first, the exact position of the film 
will be quickly seen if the focal plane shutter is set at Time and held open. 
As 35mm film is inexpensive this method of testing exposures will be a real 
time saver and also help' produce perfectly exposed negatives when the 
good roll of film is used. 

209 



The Single Exposure Leica, described in the first chapter, can also be 
used for making single negative tests. In addition to this camera there 
is a convenient single exposure film holder for use directly in the regular 
Leica camera. 

Always keep accurate written records of exposures and notes about 
filters, diaphragm stops, illumination, etc., when copying. After each roll 
of film is developed, mark the perfect exposures in your record. Then 
after a number of rolls have been exposed and recorded a final master 
exposure table should be made for future reference. 

Films Used in Copying 

When selecting a film for copy work it is very important to have 
a thorough understanding about the various film emulsions and just 
what to expect from each one used. You may have attempted to 
copy a book page or an article from your daily newspaper with one 
of the fast panchromatic films and then wondered why the finished 
negative looked flat without much contrast after development. Or 
you may have copied an original photograph with a slow positive 
film and wondered why some of the shadows disappeared and Tbe- 
came black blotches in the negative or final enlargement. 

Films for copy work may be roughly divided into four main 
classes as follows: 

1. Slow positive films. 

2. Slow panchromatic films such as Micropan, Panatomic, Finopan, 
Perpantic. 

3. Orthochromatic films. 

4. Fast Panchromatic films. 

Positive film is contrasty and has an extremely fine grain emulsion. 
This film obtains its name from the fact that it is used in the motion 
picture industry for making positive prints from original negatives 
for projection. Likewise this film is best for making positive prints 
for projection in the Leica projectors. As positive film is not sensi- 
tive to any color except blue and violet, it should not be used when 
copying colored objects when correction filters are to be used. Use 
Dupont Micropan for this purpose. 

Use positive film for copying . . . printed matter such as books, news- 
papers, charts, maps, line drawings, and objects which may require extreme 
contrast in the final negative and enlargement. As positive film is not 
sensitive to red this color will not register and thus there will be a clear 
portion on the negative which prints black when enlarged. This film char- 
acteristic can be put to excellent use when copying maps with red and 
black lines, stamps printed in various red shades, or any other subjects 
where the red lines should appear black in the finished paper reproduction. 
A filter is not required for this type of work, just use the positive film for 
making the negatives in the Leica, and make the exposures in the usual 
way. 

210 



Copying 

Use the slow panchromatic films such as Micropari for copying . , . 
multi-colored printed matter, blue prints, or whenever correction filters 
are to be used for obtaining special effects or more contrasty results. 
For example a snappy black and white reproduction may be required from 
an old newspaper yellowed with age. How can we obtain the proper re- 
sults? To do this simply use Micropan film with a number II or III 
yellow filter. In case still more contrast is required use a Wratten G or 
even a light red (A) filter. 

When copying 1 a miscellaneous collection of subjects which may re- 
quire some color correction along with others which do not require any 
Micropan film is recommended as the most practical film for all around 
use. This film can be used without filters for the ordinary black and 
white copying. 

Use the orthochromatic films for copying . . . original photographs 
and objects where a better gradation of values must be secured in the 
final reproduction. The orthochromatic films are fine grained and are not 
as contrasty as the positive emulsions. In case positive film is not avail- 
able it is possible to use one of the orthochromatic films for copying printed 
matter and secure pretty good results, provided a contrast developer is 
used. The Perutz Fine Grain Film is very good for this type of work 
while the Agfa Plenachrome, Gevaert Superchcrome, and others can also 
be used. 

Use the fast panchromatic films for copying . . . paintings, moving 
objects which require fast films, and any subjects which require color cor- 
rection filters and short exposures at the same time. This film gives more 
latitude, or in other words there is more gradation of values between the 
highlights and shadows, this is of special value when copying paintings 
which require faithful reproduction of the delicate color gradations. 

Developing Films in Copy Work 

Copy films are developed according to the results required just as 
the proper film is selected for obtaining definite results. The usual tech- 
nique which is fully explained in the chapter on developing applies equally 
well to the processing of copy films. The only important variation conies 
when developing the positive or the Micropan films where greater contrast 
is required and development can be prolonged if necessary. 

After printed matter or similar subjects have been copied on posi- 
tive film one of the developers to use in finishing the negative is the East- 
man D-ll solution which is mixed as follows: 

Contrast Developer (D-ll) 

Water (about 125 F.) 16 ounces 500 cc 

Elon (Metol, Pictol, etc.) 15 grains 1 gram 

Sodium Sulphite 2 l /2 ounces 75 grams 

Hydroquinone 130 grains 9 grams 

Potassium Carbonate 'or Sodium Carbonate.. 360 grains 25 grams 

Potassium Bromide 70 grains 5 grams 

Cold water to make 32 ounces 1 liter 

This fornrala used at 65 will give very good contrast in five minutes. When less con- 
trast is desired, the developer should be diluted with an eq.ua! volume of water. 

Development of the positive film should be carried out for the full 
time. If the negative becomes too dense during this developing time it 
means that too much exposure has been given when copying the original 
subject. Only the finest negatives result from perfect exposures and com- 
plete development. Of course one can watch the development of positive 

211 



film under a red safelight and slightly underdevelop the film if it is seen 
that the exposures were too heavy. However the finished enlargements 
from such negatives will not have the snappy quality which can be secured 
by full development of a perfectly exposed negative. 

In case extremely contrasty results are required on positive film a 
caustic developer such as the Eastman D-9 will produce the correct results. 

Caustic Process Developer (D-9) 

Stock Solution A 

Water (about 125 F.) 16 ounces 500 cc 

Sodium Bisulphite % ounce 22 1/2 grams 

Hydroquinone % ounce 22 1/2 grams 

Potassium Bromide % ounce 22i/ 2 grams 

Cold water to make 32 ounces 1 liter 

Stock Solution B 

Cold water 32 ounces 1 liter 

Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic 
Soda) 1% ounces 52 l /z grams 

Use equal parts of A and B and develop about three minutes at 65 F. 
Cold water should always be used when dissolving Caustic Soda because 
considerable heat is evolved. Solution A should be stirred thoroughly 
when the caustic alkali is added, otherwise the heavy caustic solution will 
sink to the bottom. 

This developer oxidizes quite rapidly and cannot be used over again 
after the first developing. Therefore it is best to make several short test 



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An Example to Show How the Copy Equipment can be Used for Saving 
Considerable Time in Copying all Types of Eecords. 



212 




Fig. 131 Orange Stamp with Bla k Sur- 
charge. . .Green Filter used to Giv Better 
Black and White Contrast. 





Fig. 132 Same Stamp as Fig. 131. Red 
,(F) Filter Used to Absorb Orange Color 
:f Original Stamp, Permitting only Black 
.Surcharge to Register. 




Fig. 133 Genuine Stamp. Note the Clear 
Design of this Stamp as Compared to the 
Forgery Shown in Fig. 136. 



Fig. 134 Detail of Genuine Stamp. Note 
Clear Detail and Individual Parts which 
Differ From Forged Stamp Shown in Fig. 
135. The Second Ray to the Left of the 
Sprout Almost Touches the Ground. 





Fig. 135 Detail of Forged Stamp. Note 

that the printing is not as Clear as the 

Genuine. The Second Ray to the Left of 

the Sprout Coming Out of the Ground is Fig. 136 Forged Stamp. A recent at- 

Farther Away from the Ground. tempt to copy original Latvia Stamp. 

Photographs made by Willard D. Morgan... using Focusing Copy 
Attachment with 3 cm Extension Tube for full size stamps and 9 cm 
tube for magnifications. 



213 



strips or even single negatives of the copy material and develop in a small 
tray in order to determine the exact exposures before putting through the 
full Leica film roll. Two rolls of positive film can be wound into the 
Correx developing tank back to back and developed at one time if neces- 
sary, if the operator has sufficient skill in handling film in this manner. 

Filters Used in Copying 

For most copy work only two or three filters will be required. 
Even then a considerable amount of copying may be done without 
filters. The chapter on filters will give complete information; how- 
ever a few examples where filters may be used with panchromatic 
films in copying may be tabulated as follows : 

1. Wratten G filter . . . used for copying printed matter on yellowed 
paper in order to produce a clear black and white reproduction. 

2. Yellow number II or III filters . . . when copying paintings to secure 
proper balance of color values in the black and white reproduction. 
Colored maps may require one of these filters to bring out the proper 
legibility. For example the names of cities may be printed in black 
over a light red or orange background. With ordinary positive film 
the color would turn dark and the contrast would not be sufficient. How- 
ever, by using the yellow filter the "background is kept lighter so that 
the names are readable, and yet there is a suggestion of the shaded 
area. In case the red background is to be eliminated entirely use one of 
the red filters. 

3. Wratten A (red) or similar filters . . . excellent for use when copying 
blue prints to make the blue background reproduce black on the final 
enlargement. Blue or violet typewriting reproduces black when the red 
filter is used. This filter may be used in many ways for securing spe- 
cial results. For example the red design of a postage stamp will dis- 
appear entirely when this filter is used, thus leaving a black surcharge 
in bold relief for special study. 

The tri-color set of filters, Wratten A (red), B (green), and C5 
(blue), is very useful for securing over corrected negatives when 
certain results are to be obtained. When the colored object is viewed 
through a filter it is possible to obtain some idea about the final 
result. The eye looks upon objects and determines the differences 
either by the contrast in colors or contrast in dark and light. Nat- 
urally the reproduction of dark and light on the photographic film 
creates new difficulties, and it is sometimes better to over correct one 
color to get the proper contrast. 

A simple rule to follow when using the tri-color filters is to use 
the filter which absorbs the color which is to be reproduced as black. 
Thus if the green (B) filter is used for copying a map printed in 
red lines or red typewriting, the result will be black lines or type- 
written letters on the white paper. In case a red filter was used the 
red typewriting would be entirely eliminated and only a white blank 

214 



Copying 

sheet of paper reproduced. There will be colored objects which re- 
quire certain compromises when using filters to show contrast or 
gradation and detail as required. 

The longer the focal length of the objective the more accurate 
the filter must be for copying. This is why the 50mm lens is excel- 
lent because of its short focal length. 

Collapsible Reproduction Stand 

While traveling or when working in libraries or similar places the 
complete equipment must be kept as light and portable as possible. For 
this use, the Collapsible Reproduction Stand is available. This apparatus 
consists of a number of tubes fitting into one another, two supporting base 
bars, and the extension arm for attaching the Leica or the Sliding Copy 
Attachment. As the upright is about 22 inches high the No. 2 and No. 3 
supplementary front lenses can be used. The vertical and horizontal tubes 
have graduated scales in fractions of an inch. 

When the Leica is used with the Front Lenses a plumb weight is used 
for determining the exact center of the object to be copied. Then by refer- 
ring to the lens table booklet, which is supplied with the lenses, the exact 
focus and distance settings can be quickly made. A special light bracket 
containing two lights is also available for attaching to the extension arm of 
this outfit. 



Fig. 137 Reproduction 
Stand Equipped with Slid- 
ing Arm, Illuminator, 
Leica with Wintu Angle 
View Finder, Measuring 
Tape, and Wire Cable Re- 
lease. - The Collapsible 
Stand is Smaller but a 
Similar Set-up can be 
made. 







215 



Auxiliary Reproduction Devices 

For certain types of close-up photography the Auxiliary Eeproduction 
Attachments are of value. These attachments provide a fixed focusing ar- 
rangement which can be applied for special areas from 1x1% inches up to 
8% x 12% inches. The Belun Device is used with the Leica equipped with 
the Elmar 50mm lens for obtaining 1:1 or natural size copies. This same 
equipment is also available for the Hektor and Summar 50mm lenses, and 
the Elmar 35mm lens. This equal-size reproduction device may be used for 
copying portions of maps, coins, postage stamps, finger prints, handwriting 
specimens, small insects, plants, seeds, and any other object which can be 
included in the 1x1% inch area. The accompanying illustration will show 
how this attachment is set up. 

The Behoo Device is used for obtaining reduction ratios of 1:1%, 1:2 
and 1:3 with the Leica. The greatest sizes of the objects at the three 
different ratios are, 36 x 54mm, 48 x 72mm, and 72 x 108mm. As a com- 
plete direction booklet is available for this attachment as well as the other 
Auxiliary D Copy Devices it will not be necessary to make a reprint. The 
Behoo Device uses three Extension Tubes for securing the three different 
fixed focusing positions. When the No. 2 and No. 3 Front Lenses are used 
there is an attachment known as the Beooy which covers areas from 
3% x 5 inches up to 8% x 12% inches. Still another similar attachment is 
known as the Bazoo which is a combination of the Behoo and the Beooy 
Devices. The accompanying illustrations will give a good idea about the 
way in which these copy attachments are set up. 




Fig. 138 The Belun 1:1 Copy De- 
vice used for Making Actual size 
Copies 1x1% inches. 



Fig. 139 Auxiliary Eeproduction 
Device for use with Extension 
Tubes and Front Lenses directly on 
camera. 




216 



Copying 



Special Rotating Copy Attachment 



Still another type of copy attachment which has recently been made 
available is the Rotating Copy Attachment which serves the same purpose 
as the Sliding Focusing Copy Attachment already described. The Rotating 
Device, as shown in the illustrations, can be used for copying- all areas 
similar to the Sliding- Attachment. The booklet accompanying this Rotating 
Copy Device gives complete tables and directions for operation. 





Fig. 140 Rotating Stage Copy De- 
vice. Note 5x Magnifier on Device 
and 30x Magnifier at Lower Left. 



Fig. 141 Rotating Stage Copy 
Device as used in vertical po- 
sition. 



A very convenient attachment for the Rotating Copy Attach- 
ment is known as the Rotating Stage Plate which can be used for 
photographing small objects such as minerals, medical specimens, art 
objects, photographs, or handwriting. This attachment (Fig. 140) 
has a magnification range from 1:1 to 1:4 and focusing may be 
secured by direct visual inspection of the ground glass or by using 
the calibrated upright. It will be noted that there are three engraved 
lines at the four different focusing positions on the upright. The top 
line in each ease is for use with the Summar 50mm lens, the second 
line for the Elmar 50mm lens, and the bottom line for the Hektor 
50mm lens. At the 1:1 position the picture area is the same size as 
the Leiea negative or approximately 1 x 1% inches while at the 1 -A 
point the maximum area covered is 3 4/5 x 5 3/5 inches. "When using 



217 



the calibrate scale of the Kotating Stage Plate It is necessary to use 
the intermediate rings recommended for this arrangement. Here 
again it is possible to obtain from the Leitz Company a complete 
direction booklet and also a special chart giving the exact areas cov- 
ered with full information about intermediate tubes and the distances. 




Fig. 142 Special Copy Device with 
bellows extension. Note King Illu- 
minating Device used for Securing 
Proper Illumination of Specimens. 



When using the Special Eotating Copy Attachment it is possible 
to photograph objects 17 x 26 inches in size or minute objects only 
1/10 x 3/20 inches in size. When a microscope is added as shown 
in Figure 143 one can obtain magnifications up to several thousand 
diameters. A brief summary of the basic equipment for the Special 
Rotating Attachment as shown in Figures 142 and 143 is listed as 
follows : 

1. A 19 x 27 inch baseboard mounted on shock absorbing springs which 
can be clamped rigidly or left in free suspension. 

2. An upper and lower copying arm which can be moved as required for 
focusing. 

3. The upper aim is fitted with a clamping screw for holding the Eotating 
Copy Attachment while the lower arm holds the lens mount and the 
extension bellows. 

4. A fine focusing ring is provided at the base of the lower arm. 

5. The upright pillar is 4 feet high, and 1% inches thick. 

6. A ring illuminator with rheostat provides the maximum of lighting 
efficiency. 

7. The 5X and SOX magnifiers are used with this equipment in the same 
way as required for the Sliding Copy Attachment. 

218 



Copying 




Fig. 143 Sliding Copy Device equipped for use with the Model FF 250- 
exposure Leica. Illustration shows camera in position for use with the 
microscope. 

250 Exposure Leica Model FF 

When many photographs are to be made of book pages or other sub- 
jects the 250 exposure Leica is valuable as a time saver. This camera can 
be used on the regular Sliding Arm, on a tilting top tripod, or in connection 
with a special Sliding Copy Attachment. This camera can also be used 
conveniently with the microscope for making many photographs in rapid 
succession of still or moving objects. 

Conclusion 

As the subject of copying is such a broad one an entire book 
could easily be written in order to include the many interesting 
methods and applications. However this chapter will give the essen- 
tials from which the Leica user can select the information required 
for his own work. 

219 




The Fliers 

A Four-Negative Photo-Montage 



John T. Moss, Jr. 



-220 



FOR PROJECTION 



WILLARD D. MORGAN CHAPTER 10 



Undoubtedly the best way in which to view Leica pictures is 
by projection upon a screen. In this way the projected image not 
only has a large area, but it also yields more of a plastic quality 
which closely resembles the original subject. Such pictures may 
be projected in full natural colors, in various tones, as well as the 
ordinary black and white film or glass slides. In these projected 
pictures, a large group of people may be able to enjoy the same 
picture at the same time. As most Leica pictures are made with 
shorter focal length lenses, the negatives produce positives which 
give an almost stereoscopic effect. This is due to the excellent depth 
of focus in the Leica lens. In contrast to the projected positive, tlie 
small 5 x 7 or 8 x 10 inch paper prints do not create the luminosity 
and brilliance which are to be found in the projected picture. 

One reason why a greater use and appreciation of the projected 
image is not found is possibly because such pictures do not convey 
the full interpretation of the original negative. This may be due to 
the following : 

1. The positive film or glass slide may lack contrast and brilliance. 

2. The picture may not be composed properly on the slide or the 
original negative may not have a pleasing composition. 

3. The positive may be overexposed and thus be too dark on the 
projected screen, or it may possibly be underprinted with the resulting* loss 
of detail and depth. 

4. The projected picture may have pin holes, dust spots, finger prints 
or other blemishes. 

5. The center of interest may be lost in a maze of useless detail. 

6. Possibly the positive may lack sharpness due to improper focusing 
or uneven pressure in the case of contact printing. 

In many cases, an interesting Leica negative might be made into a 
slide for projection instead of viewing the same picture on an 8 x 10 inch 
enlargement. The projected picture presents a larger and more dramatic 
effect. At the same time, the film or glass positive emulsion has a greater 
latitude in the shadows and highlights of the image itself, as compared 
to the paper enlargement. This is due to the fact that there is a light 
illuminating the entire picture. In the projected image, even the blackest 
shadows have illuminated details, providing the positives have been prop- 

221 



erly made, while in the paper print there cannot be such transmircecl 

luminosity. 

What Makes Good Positives 

Leiea negatives can be prepared from many different subjects 
wiiicli later may be made up into film and glass slide sets. For 
example, these sets of positives may include pictures selected from 
your vacation, travels, photographs of children and pets, or, you may 
have sets illustrating your particular hobby by photographing: the 
American scene, geological formations, architectural subjects, car- 
toons, wild flowers, trees, insects and many other subjects which 
lend themselves readily to photographic interpretation. After illus- 
trating such subjects, it is possible to use these pictures for lecture 
and visual education purposes, or for your own persona] entertain- 
ment. In the case of film slides, these pictures may be printed in 
groups of twenty to forty on one strip of film. On the other hand, 
the 2 x 2 inch glass slides may be made individually and added to the 
sets at any time. There is something to be said for each method. 
The film slides are made more inexpensively while the glass slides are 
more permanent and may be re-arranged during projection. In 
addition to using the film and glass slides for general purposes, they 
are valuable in the commercial field for use in demonstrating sales 
methods, new products, as well as in training workers and salesmen. 

The new Leica Duf ay color film is excellent for commercial, 
educational, and for general subjects as well. This colorfilm pro- 
duces a very satisfactory result when projected. 

One of the most important advantages of making Leica pictures 
for projection is that these pictures require small storage space. 
For example, twenty-five rolls of positive film slides may easily be 
carried in a small container. These film rolls may include over 1,000 
pictures. With positive film costing only two or -three cents per foot, 
the film of 1,000 pictures would entail a cost of about $3.00, while 
1,000 8 x 10 inch enlargements will probably come to over $60.00. A 
remarkable difference ! Even the 2x2 inch glass slides are quite 
small and light in weight when compared to the standard 3*4 x 4 
inch glass slides which are commonly used in the large projectors. 

A thorough understanding of this chapter on the making of 
Leica positives, along with the contents of the chapter on Visual 
Education is essential The two are closely related. In the same 
way, all the other chapters in this book are likewise allied, directly 
or indirectly, to the making of film positives. The making of the 
original Leica negative is just as important as the fine technique in 

222 



Making Positives 

the making of the final film or glass slide positive for projection. 
In other words, a poor Leica negative will not produce a superb 
Leiea positive. On the other hand, an excellent Leiea negative can 
very easily be made into a very poor positive unless proper steps 
in its preparation are carefully observed. 

The Two Positive Printing Processes 

There are two ways in which to make the Leica positive film or 
glass slide. The most common method is by actual contact printing 
which is accomplished by placing the Leica negative directly in con- 
tact with the unexposed positive film or glass plate. The other method 
is by placing the negative into one of the Leica enlargers and then 
printing directly by projection. Here again, there are advantages in 
both methods, the former possibly being completed a little more rapidly 
and at the same time requiring only a minimum amount of equipment, 
while in the case of projection, it is easier to omit portions of the image 
in case a negative must be balanced correctly in printing. The pro- 
jection method helps in eliminating dust particles and also the best 
portions of the negatives may be utilized. Both of these methods will 
be described in detail later in the chapter. 

Contact Positive Printers 

The Eldia Film Printer represents one of the simplest arrangements 
for the contact printing of Leica negatives either upon paper or positive 
35mm film strips. This printer will hold approximately eight feet of posi- 
tive film. The raw stock is wound upon one spool and unwound upon an- 
other take-up spool after each contact print has been made. A ratchet 
clicks for each space of three-quarters of an inch which represents the 
single frame picture area. Two clicks of the ratchet represent the length 
of the Leica picture. The Eldia Printer is supplied with the standard 
frame size for the Leica negative. However, in case single frame nega- 
tives are to be printed, it is possible to secure a single frame window 
which is interchangeable on the Eldia Printer. The accompanying illustra- 
tions will give a more definite idea about the appearance of the printer. 




Fig. 146 Eldia Printer. For Making Contact Prints on Positive Film 
or Paper 

223 



When using the Eldia Printer, it is possible to print each negative in 
its original sequence, or if necessary, important negatives only may be 
selected and printed upon the positive film stock, which is later developed 
and used in one of the projectors. In doing this, the negative is pulled 
past the window of the printer until the proper negative appears. The lid 
is then clamped into position and the exposure made. Do not wind the 
film when the top lid is closed or the film will become scratched. 






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1 


1 








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Fig. 147 Positive Film or Paper Passes over Ratchet Wheel and under 
Take-up Spool at Eight. Negative Film Passes Through Channel of 
Hinged Cover. 




Fig. 148 Alternate Method: Paper and Negative are Both Passed over 
the Ratchet and over the Take-Up Spool at the Right. 

Directions for Operating the Eldia Printer 

Use standard safety base or non-inflammable positive film stock. 
This may be purchased in various lengths from any photographic 
dealer. 



224 



Making Positives 

1. When preparing to load the Eldia Printer, cut off about five or 
six feet of positive film and wind this upon the spool in the Eldia Printer 
opposite to the winding spool which has a slightly longer knob for turning. 

2. The winding or take-up spool is placed in the chamber next to the 
small ratchet wheel which marks the successive advance of the Leica 
frames during: printing. After the unexposed film has been wound upon 
the supply spool, the free end is pointed and attached to the take-up spool. 
Naturally, the film has been wound with the emulsion side out. The two 
spools are ^ now placed in their respective chambers in the Eldia Printer, 
as shown in the accompanying line drawing 1 . 

3. Insert the Leica negative into the grooves which are to be found 
on each side of the glass plate in the cover of this printer, the emulsion 
side of the negative facing out. In other words, the emulsion side of the 
unexposed positive and the emulsion side of the Leica negative must come 
face to face in actual contact when the cover of the printer is closed. 

4. After the printer has been closed, it is possible to judge the density 
of the negative by holding the printer over a small light box, or in case 
such a box is not available, hold the printer up in front of a low power 

' light bulb for a few seconds in order to estimate the density of the negative 
through the red plate which is to be found at the base of the printer. 

5. One of the easiest methods of exposing each successive negative 
when using this printer is by placing the apparatus under the Leica en- 
larger. In case the light in the Leica enlarger is too strong, one or two 
pieces of tissue paper may be placed in the position which would ordi- 
narily be occupied by a negative for enlarging. This method provides bet- 
ter diffusion of the light. The projection lens in the enlarger should be 
thrown out of focus. 

6. After one exposure has been made, unhook the cover of the Eldia 
Printer and pull the Leica negative to the next picture. At the same time, 
turn the positive film until two clicks are heard in the case of Leica films. 

7. Make the exposure, after the density of the negative has been de- 
termined by flashing on the small light under the printer. Proceed with 
this method until all the pictures have been printed. 

8. Make certain that the vertical and horizontal negatives are printed 
in the same way. In other words, do not reverse the negatives so that the 
vertical or horizontal pictures show on the screen in different directions 
when projecting. Also, remember that if the first picture is to start at the 
beginning of the positive film, the print should be made in such a way as 
to show it at the beginning of the roll and not reversed, which may be the 
case if care is not utilized. Simply remember that the positive picture 
is placed into the projector upside-down with the emulsion side facing the 
projection lamp. 

9. Before printing the full roll of Leica positives, it is best to make 
a few test exposures of various negatives with varying densities. To do 
this, cut up short two inch lengths of positive film and place directly into 
the printer so that the emulsion side will come into contact with the emul- 
sion side of the negative when the cover of the printer is slipped shut. 
Develop each test film in exactly the same way the full length of positive 
film is to be developed. Three or four single exposure strips may be 
easily developed in a small tray for the full time required for the devel- 
oper. After the test films have been cleared in the hypo, rinse for half 
a minute in water and then examine them by actual projection in the en- 
larger or, better yet, use one of the Leica projectors. The wet emulsion 

225 



will very quickly melt if exposed too long to the heat of the projector. 
Until you become an expert in judging the test exposures, it is always 
best to examine these test films by projection. 

10. Make certain that the glass plate in the Eldia Printer is thor- 
oughly cleaned and also keep the negative and positive film free from 
dust particles which may show on the finished positive film. Do not make 
more than 36 pictures on one length of film, if it is to be developed in a 
Reelo or Correx Tank. 

11. After the completed strip of positive film has been exposed, de- 
velopment is carried out in the Correx or Reelo Tanks in a manner similar 
to that in which the Leica negative was developed. The only exception in 
the process is that the film is developed in a special developer which ordi- 
narily takes about five minutes for complete development. 

12. The Glass Developing Drum can also be used for developing the 
positive films. This drum is quite essential for developing the Leica 
Dufaycolor film also. 

All positive films made for projection purposes should be thoroughly 
hardened after development. One of the simplest hardeners is Chrome 
Alum described in the Developing Chapter. After the film has been hard- 
ened, cleared in the acid fixing solution, washed, and then dried, it should 
be rolled up with the emulsion side out if it is to be used in the Umino 
or Umena projectors. If one of the Udimo projectors are to be used the 
film may be wound with the emulsion side in. 

Making the Leica Glass Positive 

Glass 2x2 inch positives may be made in the Eldur Glass Slide 
Printer very quickly by contact printing, as follows : 

1. The method of inserting the Leica negative is shown in the ac- 
companying illustration. The 2 x 2 inch glass plate is placed with the 
emulsion side down directly over the Leica negative. The top hinged 
pressure plate is then clamped down to hold the glass plate in contact dur- 
ing exposure. 

2. The Eldur Printer is then placed under the enlarger and the ex- 
posure made by turning on the enlarger light for the correct exposure 
time, which may vary from 2 to 10 seconds, depending on the negative and 
the stop used in the enlarger lens. Always use the same illumination 
when making positives in order to help in making the exposure estimate 
more uniform. A test slide should be made first by turning on the en- 
larger light and then make four exposures of 2, 4, 6, and 8 seconds each 
on the same plate, by moving a card across at each step. When developed, 
the test slide may be projected and the best exposure quickly determined 
for the next slide. Sometimes it is more convenient and also less expen- 
sive to use a Bromide paper which has the same speed as the plate for 
testing. 

3. The glass slides are developed in the usual slide developer which 
is given in the same package in which the 2x2 inch glass slides come. 

The Gevaert Company supplies the 2x2 inch glass slides in a medium 
as well as contrast grade. Barnet slides may also be secured in the 2x2 
inch size. When making glass slides, it is best to have both contrasts avail- 
able, in order to obtain the best results from negatives which may be con- 
trasty or flat. Usually, the contrast grade will be used. After exposing, 
developing and fixing the glass slide, it should be tested in the projector 

226 



Making Positives 



Fig. 149 Special Eldur Contact 
Printer for Making 2x2 inch 
(50mm x 50mm) Glass Slides 




for correct exposure and development. While still wet, it may safely be 
projected two or three seconds. After making- thousands of glass slides, 
I still recommend that each slide be placed in the projector and flashed 
upon the screen for an instant since this is the only way in which the finest 
glass slides can be produced. If the light of the projector is flashed for 
only two or three seconds through the wet slide, there will be no effect 
upon the positive. However, if the wet plate is allowed to remain in the 
projector for a half minute or more, the emulsion will warm up and melt, 
thus ruining the slide. It is very easy to have the projector^ in the dark- 
room for this purpose. A small image projected upon a white cardboard 
is sufficient for determining the quality of the slide. 

A good developer for use with the 2x2 inch glass slides is prepared 
as follows: 

Gevaert Contrast Developer for Slides 

Metol 11 grains 0.75 grams 

Hydroquinone 45 " 3.0 " 

Sod. Sulphite (des.) 175 " 25.0 " 

Sod. Carbonate (monohydrate) 350 " 53.0 " 

Pot. Bromide 8 " 0.5 " 

Water to make 16 oz. 500.0 cc 

The chemicals must be dissolved in the order named. A very good 
plan is to dissolve every product in water, mixing in the order named. The 
bath is then filled up with water to the mentioned quantity. 

At a temperature of 65 P., lantern plates develop in from 1% to 
2% minutes. 

Make certain that the exposure is such that the positive plate will 
remain in the developer for at least two and a half to three minutes 
without becoming overdeveloped. In case the image flashes up too 
soon and the plate is removed at the same time from the developer, the 
resulting positive will not have the rich transparency and brilliance 
which occurs when the plate is properly exposed and fully developed. 
This is where many workers make a mistake. Never underdevelop 

227 



a positive but on the contrary, carry the development to the recom- 
mended length of time. Even a minute over this time will be better 
than a minute under, The Universal Developer described in the chap- 
ter on Enlarging Papers may also be used for positive films or glass 
slides. 

"Whenever more contrasting results are required on positive glass 
plates, it is necessary to use a contrast developer. The Eastman D-ll 
Developer produces good contrast, while the Eastman D-9 Caustic 
Developer produces extreme contrast. The D-9 Developer is par- 
ticularly well suited for line work, where extreme contrast is desired. 

Hydroquinone- Caustic D-9 Developer 

For Process and Panchromatic Process Films and Glass Slides 
For Tray Development 

Stock Solution A 

Avoirdupois Metric 

Water (about 120 F.) (52 C.) 16 ounces 500.0 ec. 

Sodium Bisulphite % ounce 22.5 grams 

Hydroquinone % ounce 22.5 grams 

Potassium Bromide % ounce 22.5 grams 

Cold water to make 32 ounces 1.0 liter 

Sirock Solution B 

Cold water 32 ounces 1.0 liter 

Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda) 1% ounces 52.5 grams 

Dissolve chemicals in order given. 

Use equal parts of A and B and develop for not more than two min- 
utes at 65 F. (18 C.). 

Cold water should always be used when dissolving sodium hydroxide 
(caustic soda) as considerable heat is evolved. If hot water is used, the 
solution will spatter with violence and may cause serious burns if the 
alkali spatters on the hands or face. Solution A should be stirred thor- 
oughly when the caustic alkali is added; otherwise the heavy caustic solu- 
tion will sink to the bottom. 

Wash thoroughly after development and before fixing to prevent 
stains and dichroic fog. 

When using the D-9 Caustic Developer, mix a small amount in a 
small tray or dish which is only a little larger than the 2x2 inch glass 
plate. Use developer only sufficient to cover the plate. Upon mixing the 
two solutions, the developer oxidizes quite rapidly and after eight or ten 
minutes, at the most, the developer should be discarded. In the meantime, 
the slides may be developed. As this is a strong and rapidly working 
developer, make certain that the positive plates are not overexposed, 
since fine details in a line drawing or a printed page will not show dis- 
tinctly unless correct exposure has been made. However, with the correct 
exposure and the caustic developer, a brilliant contrast negative will result. 

Using Projection Paper for Testing 

When making film or glass slides, it is possible to use a bromide 
projection paper cut into small sizes and used in place of the film or 

228 



Making Positives 




Fig. 150 Saloon of the Gold-Rush Days Willard D. Morgan 
PRESERVING THE EARLY AMERICAN SCENE 




Fig. 151 Country Club of Gold-Rushers 



Willard D. Morgan 
229 



glass plate for testing the exposures, A paper, such as the Agfa 
Brovira medium, or contrast has a printing time very similar to posi- 
tive film or glass plate emulsions. With a little experience, the proper 
ratio between the paper and the positive emulsions may be easily de- 
termined for this paper, as well as any other make of Bromide papers. 
Such a method of making tests is economical because a full glass plate 
does not have to be exposed in order to find out the correct exposure 
time. At the same time these contact paper prints may be used for 
indexing purposes or for cross references after the slides have been 
made. It is a good plan, in fact, to make a paper contact print of 
every negative which is made into a positive for projection. These 
paper prints are useful for classifying the pictures later. There is 
a special metal pressure plate which may be placed over the square 
rubber plate which is used in the Eldur Printer. This metal pressure 
plate permits the making of paper contact prints in the Eldur Printer. 
It is quickly removed when glass plates are to be made. 

After each positive glass plate has been developed, it should be 
rinsed for a few seconds in fresh water and then placed in the hypo 
clearing solution for about eight to ten minutes. After clearing, the 
slide is then placed in running water and washed for one-half hour. 
When washing has been completed, wet a piece of cotton or nse a wet 
viscose sponge for swabbing off both sides of the plate which is then 
placed in a drying rack in a location free from dust. A close-meshed 
linen cloth may be laid over the drying rack in order to keep out dust 
particles which may settle on the wet emulsion of the plate and later 
show up on the projection screen. 

When all the slides are dry, they should be projected before bind- 
ing in order to cheek on the quality. In case there are scratches, pin 
holes or other defects, the slide must either be touched up or discarded. 
Small pin holes and breaks in the emulsion can usually be eliminated 
by spotting with a fine brush and black spotting ink. The Chinese 
Ink stick, which may be purchased at most photographic dealers, is 
very handy for this purpose. Some slides may require opaquing 
around the principal object. This is easily done by painting with a 
good opaque solution which dries quickly. Slides showing machinery 
parts, and copies of irregular subjects which are to be shown without 
a background, will require this method of opaquing before binding. 

Mounting the Finished Glass Slide 

After the glass slide is dry, secure a clear cover plate together with 
a cut out mask and a package of lantern slide binding tape. The binding 
tape can be cut into four lengths of two inches each, or if preferred, one 
full length about eight and one-half inches long may be cut. Place the 

230 



Making Positives 

cut out paper mask over the emulsion side of the positive in such a way 
that the clear portions of the positive surrounding the picture are covered. 
Next, place the clear cover glass, which has previously been washed and 
polished dry, over the mat and the positive plate. Hold both plates to- 
gether and paste the paper binding tape around the edges. Make sure 
that the emulsion side of the positive plate is always covered by the glass 
plate. If the emulsion side is on the outside, it will quickly be damaged. 

Film positives may be cut with scissors and bound between glass 
plates if desired. Some Leica users prefer this method since the pictures 
may be made at smaller expense. Two or three positives may be made 
of the same negative in case there is any doubt about the exposure. The 
best positive is then selected for binding between the two clear glass 
plates with the paper mask between. The film positive should be attached 
to the paper mask by one or two small pieces of the paper binding: tape 
in order to keep the picture centered while "binding. This method is espe- 
cially recommended for the natural color films, such as the Agfacolor, 
Dufaycolor and Lumiere. 

After the glass slide is bound, it should be spotted by placing a 
small white square of gummed paper or photo cloth in the upper right 
corner of the slide when it is in its correct position for projecting. In 
other words, hold the slide before you so that it looks correct. That is, 
the slide should appear in the same orientation as the original subject. 
Then, turn the slide so that the subject is up-side-down with the emulsion 
side facing toward you. Place white spot on the tipper right corner of the 
slide. When the slides are being projected, it is very easy to place them 
in the projector in their proper position without difficulty, simply by watch- 
ing the reference spot. 

Ail glass slides spoiled by wrong exposure, developing, or any other 
cause, should be saved and used for cover glasses later. These discarded 
slides may be soaked in hot water and strong soap in order to soften and 
remove the emulsion. A razor blade is good for scraping off the emulsion. 
Give the glasses a final wash in another soap and water bath and then 
wipe thoroughly dry with a clean linen cloth. The glasses are now ready 
for use in binding the good lantern slides. 

Still another method of preparing film positives for projection is 
by mounting three positive films between two clear glass plates which 
measure 35 x 120mm. These plates are matted and bound, similar to the 
2x2 inch glass plates. The Udimo Projectors have a special slide holder 
for accommodating this longer sized plate. In the case of stereo positives, 
this method of binding is excellent as the Stereo Viewer accommodates 
the 35 x 120mm slide. 

Making Film or Glass Slides by Projection 

My favorite method of making film or glass slides is by using one 
of the Leica enlargers. The negative is placed in the enlarger with the 
emulsion side facing down as usual, while the unexposed film or glass 
plate is placed on the baseboard after exact focus has been obtained 
on another focusing plate. When unexposed positive film is used in 
the Eldia Printer, the top plate of the printer is clamped shut as usual. 
However, the picture is projected through the glass plate upon the 
positive film. Before making the exposure, focus the negative upon 

231 



a white area the exact size of the Leica negative and also in the exact 
plane of the film in the printer. A block of wood may be cut for this 
purpose or two printers may be used. 

Film positives may also be made by using the Leica camera loaded 
with positive film without a lens. The picture is focused from the 
enlarger directly into the camera after the focal plane shutter has been 
set at time exposure. Once the correct focus and position have been 
determined, the entire strip of film may be exposed. A thin block of 
wood 3%mm thick (the exact thickness between the back of the Leica 
and the face of the pressure plate) may be used for focusing the image 
before the camera is placed into position. The face of the wood should 
be painted white and the exact frame size of the picture ruled off in 
black crayon for a guide when focusing. 

A single frame IS x 24mm film positive may be made by reduc- 
tion from the Leica size 24 x 36mm negative. The Eldia Printer 
equipped with a single masking window may be used for this purpose. 
The Leica Enlarger is equipped with a 6cm extension tube between 
the 50mm lens and the focusing mount. In this way, it is easy to 
reduce the Leica negative to single frame size. All Leica projectors 
are equipped for single frame as well as double frame projection. As 
there are many projectors available for single frame pictures only, 
this method of making positives will naturally be of great value for 
such projectors. 

"When using the 2x2 inch glass plates, it is simpler to place one 
of the undeveloped plates on the paper easel of the enlarger. The 
plate may be pushed into the corner of the easel in such a way that a 
second plate may be replaced after the image has been centered on the 
focusing plate which contains a penciled outline 1 x iy 2 inches in size, 
representing the size of the Leica negative. If preferred, the picture 
area may be made 3 x 4cm in size and later the picture masked off 
by using the short strips of lantern slide binding tape. This 3 x 4cm 
size can be projected only in the Udimo projectors. 

An orange filter is convenient to use while making glass slides. 
Such a filter may be thrown across the projected negative image in 
order to make certain that the unexposed glass plate is properly cen- 
tered before the exposure is made. 

The important part of the Leica negative is easily centered upon 
the glass plate. All the unessential parts of the negative are eliminated 
because the projected picture may be made larger or smaller in order 
to eliminate certain parts of the negative. At the same time, it is not 
difficult to shade part of the picture during exposure in order to bring 

232 



Making Positives 

out certain parts of the positive, sudi as, a dense sky, or possibly some 
other portion of the negative may have a strong highlight which should 
be printed longer. In fact the projection method of making glass slide 
positives is the Ideal way in order to insure the best results. 

In some cases, it is necessary to make 3^/4 x 4 Inch standard lantern 
slides for use in the larger projectors. Such slides are made by using 
the Lelca enlarger and following similar methods which apply to the 
smaller 2x2 inch glass slides. If the original Lelca negative is de- 
veloped properly, It is possible to make 314 x 4 inch glass slides which 
will produce beauty and brilliance equal to slides made from larger 
negatives when projected. 

When using the Valoy or Focomat enlargers for making film or 
glass positives, it is necessary to use either a 3cm or 6cm extension 
tube between the 50mm lens and the focusing mount of the enlarger. 
When the 3cm tube is used, keep the lens barrel pulled out and locked 
in position. However, in case the 6cm tube is used the lens barrel may 
be pushed in as far as it will go. The correct focus is obtained by 
turning the focusing mount of the enlarger. Naturally, other extension 
tubes or any combination of tubes may be used depending upon the 
results required. In case a longer working distance is required be- 
tween the lens and the positive, a 6cm tiibe and the 90mm Elmar lens 
may be used very successfully. 



Fig. 152 Laver Combination Print- 
er. A complete Unit Easily Con- 
vertible for Contact Printing on 
Paper, Paper Strips, Film or Glass 
Slides 




Operating the Combination Professional Printer 

When a more universal positive printing- outfit is required, the Laver 
Combination Printer is recommended. The Important features of this 
printer are listed as follows: 
1. Single frame and double frame film slides may be made. 

233 



2. Single frame, Leica size double frame, 3 x 4cm and 4 x 4cm glass plate 
positives may be made by using a supplementary plate printing attach- 
ment. 

3. All metal construction, with enclosed lamp housing, containing a 15- 
watt bulb for making the exposures. 

4. Rheostat control for varying light intensity. 

5. A small red light burns continually in the lamp housing in order to 
show the proper exposure, or density of each negative. 

6. Contact button for turning on the white light for making the exposure. 

7. Slots on each side of the printer permit the insertion of a thin piece 
of cardboard for use in shading parts of negatives during the ex- 
posure. 

8. Film housing will hold up to 35 feet of positive film. The exposed film 
may be cut off and developed as used. 

9. On each side of the glass plate, under the negative, there is a small 
line drawing, showing which way the negatives should be printed in 
order to appear in the finished positive film roll in the proper upright 
or horizontal positions. 

10. When the positive film chamber is moved out of position, a metal plate 
automatically covers the exposed portion of the positive film. Naturally 
the printing should be done under a red safety light in the darkroom. 

The positive film is loaded into the Laver Printer by removing the 
top portion of the film housing and rolling the film directly upon the 
spool opposite to the ratchet spool, similar to the one in the Bldia 
Printer. Make certain that the film is wound with the emulsion side 
out when loading and attach the free end to the take-up spool which 
is wound in such a way that the film emulsion will be on the inside. 
In other words, the film passes over the ratchet wheel and down under 
the take-up spool. As the film is advanced, a distinct click will be 
heard for each single frame space. Two of these clicks represent the 
length of a Leica negative. After the film has been inserted, place 
the upper part of the housing back into position. 

The making of film and glass slides by contact printing is carried 
out by methods similar to those previously explained. 

In using either the film slide attachment or the glass slide attach- 
ment on the Laver Printer, it is possible to see picture numbers or 
special marks which may be made on the film margins for reference 
when selecting the proper negative for making the positive printing. 

Using the Belun Attachment 

Still another method of making positives is by using the Belun 1 :1 
copy attachment. For this set-up secure a light box for illuminating 
the negative which is to be copied directly upon the positive film which 
has been loaded into the Leica camera. A 15-watt bulb will be sufficient 
for illumination. Set the Belun copy attachment over each negative 
to be copied and make the exposures. A few test exposures should be 

234 



Making Positives 

made before running through the entire film. A short length of posi- 
tive film may be loaded into the camera for making- the test shots. 
By using the Belun attachment sections of larger negatives can be 
copied and made into positive film slides for projection also. Then 
by using the Sliding Focusing Copy Attachment any sized negative can 
be copied for positive film slides. 




Fig. 153 My Friend Lionel 



Henry M. Lester 



235 




Fig. 155 Sky Kockets 

Elmar 50mm lens, wide open, 1 minute exposure 

236 



E. Scott Pattison 






WILLARD D. MORGAN CHAPTER II 



After the positive film or glass slide lias been made, the next step 
is to show the finished pictures on a projection screen. In doing this, 
it is necessary to select one of the projectors described later in this 
chapter. 

By projecting Leica pictures, you have an opportunity to show 
one picture to a group of friends w T ho may be assembled for the occa- 
sion. In this way, all can be united in viewing one picture at a time 
and also in talking about each picture as it is shown. Thus, a very 
profitable half hour or an entire evening may be spent. Each pic- 
ture is thus presented in its fullest advantages of large size and with 
its three dimensional effects which come nearest to interpreting the 
original scene. 

In the field of visual education and industrial selling, the use of 
positive pictures for projection is of immense value. In the industrial 
sales field, for example, it is possible to use the Lelca Camera to 
photograph actual manufacturing processes and later arrange these 
pictures in slide form for projection. For example, there is a largo 
industrial firm which uses the Leica Camera very successfully by 
collecting the latest developments and uses for their product from 
different state managers. These pictures are then assembled and 
printed along with appropriate titles on film strips. The duplicate 
strips are later mailed out to the various branches for the regular sales 
meeting of the district salesmen. Thus each district is kept in con- 
stant touch with all the developments throughout the country. 

The Various Projectors Available 

There are five different Leica projectors available for showing 
Leica positives. These projectors range from the small Umino pro- 
jector to the large 400-watt Udimo projector. In selecting the proper 
equipment for your purpose, it is important to consider the various 
specifications of each projector. Two of the most generally used 
projectors are, the small miniature Umena Projector, and the Udimo 
100 Projector. The Udimo 250 and Udimo 400 projectors are of 

237 



special value for use in projecting natural color pictures and also for 
use in larger rooms where a longer projection distance is required. 




Fig. 156 Udimo - 100 Projector, 
Shown Complete with Camera Lens, 
Film Magazines and Transport 
Gate 



The Udimo 100 Projector 

The Udimo 100 Projector is considered to be the standard model 
projector which is used by many Leica owners. The specifications 
and directions for using this projector are given as follows : 

1. Height, 9*/2 inches, width of base, 5 inches, length of base, IVs inches. 

2. Bayonet socket for holding 100-watt prefocused projection bulb. 

3. Detachable heat absorption screen. When glass slides are being pro- 
jected, this heat filter may be removed, thus slightly increasing the 
brightness of the screen picture. 

4. The condenser of this projector is made up of three elements, the front 
element being interchangeable for use with lenses of various focal 
lengths. This system insures the full illumination of every picture 
projected with the various lenses providing the proper front condenser 
is in position. Complete information about the interchangeable con- 
densers is given later. 

5. The top cover plate of the projector housing may be removed when the 
tubular projection lamp is to be changed. When removing the lamp, 
simply pull directly out of the socket. When placing a new lamp in 
position, make certain that the filaments are parallel with the condenser 
system. 

6. The entire lamp mounting may be removed by turning the projector 
up-side-down and removing the three large screws which hold the bot- 
tom plate in position. In case the central lamp housing is out of align- 
ment, proper centering may be done by adjusting the set screws on 
the base plate. 

7. The intensity of the projected positive is increased by means of a 
mirror reflector mounted at the rear of the projection lamp. 

8. The film slide attachment which is mounted on the front part of the 
projector may be rotated in order to show horizontal and vertical pic- 
tures in their proper orientation. There is a small spring catch 
mounted just above the revolving attachment. This catch may be re- 

238 



Projecting 

leased when the attachment is changed to a vertical or horizontal 
position. 

9. The various slide masks may be used for showing film or glass slide 
positives in various sizes, from single frame up to 4 x 4cm. All these 
masks and slides are quickly interchangeable in the film or glass slide 
attachment which is mounted in front of the projector and secured into 
position with four knurled knobs. 

10. AH the Leica lenses with the exception of the 35mm wide angle may 
be used with this projector as well as the Udinio-250 and Udimo-400 
Projectors. There are also two special 80mm and 120nim projection 
lenses available for these projectors. A special base tube or receiving 
socket is used with the 80mm and 120mm projection lenses for attach- 
ing to the projector. All the Leica lenses are screwed into the film or 
glass slide attachment directly without the use of any intermediate 
tubes. 

11. When loading the positive film slide into the Udimo film slide attach- 
ment, proceed as follows: 

a. While facing the projector from the front, remove the left film 
drum and draw out the film transporting gate. Make certain 
that this gate is thoroughly cleaned. The front plate may be 
removed by lifting out from under the two springs which hold 
it into place. At the same time, the lower glass plate may be 
slid to one side and removed by slightly raising the spring band 
which will be seen along the top side of the film gate. This 
plate may be replaced by a plate with single frame window In 
case single frame film slides are to be used. Otherwise, clean 
the original plate and place it back in position along with the 
film transport gate. 

b. When replacing the film transport gate, push it into its slide- 
way as far as it will go. While facing projector, this gate Is 
pushed into position from the left side, the same side through 
which the positive film strips are started. 

c. Replace the left film housing and insert the positive film roll 
into this housing with the beginning of the roll projecting 
through the guide which opens directly into the film sliding 
gate and is transported through this gate by turning- the ratchet 
wheel. 

d. The turning knob of this ratchet wheel must be pressed down 
each time the film is transported, otherwise, the film will not 
turn. After the film has been transported, raise the turning 
knob. In doing this, the glass pressure plate automatically 
presses against the film and holds it in a perfect plane during 
the projecting. When the turning knob is depressed, this glass 
plate automatically separates at the same time the film is being 
transported. This precaution prevents any possible scratching 
of the film. 

e. As the film is turned through the transport gate, it auto- 
matically enters the opposite film chamber on the right and 
winds into this chamber. 

f . Start the positive film through the transporting device with the 
emulsion side facing the projection bulb being sure that the 
horizontal images of the film are inverted or upside down. 

239 



12. There are four interchangeable condensers for use with the three Udimo 
Projectors. These condensers are supplied for use with the various 
lenses of different focal lengths. Each condenser has marks on the 
side, indicating the focal length of lenses required for the particular 
condenser. The exact specifications of each condenser are given as 
follows : 

a. Interchangeable Condenser marked "5" for use with Summar, 
Hektor and Elmar 50mni lenses, for use with Udinio 100 and 
Udimo 300 Projectors. 

b. Interchangeable Condenser marked "5VIIK" for use with Sum- 
mar, Hektor and Elmar 50mm lenses for Udimo 400 Projector 
only. 

c. Interchangeable Condenser marked "7.3-8-9" for use with Leica 
lenses Hektor 73mm, Elmar 90mm, and special projection lens 
Milar 80mm focus. 

d. Interchangeable Condenser marked "10.5-12-13.5" for use with 
Leica lenses Elmar 105mm, Elmar 135mm and special projec- 
tion lens Dimax 120mm focus. 

13. The special 120mm projection lens is known as the Dimax, while the 
80mm special projection lens is known as the Milar. 

14. The Glass Slide Changer as illustrated is excellent for use when show- 
ing" the 2x2 inch glass slides in the Udimo Projectors. This Slide 
Changer may be used in the special glass slide holder, or it may be 
used in the Film Slide Attachment after the two film drums have been 
removed. 



Fig. 157 Udimo-250 Projector. Illus- 
tration Shows Lamp Housing Only. 
All attachments are Interchangeable 
with the Various Udimo Projectors 





Fig. 158 Udimo-400 Projector. 
Illustration Shows Lamp Housing 
Only 



240 



Projecting 





Pig. 159 Glass Slide At- 
tachment, Interchangeable 
for all Udimo Projectors 






Fig. 160 Glass Slide 
Holder, Interchangeable 
for all Udimo Projectors 



All the film and glass slide attachments are interchangeable for 
use on the Udimo 100, Udimo 250 and Udimo 400 projectors. The 
main differences in these projectors are in the lamp housings. 100, 
250 and 400-watt projection bulbs are used respectively in each Udimo 
Projector. The height of the Udimo 250 Projector is 11% inches, 
while the width of the base is 6 inches and the length 9 inches. The 
Udimo 250 has a special self-contained heat filter in the condenser 
system. The height of the Udimo 400 Projector is 12% inches, while 
the width of the base is 7% inches and the length 13% inches. The 
Udimo 400 Projector is equipped with a special water cooling jacket 
which should be filled with distilled water before using. 




Fig. 161 Base Tube for At- 
taching 1 Special 80mm and 
120mm Projection Lenses, In- 
terchangeable for all Udimo 
Projectors 



Fig. 162 Film Transport Gate, 
Interchangeable for all Udimo 
Projectors 




241 



A special Elevator Plate may be attached to any of the Udimo 
Projectors. There are two small threaded holes in the base at the 
front of each projector for attaching the Elevator Plate. This Eleva- 
tor Plate may be attached to the base of either projector and set at 
the proper position so that the projected picture is perfectly centered 
on the projection screen. The film and glass slide attachments are 
all interchangeable for the various projectors. 

Table showing screen areas for various projection lenses. 
Screen Distance and Screen Areas in Feet 

Lens 6ft. 9ft. 12ft. 15ft. 18ft. 21ft. 24ft. 

Elmar f:3.5 50m 

Hektor f :2.5 50m 3.9X2.7 6X3.9 8.1X5.4 

Summar f:2 50mm 

Hektor f :1.9 73m 4.5X3 5.7X3.9 7.2X4.8 6X9 

Eimarf:490mm 3.6X2.4 4.5X3 5.7X3.9 6.6X4.5 8.1X5.4 

Elmar f:6.3 105mm.... 3.9X2.7 5.1X3.3 6.3X4.2 7.2X4.8 8.1X5.4 

Elmar f:4.5 135mm..,. 3X2 3.6X2.44.5X3 5.4X3.6 6.3X4.2 

Milar 80mm 3.9X2.7 5.4X3.6 6.3X4.2 8.1X5.4 6.3X9.5 7.2X10.8 

Dimax 120mm 3,6X2.4 4.2X3.7 5.4X3.6 6.3X4.2 7.2X4.8 




Pig. 163 Udimo-750 Projector complete with 250mm pro- 
jection lens and special film transporting device 
which accommodates film lengths up to 70 feet 

The Udimo-750 Projector 

The Udimo-750 Projector is really a universal projector which 
can be used for screen distances between 10 and 100 feet or more. 
All the Leica lenses with the exception of the 28mm and the 35mm 
can be used with this 750-watt projector. In addition, there are the 
80, 120, 150, 200, and 250mm projection lenses to select from. The 
high light intensity makes it possible to project color pictures upon 
a large screen and still retain the brilliance required. 

242 



Projecting 

There are six different interchangeable condensers available for 

all the various projection lenses. The three additional condensers 
not listed on page 240 are added as follows : 

e. Interchangeable Condenser marked "15" for use with the 150mm 
Dimax projection lens. 

f. Interchangeable Condenser marked "2CF y for use with the 200mm 
Dimax projection lens. 

g. Interchangeable Condenser marked "25" for use with the 250mm 
Dimax projection lens. 

As a supplement to the table on page 242 the following projection 
distances and screen areas will give additional information of value: 

Lens 35 ft. 60 ft. 80 ft, 100 ft. 

Dimax 150mm 6X9 10 X 14% 

Dimax 200mm 7% X 11 % 10 X 14% 

Dimax 250mm 6X9 8X12 10X14% 

All measurements are given in feet 

The Udimo-750 has a special heat filter and water jacket cooling- 
chamber to prevent the overheating of positive films during projec- 
tion. All the interchangeable accessories used with the other Udimo 
projectors may also be used with the Udimo-750. A special film 
attachment may be used which accommodates all film lengths up to 
75 feet. 




Fig. 164 The Umino (50 watt) or Umena (100 watt) Miniature Projector 
for Single and Double Frame Film Slides or Glass Lantern Slides 

The Umino and Umena Miniature Projector 

One of the simplest and most compact projectors available for 
showing Leica film or glass positives is known as the Umino Projector 
which contains a 50- Watt projection bulb. This projector is so small 
that it can easily be carried in a brief case along with a supply of 
positive film or slides. As this projector has so many distinct ad- 

243 



vantages, it Is recommended for use by all Leica users who are inter- 
ested in projecting their pictures. When the Umino projector is 
equipped with a 100-Watt projection bulb it is referred to as the 
Umena Projector. The specifications and directions for using this 

projector are given as follows : 

1. Height 5 1/2 inches, length 7 inches, width 2 1/2 inches, weight 
2 1/3 Ibs. 

2. 80mm projection lens in focusing mount, 50 or 100-watt projection 

bulb available. 

3. Six-volt bulb may be used with ordinary automobile storage bat- 
tery when the usual electric current is not available. 

4. Front film housing may be rotated for showing vertical or hori- 
zontal pictures after loosening the set screw No. 1. The complete 
front rotating portion of the projector may be removed after 
loosening the set screw No. 8. After this set screw is loosened, 
simply raise the front attachment and remove from its position. 

5. When a 100-watt bulb is used, a heat absorption filter is inserted 
into position as indicated by No. 5. A spiral spring No. 4 is re- 
moved or replaced for holding the heat filter in its proper position. 

6. In case the condensers No. 6 and No. 7 are to be removed for 
cleaning, it it only necessary to remove the spiral springs which 
hold them in place. 

7. When loading the strip of positive film into the Umino Projector, 
unhook the clamp No. 11 and swing out the pressure plate No. 
12. The film roll may be inserted into the film chamber No. 34, 
while the free end of the film roll is passed down under the metal 
guide of the lower chamber. After making certain that the per- 
forations of the film mesh with the cogs on the turning rachet 
wheel, close the hinged pressure gate No. 12. 

8. After the film has been placed in its proper position, turn the film 
transporting knob No. 20 slowly until the first frame of the film 
strip comes into exact position on the projection screen. This 
frames the first picture and from then on the knob is pulled out 
and turned for each picture. A slight click is heard as the knob 
is turned. Each click represents a space of a single frame positive, 
thus two clicks are necessary to place each Leica size positive in 
position. 

9. When 2x2 inch glass slides are to be used, the front film pressure 
plate No. 12 is removed. In doing this, simply unscrew the knob 

244 



Projecting 

No. 17 part way until the cross plate No, IS separates from the 

glass pressure plate No, 12. Then, remove the glass plate entirely. 
Next, draw out the back glass pressure plate X5. 0. In this way 
space is left for Inserting the 2x2 inch glass slides which may be 
pushed through as required. "When using the glass plates it is 
not necessary to revolve the front housing because the glass plates 
have the pictures already mounted in either horizontal or vertical 
positions. 

10. When changing the projection bulb, loosen the set screw No. 10 
and then raise and remove the lamp housing No. 9. The interior 
metal lamp housing is pushed back, thus leaving the projection 
bulb free for changing. 



Fig. 165 Cross section of 
Umino or Umena Minia- 
ture Projector, Showing 
Detail of Optical System 




Fig, 166 Cross sec- 
tion of Umino or 
Umena Miniature Pro- 
jector, Assembled, 
Ready for Projection 



When using the Umino Projector, make certain that the film 
positives have been hardened in order to prevent scratching during 
projection. If the positives have been properly processed, danger of 
scratching the film slides during projection will be practically elim- 
inated. 



245 



Titles for Film 

Whenever possible, try to include printed titles in your film 
strips. A few titles scattered through a film strip will give added in- 
terest as well as information to the people who are viewing pictures. 
The strip can start with a special title and short description about 
what the pictures will cover. Titles are easily made by using one 
of the copy attachments referred to in the chapter on Copying with 
the Leica Camera. Boards containing movable letters are available 
for setting up titles. 

If a title board cannot be secured, simply use a black slate and 
letter the wording with chalk. Make the photograph and then erase 
the lettering for the next sub title. In fact, titles might even be let- 
tered across actual Leica enlargements which may present an interest- 
ing background. With a lettering board many interesting titles may 
be worked up for use with your film slides. 




Advertisement 
246 



Rudolf Hoffmajin 



Projecting 

Storing Positive Pictures 

All film slides and glass slides should be kept in containers free 
from dust. Such containers may be secured from the regular photog- 
raphic dealers, or, if preferred, special containers can be made to cover 
any individual requirements. The small metal cans with covers on 
which the titles of the film slides may be written are excellent. These 
tins may be purchased on the market. Another way to keep film slides 
is by using the regular film storage boxes which contain cross-sections 
with spaces for about 25 rolls of film. The glass slides are easily kept 
in small boxes with hinged lids. 

As your film and glass slide library grows, it will be necessary for 
you to develop a special indexing system so that any picture may be 
located instantly when desired. In the case of film slides, it is con- 
venient to make paper contact prints of every picture on a single 
strip of film. These contact pictures are then mounted onto an index 
card which contains titles, numbers and complete information about 
that particular film roll. Contact prints of the individual glass slides 
may also be made and mounted on individual indexing cards, along 
with the proper title and descriptions. In the case of the glass slides, 
it is very easy to group the subjects under various classifications, such 
as, buildings, street scenes, birds, boats, portraits, flowers, or any other 
subject. As the glass and slide collection grows, a valuable index and 
cross reference system may be built up. The slides are then available 
for instant use for showing in the home or in preparing special lec- 
tures or demonstrations. 

UMINO AND UMENA PROJECTION TABLE 

Distance in feet 
between Umino or 

Umena and Screen Image Screen Image 

projection screen Leica size single frame size 

6 2 ft. 5 in. x 1 ft. 7 in. 1 ft. 7 in. x 1 ft 3 in. 

9 3 ft. 7 in. x 2 ft. 3 in. 2 ft. 3 in. x 1 ft. 8 in. 

12 4 ft. 10 in. x 3 ft. 2 in. 3 ft. 2 in. x 2 ft. 5 in. 

15 6 ft. x 3 ft. 10 in. 3 ft. 10 in. x 3 ft. 

18 7 ft, 2 in. x 4 ft. 8 in. 4 ft. 8 in. x 3 ft. 6 in. 

21 8 ft. 4 in. x 5 ft. 6 in. 5 ft. 6 in. x 4 ft. 2 in. 

24 9 ft. G in. x 6 ft. 3 in. 6 ft. 3 in. x 4 ft. 8 in. 



247 




Fig. 168 Dachshunds 
(Not a Stereo!) 



Ivan Dmitri 



248 






HENRY M. LESTEB CHAPTER 12 



Our keen appreciation of realism in photography finds its fullest 
expression in our fondness for color pictures and stereoscopic views. 
The latter, known among graphic arts as three dimensional photogra- 
phy, is, for the time being the only method of rendering pictures so that 
the subject looks round and plastic. It is unfortunate that at present 
we are unable to lend this plasticity to single picture views obtained 
by ordinary, two dimensional photography, which always has, and 
still is endeavoring to assist our imagination to see things in pictures 
as we are accustomed to see them in life. By means of lighting, 
suitable backgrounds and skillful placement of the object within its 
environment, photographers are trying more or less successfully to 
give their pictures the effect of roundness and depth. But so far, 
photography has not been able to find a substitute for that lifelike 
rendering of depth in anything but the double image secured by view- 
ing the subject from two points. 

There is nothing new about a stereo camera. But the manner in 
which stereo views are obtained with a Leica camera is a decided 
departure from the old-fashioned methods of stereo photography. 
Before the Leica made its entrance into this field, a stereo camera had 
to have two lenses. In better cameras of this type these lenses had 
to be of the matched type, synchronized as to lens aperture and shut- 
ter action. The stereo feature introduced by the Leica consists of 
taking stereo pictures with one lens only. 

The problem was solved with remarkable simplicity. Two prisms, 
placed about 70mm apart along a horizontal axis are made to act as 
small periscopes, bringing the two respective images together in front 
of the regular Leica lens. Each of these two images enters the camera 
and reaches the film plane through its respective half of the lens. 
Thus two separate images are formed upon the film, each measuring 
half of the Leica frame; lSx24mm. There is no dividing line be- 
tween these two images : they merely join each other, forming a nar- 
row fade into one another, thus using the maximum space available. 

A negative thus formed is made into a positive transparency by 
contact printing upon 35mm positive film without any of the customary 

249 



reversal of images. The positive is then viewed through a slightly 
modified form of the same periscopic double prism, where the process 
is reversed. Here the images are picked up from the double frame 
separately, and carried to two eyepieces, thus giving full stereo effect. 

The Leica method of stereo photography has also the advantage of 
seeing stereo pictures at their very best because of the added 
luminosity, plasticity and brilliance of viewing positive transparencies 
instead of paper prints. All this gives the picture an added sense of 
realism. Of course, if paper prints are preferred, they may be made 
just as easily by enlargement to the size desired. 
The Stereo Equipment 

The Stereoly attachment consists of two units: the photographing unit, 
which is placed over the standard 50mm lens, and held in place by means of 
a small arm fitting into the camera clip; and the viewing- unit, which has 
adjustable eyepieces and a slotted channel for the film. The viewing unit 
can be held in hand or attached to a convenient stand. The Stereoly taking 
unit has its own view finder, which replaces that of the camera. Since 
each of the two pictures obtained is only half as large as the regular 
Leica frame, only half the area covered by the 50mm lens is available. 
The Leica , must always be held horizontally when used with the Stereoly, 
which will result in two vertical images. The camera should not be used 
vertically. 





Fig. 170 Stereoly Photographing 
Unit for Stereoscopic Photography 
with Hektor, Elmar, and Summar 
50mm Lenses only 



Fig. 169 Stereo Viewer, 
on Stand, for 35mm Leica 
Stereo Positives 



Fig. 171 Stereo Slide Bar, for 
Stereoscopic Photography when 
making two separate negatives 



250 



Stereo 

Taking Stereo pictures with the Leica is no more complicated than 
taking ordinary pictures. The Stereoly is placed before the lens, given a 
simple adjustment described in the instructions accompanying- each instru- 
ment, and one is ready to take pictures. The exposure variation of the 
Stereoly is almost negligible, if one considers the latitude of modern film 
emulsions. To be sure, the exposure factor is not constant. It varies from 
the requirement of an exposure fifty per cent longer with the lens set at 
f:3.5 to an increase of some ten per cent only, when the lens is stopped 
down to f :12.5. As a matter of general practice, it is recommended to take 
stereo pictures with the lens stopped down to f :6.3 or f:9. Lens openings 
larger than these do not yield sufficient depth of focus for stereo pictures, 
while those smaller than f :9 are apt to cause vignetting of images under 
certain conditions. The Stereoly unit does not by itself cause any unsharp- 
ness of pictures, but to avoid pictures lacking definition and detail, so 
important in stereos, all exterior glass surfaces should be kept scrupulously 
clean at all times, and free from finger marks above all. 

Filters for Stereo Photography 

Filters may be used in connection with the Stereoly attachment if 
they are in the standard Leica slip-on mount. They are simply placed over 
the lens, and the Stereoly is attached over the filter. Since the aperture 
of the lens cannot be changed nor can the filters be removed without first 
removing the Stereoly from the camera, it is suggested that the lens be 
operated always at the same stop when used for stereo pictures. Filters 
should be used as judiciously as in any other form of Leica photography. 
It should be remembered that filters, as their name implies, are not there 
to add anything to the pictures, but merely to remove something that may 
be objectionable. Frequent reference to the special chapter on this subject 
may, we hope, result in a more reserved and more appropriate use of 
filters in general. 

In certain instances where special filters used for definite effects are 
not available in Leica mounts, and cannot be made to fit on account of 
their excessive thickness, they may be used (if available in pairs) by being 
fastened to the front part of the Stereoly taking unit in such a way that 
they completely cover the two front apertures. It may not be amiss to 
say that when this is resorted to, both filters must be identical. 

Sunshades and Film 

Experiments have shown conclusively that stereo pictures secured with 
the aid of sunshades were quite superior to those obtained without them. 
They seem to be sharper, clearer and more brilliant and have a better defini- 
tion throughout. The proverbial ingenuity of Leica users should find here 
another field of application. The writers have used successfully two stand- 
ard Leica sunshades of the inexpensive kind fastened to each end of the 
Stereoly unit by means of scotch tape. On another occasion, a 10 inch length 
of 1% inch black scotch tape wound all around the front edge of the 
Stereoly, protruding about an inch, served the purpose admirably. 

Stereoscopic photography with the Leica is so simple that it may be 
said that there is actually no difference between this form of photography 
and any other form of Leica photography, except for the accessories re- 
quired. For this reason the selection of film, developer, filters, and other 
factors should be made exactly as one would for any other form of work. 
Fineness of grain is not more, but certainly not less, important than in any 
other form of Leica photography. Careful handling of negative material 
is just as imperative. Absence of scratches, abrasion marks, reticulation 

251 



and all other proofs of carelessness is just as important in stereo pho- 
tography as it is, say, in portraiture. 

Selection of film should be made in a similar way to that of ordinary 
photography. Orthochromatic film of fine grain should be preferred by 
beginners, and those who are not accustomed to the latitude and softness 
of panchromatic emulsions. Those, however, who know and like panchro- 
matic films will prefer them for stereoscopic photography just as they do 
for other types of work, 

It is quite feasible to produce direct stereo transparencies on negative 
stock by reversal. For this purpose, the newest Agfa film, the Eeversible 
Superpan is very much to be recommended. Generally, regular negative 
materials of the modern type cannot be used for reversal on account of 
their gray nonhalation backing. However, it should be realized that although 
reversal as one of the simplest ways for securing transparencies, it is by 
no means the most practical procedure: through reversal one loses the nega- 
tive, and with it the only way for making additional prints. After reversing 
a negative, one has nothing but that one positive on hand, and production 
of additional positives, while not impossible, is difficult and rather compli- 
cated. Even with the greatest care, positive films do get scratched and 
damaged in handling and pulling through the Stereo Viewing Attachment. 
Because of this fact, one should have the means of securing another positive 
print easily and economically. All positive transparencies should receive 
an adequate hardening treatment by any of the methods described in the 
chapter dealing with this subject. 

Stereo Color Pictures 

As far as black-and-white photography goes stereo transpar- 
encies represent probably the most realistic form of reproduction. 
But natural color transparencies for stereoscopic viewing mark the 
goal (at least at present) of realism. "With the advent of KODA- 
CHROME, the new natural color film recently made available for 
the Leica camera by Eastman Kodak Company direct color stereo- 
scopic photography with the Stereoly Attachment is not only prac- 
tical but extremely simple and easy. No color filters being required 
for use with Kodachrome film, there being one type of film for day- 
light and another for work in artificial light there is no longer any 
impediment to simply attaching the Stereoly to one's Leica, stopping 
down the lens and proceeding to photograph in natural color as one 
would to make black-and-white pictures. Kodachrome Haze filters, 
if one wishes to use them for distant views, should be used according 
to suggestions made on the preceding page. 

The handling of Kodachrome films is described in a special chap- 
ter of this volume (Chapter 14). No other special knowledge nor 
equipment is necessary to secure excellent stereo transparencies in 
natural, brilliant colors from the very first roll of Kodachrome film 
used. The same roll of film can, of course, be used for both stereo 
and standard pictures. After the film comes back from processing 

252 



Stereo 

the respective frames are cut apart and mounted either for projec- 
tion or for viewing in the Stereoly Viewing Attachment. 

The emulsion speed of both types of Kodachrome Film has 
recently been so substantially increased that perfectly exposed pic- 
tures are easily obtained at the f :6.3 aperture recommended for work 
with the Stereoly Attachment. The film is processed by Eastman 
Kodak, the cost of processing being included in the original purchase 
price of the roll. This should be welcomed by many miniature cam- 
era workers as it relieves them of the necessity to put their color 
films through a tedious and rather complicated procedure. 

Protecting the Stereos 

Stereo transparencies of any intrinsic value that cannot be dupli- 
cated should be handled with particular care. Any stereo transparency 
may be bound between two thin plates of cover glass and thus assured 
comparative permanence and security from scratches, abrasion marks 
and finger marks. This precaution would apply particularly to color 
transparencies, where negatives are not available, since they are ob- 
tained by means of reversal. For this reason, color transparencies 
should be bound in glass as soon as they are dry and ready for view r - 
ing. One has the choice of binding them into individual frames, or, 
better still, into strips of three frames each. Special cover glass plates 
are available for this purpose, measuring 35mm x 120mm, and their 
use cannot be too strongly recommended, not only for color transpar- 
encies, but also for any black and white pictures w r hich are worth hav- 
ing. In such bound form they become comparatively permanent and 
most convenient to handle and to file. 

While the Stereoly may be used for all forms of stereo photog- 
raphy, both indoors and outdoors, it is primarily intended for work 
without a tripod, for action pictures, landscape work, and all such 
subjects as require rather short exposures. A somewhat simpler acces- 
sory is available for stereo photography of still life, table top photog- 
raphy, three color separation work, etc. This accessory is known as 
the Stereo Slide Bar: a metal bar about 6 inches long with an en- 
graved scale and slide mounted upon it. By means of a set screw 
the slide may be placed anywhere along the bar. The Stereo Slide 
Bar is firmly secured to a rigid tripod either of the field or table top 
variety. The camera is fastened to the slide and one exposure is made 
with the camera at one end of the bar. Then the camera is quickly 
moved to a predetermined position at the other end of the bar, and 

253 



the second exposure made. Thus, the set of stereo pictures Is secured 
upon two full frame negatives, which may be made either into trans- 
parencies or prints. This method, while not as universal in its appli- 
cation as the Stereoly, has certain advantages over the, other. The 
separation of the two shots may be adjusted to suit any special re- 
quirements, a separation up to 6 inches being available for special 
effects. Any lens and any filter may be used for this type of work. The 
two resulting pictures are larger than those available with the Stereoly, 
but they cannot be viewed through the regular stereo viewing unit. 

The Stereoly unit should not be used for photographing objects 
less than 5 to 7 feet from the camera. Close range photography in- 
troduces complications of parallax adjustment, since the optical axes 
of the two prisms of the Stereoly are theoretically parallel, intersect- 
ing one another at infinity. For this reason, photography of near 
objects may better be accomplished with the aid of the Stereo Slide 
Bar, into which the parallax adjustment may be introduced by careful 
manipulation. 

Using Two Cameras 

There is still another method of stereo photography feasible with the 
Leica camera, but for the present, it remains within the realm of experi- 
mental possibilities, there being a lack of specific accessories for the purpose. 
Such accessories would have to be produced by the experimentally minded 
worker, conceived by his own ingenuity and adapted to his specific require- 
ments. This new method is mentioned here just as an experimental possi- 
bility for whatever it may be worth. 

The method requires the use of two Leica cameras, each equipped with 
the same type of lens. It makes little differences which two lenses are 
chosen so long as they are identical. The experiment is available not only 
to those fortunate members of the Leica fraternity who own two cameras 
with lenses which are alike, but to any two friends who desire to pool their 
equipment, work and experience for the purpose of achieving: interesting 
results. 

The two cameras should be mounted together upon some rigid mount 
in such a manner that the bottoms touch, while the lenses face in the same 
direction. In order that the respective lenses be on the same level, it is 
necessary to have one of the cameras slightly higher than the other. With 
the cameras placed in this manner, operating controls on the outside are 
easily accessible. Such an arrangement is quite feasible since it so happens 
that, with the bottoms of the two cameras touching each other, the lenses 
are about 65mm apart. This provides the minimum separation. Greater 
distances may be secured by placing strips of cardboard between the bot- 
toms of the cameras, or an accurately prepared wedge of wood, in the 
event that a parallax adjustment be required for special close range work. 

Once these cameras are correctly assembled in a comparatively rigid 
unit, their operation is simple and effective. Such an outfit actually exceeds 
the Stereoly method in flexibility and adaptability for special work, such as 
close-up work, more particularly since it permits the use of interchange- 
able lenses, filters, and parallax adjustment. 

254 



Stereo 

Each of the two cameras should be equipped with the Universal View 
Finders, which also have the parallax adjustment, and exposures might be 
made simultaneously, either by hand or by means of cable releases. A truly 
de luxe method of operating the shutter releases would be provided by the 
Automatic Release, available for the synchronized operation of releases of 
the Micro Ibs*b Attachment, employed in photomicrography. 

This method has distinct advantages over any other method of securing 
stereo pictures and should be considered seriously by all desiring to obtain 
stereos of a scientific nature. One of its potential advantages is the ease 
with which the parallax adjustment may be made, an adjustment decidedly 
essential for the correct viewing of small objects photographed at close 
range. 

Depending on the focal length of the lenses employed in this work, 
the separate pictures will have some overlap, which will decrease with the 
increased focal length of the respective lenses. At all events, such overlap 
may easily be eliminated in making the prints or transparencies, either by 
means of masking them or trimming them just prior to mounting. 

Making of Stereo Prints 

Regardless of whether the Stereoly attachment or the Stereo 
Slide Bar, or the two-camera method has been used to make stereo 
negatives, paper prints may easily be produced from any of them. 
The prints may be of the contact type, but a much better job will be 
secured by making enlargements. 

Enlargements or negatives produced with the Stereoly attach- 
ment are made on one sheet of paper, preferably of the glossy variety 
for greater brilliance and better detail. Before a print is made, the 
available stereo viewing equipment should be examined to determine 
the correct size of the finished print. It will be found to be most 
practical to enlarge the entire frame of the negative and trim it to 
the required size afterwards. Since there is no sharp line of de- 
marcation between the two halves of the print, they should be cut 
in half carefully, or better still, left together unseparated, and thus 
mounted on a piece of cardboard of a size conveniently accommodated 
by the stereopticon. 

In the case of two separate negatives obtained by the other two 
methods, separate enlargements will be made. It is important that 
both negatives be enlarged to identical size, with the enlarger in the 
same position, using the same paper, developer and exposures. Fin- 
ished prints should be trimmed only after careful examination and 
tests made in the stereopticon. These prints should not be trimmed 
by a rule of thumb to include similar areas. It must be remembered 
that each picture has been secured from a different view point and 
there is a most decided difference in each print which has resulted in 
the three-dimensional aspect of a view. This point is mentioned to 
prevent arbitrary cropping of finished prints. 

255 




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256 









A. L. LUGN, Ph. D. CHAPTER 13 



Every amateur photographer has at one time or another come 
upon landscape scenes, interesting architectural settings, interiors of 
large buildings, groups of people and no doubt many other interesting 
photographic subjects which are beyond the limitations of the ordinary 
hand camera. Keen disappointment may have been experienced in 
an attempt to photograph these subjects from a distance sufficient to 
include the entire horizontal length of the scene within the long 
dimension of the average hand camera negative by use of the short- 
focus lens. When such a long picture is finished, the landscape is 
stretched across the print in a thin line with approximately ninety 
per cent of the print area a total waste. The details, also, are com- 
pletely lost in their minuteness. At one time or another, every amateur 
has probably wished for a panorama camera which would combine the 
expanse of the view with the details of the scene. 

The Leica camera, with its large negative capacity and its ability 
to take pictures in rapid succession has brought panorama photography 
within easy reach of the novice. Chance and guess work have been 
eliminated from the operation by the simplicity and dependability of 
the accessories required. Weighing but a few ounces, they consist of 
the following units : 

1. A Ball Jointed Tripod Head for leveling of the camera and for 
locking it in that position. 

2. Special Angle Bracket required for centering the lens over the 
pivotal point and for using the camera vertically. 

3. A Spirit Level fitting into the clip of the camera for horizontal 
pictures, or the clip of the Angle Bracket for vertical pictures. 

4. Cable Release serving to avoid jarring of camera and disturbing 
its position. 

5. Panorama Tripod Head with any of the interchangeable gradu- 
ated rings, depending on lens used. Each of these rings has two 
sets of 'graduations : one for horizontal, the other for vertical use 
of the camera. 

257 




Fig. 373 Accessories for Panorama Photography: 

Ball Jointed Tripod Head, Spirit Level, Angle Bracket and Panorama Tripod Head with 
interchangeable graduated rings for various lenses 



6. Universal View Finder if any but the 50mm lens is used. 

Obviously, a good rigid tripod is essential for this work in order to 
permit the camera to be rotated around a pivotal point, for taking sec- 
tion views of a complete circle or of any portion of it. 

Composing the Panorama 

Photographs belong to two general classes: those intended as 
records of objects or incidents, and those whose purpose is to render a 
pictorial interpretation of things, people and incidents. Panorama 
photographs usually belong to the first classification, but they may, 
if desired, be used pictorially. Photomurals, for instance, frequently 
present opportunities of a strictly pictorial nature for panorama views. 

In the case of record photographs, pictorial composition is not 
important and, therefore, a symmetrical picture is probably the 
simplest and most satisfactory. If a pictorial panorama is desired, the 
same principles of good design and composition which are employed in 
other forms of photography must apply. The chief difficulty will be 
found in maintaining unity. In a picture several times as wide as it 
is high, the eye covers too great space in one direction and is likely 
to fix upon many irrelevant details without being led to any particular 
center of interest. To avoid this and to permit the eye to travel 
smoothly from one end of the picture to another, the position from 
which the picture is taken should be carefully chosen. 

Unimportant and undesirable details tending to distract from the 
main interest of the picture should be carefully eliminated. Where 
this is impossible, undesirable details may be dispensed with by means 
of paper negatives, enlarged negatives, obtained by reversal and such 
other means of control as are available for other photographic ren- 
dering. The most pleasing panoramas are those which do not cover 

258 



Panorama 

too great an- are of the circle, preferably no more than can be viewed 
from one position without turning the head. 

Panorama Tricks 

Certain kinds of tricks or stunts, possible with the Leica and 
panorama accessories, will readily suggest themselves to the reader. 
One or more persons or objects may be repeated several times in a 
panorama with a continuous background. Other effects may be ac- 
complished with the camera attached to a universal tilting tripod head, 
by means of the angle bracket, in either horizontal or vertical posi- 
tion, making it possible to panoram vertically or at an angle. A tall 
tower or the details of a tall building may be photographed by 
panoraming at an angle, starting at the lower left and moving upward 
to the right. Interesting panoramas of tall buildings may be made in 
this way. This type of shot is best adapted to city scenes and should 
be very useful in some kinds of news or advertising illustrations. In 
making vertical panoramas of tall buildings, photographing them 
from anywhere but street level should be avoided as it will result in 
"bellying out" of the portion of the building nearest the camera level. 





Fig. 174 Complete Panorama Out- 
fit Assembled for Horizontal Pic- Fig. 175 Complete Panorama Out- 
tures fit Assembled for Vertical Pictures 

259 



me pictures 

The nature of the subject, its size and relation to position of 
camera should determine the choice of the lens used. The short focus 
lenses, such as the 35mm or 50mm are best adapted to work in interiors 
where sufficient room for backing the camera is not available. The 
longer focus lenses may be used for distant outdoor scenes where it is 
necessary to reach out for details of mountain ranges, forests, gla- 
ciers, etc. 

To take a series of negatives for panorama pictures, the first thing 
necessary is to select a suitable position for the camera. This will be 
determined by the nature of the subject, the purpose of the picture, 
available space, and composition desired, as outlined in previous para- 
graphs. The camera is set up on a sturdy tripod, attached by means 
of the panorama head and held either in the vertical or horizontal 
position. The former is to be preferred since it yields a higher picture 
with a somewhat better proportioned finished job. The camera should 
be perfectly level. If it is not, the sections, when trimmed, will bow 
up or down at the ends, resulting in a certain amount of distortion 
when cut to a rectangular shape. 

The next step is to determine the farthest and the nearest points 
in the picture which are to be in sharp focus. To re-focus between the 
pictures of a panorama is impractical since this alters the relative size 
of the pictures and they win not match up. The lens stop, therefore, 
must be adjusted for the necessary depth of focus before the first pic- 
ture is taken. The depth of focus scale (on every Leica lens) should be 
utilized for this. The finished panorama is a series of separate 
prints, joined so as to look like one large print. The negatives 
therefore should be absolutely uniform. In order to obtain such nega- 
tives, a dependable exposure-meter should be used and consulted before 
each separate exposure. It is important, too, that all exposures in- 
tended for one panorama be taken on the same roll of film to assure 
identical treatment in processing. Make sure that sufficient film is in 
the camera before starting to take a panorama; reloading the camera 
during a series of shots will most assuredly upset the job. After the 
exposures are made, the film should be processed and handled through- 
out in the same manner in which it would be handled for any other 
Leica photographic work. 

At times uniform negatives cannot be obtained. Such may be the 
ease in a large interior illuminated with artificial light. In such cases, 
the differences must be compensated for in the making of prints. 

260 



Panorama 

Making the Print 

The technique of making prints for a panorama picture is not 
much different from that employed in making enlargements generally. 
The points of difference are : 1. Once the size of the final print has been 
decided upon and the enlarger set and focused, the latter should not 
be changed in any way until the last print of the series is made. 
2. Areas of prints adjoining each other must match in tone values. 
This is achieved by maintaining a uniform temperature of developer 
throughout, using paper from the same package, giving the same ex- 
posure and development time, if the negatives are of uniform density. 
If they are not, it may be necessary to vary the exposures according 
to results obtained by means of test strips. A certain amount of 
dodging or shading holding back or printing in, may be required for 
best results. It is advisable to make several prints of each section and 
to match the best ones for assembling the finished picture. 

Assembling and Mounting the Finished Panorama 

After the prints are made, they must next be matched, trimmed, 
and mounted. A suitable cardboard should be selected according to tEe 
photographer's tastes and desires, just as in mounting any other kind 
of print. Paste or dry mounting tissue may be used, but the writer 
has found dry mounting tissue to be the more satisfactory. Paste 
causes the prints to expand, not always uniformly, and they contract 
on drying. This almost invariably results in the prints pulling apart 
slightly, leaving a small but undesirable crack between the sections. 
This may be avoided with dry mounting tissue, and with careful 
manipulation, perfectly printed sections may be joined with scarcely 
a line showing. However, the most carefully mounted prints some- 
times pull slightly apart in damp weather due to the expansion of the 
mounting board. 

Since the trimmed edge of the paper is white, it is advisable to 
darken the edges with a pencil where dark areas of adjoining prints 
meet. If white or light-colored board is used for mounts, it should 
also be shaded with the pencil to match the print along all lines where 
prints meet. This is a small, but not unimportant, detail. 

A sheet of dry mounting tissue is tacked to the back of every 
selected untrimmed print of the panorama. The overlap at the sides 
of each sectional print is carefully trimmed either on a sharp and truly 
square trimming board, or by means of a straight-edge and a knife or 
razor blade. When this is completed the details of adjoining sections 
are made to match. The prints are then placed on the table matched, 
ready to be put together. An accurate outline of the finished print is 

261 



then drawn lightly with pencil on the mount, squaring it up, if neces- 
sary with a straight edge or a T square. Each sectional print is fitted 
into its position on the mount, top and bottom receiving the final trim. 
They are then ready to be mounted. 

A pencil mark is made lightly on every sectional print and on the 
mount, indicating its final position on same. The edges of each print 
should be shaded with pencil at this point as well as the mount proper 
at points where two prints join. It is best to begin dry mounting the 
print by starting with the center section. The sections should be 
placed on the mount one at a time, lightly tacked with a tacking iron 
to the mount and then placed into the dry mounting press for about 
15 to 30 seconds. If this is done carefully, no overlapping will take 
place. It is possible to use an electric iron for dry mounting, but the 
manipulation must be deft to avoid scorching and marks. 

For permanence, and because of the amount of care and work 
involved in the making of such a print, it is best to frame it under 
glass on completion. If matt or semi-matt paper is used for the finished 
print, satisfactory preservation may be obtained by spraying the fin- 
ished print and the entire mount with one or two coats of clear lacquer, 
which will protect it against dust and dirt. Thus protected, the print 
may be washed with a damp cloth if a good grade of lacquer has been 
used. 

There are other ways of mounting prints, rubber cement or 
vegetable paste being quite as efficient, and frequently more con- 
venient. Not many amateurs own a dry mounting press, and they 
may prefer these other methods, which are described elsewhere in this 
volume. (See chapter on Photomurals for mounting with vegetable 
paste, and chapter on Enlarging and Printing for mounting with, 
rubber cement.) 

Fig 1 . 176 Hall of Elephants Nebraska State Museum A Panorama Leica 
Picture Made by Dr. A. L. Lugn 

How the picture was made... 50mm f:3.5 Elmar lens with diaphragm set at f:12.5, 2 min- 
ute exposures, DuPont Superior Film. Seven separate negatives used to make the complete 
panorama view. 




262 






HENRY M. LESTER 

ROWLAND S. POTTER CHAPTER 14 



A few months ago the Eastman Kodak Company placed at the 
disposal of Leiea workers a new medium for direct Color Photography 
which eclipses most existing standards and results achievable hereto- 
fore in this exciting field. Luckily for Leiea workers, the original 
designer of their camera selected the 35mm film for its negative 
material, and the new film is available at present in this size only. 
The new medium KODACHROME FILM was offered to Leiea users 
after having been successfully used for over fifteen months in the 
field of 16mm cinephotography. Vast improvements made in the 
material proper, as well as in its processing, resulted in a film which 
leaves little more to be desired of it as far as emulsion speed, color 
rendering qualities and general flexibility are concerned. 

As matters stand now, it is extremely simple to obtain one or a num- 
ber of natural color transparencies; in fact, almost less difficult than to 
produce a good black and white negative. While subsequent production 
of color prints on paper is somewhat more complicated, it is nevertheless 
quite feasible through one of the two methods: 

1. The DEFENDER CHROMATONE. 

2. The EASTMAN WASH-OFF RELIEF. 

By far the simplest part of Natural Color Photography is the making 
of color transparencies on Kodachrome film. Available in daylight loading 
magazines, ready to be inserted into the camera, in lengths sufficient for 
18 exposures, Kodachrome need only be exposed correctly, sent to Eastman 
for processing (the cost of which is included in the original price of the 
roll), and it is returned in the form of excellent positive transparencies 
sharp, grainless, free from color fringes, patterns or screens (shortcom- 
ings of some of the other color materials). 

Kodachrome Film 

Based upon the subtractive principle of color photography, Kodachrome 
reproduces natural colors as faithfully as seems possible at present. The 
separation of colors is secured in an unusual but extremely efficient man- 
ner: within the body of the emulsion itself. This is accomplished by coat- 
ing the film support five times. These five layers consist of three coats of 
color sensitive emulsions, which are separated by two coats of plain gelatine. 

263 



Each of the three coatings of emulsion is selectively sensitized: that adjoin- 
ing the film support is red sensitive; the center coating is green sensitive; 
and the outer, top, coat is sensitive to blue-violet. The two layers of plain 
gelatine prevent the sensitizers of emulsions from straying away from 
their respective coatings. The all-over thickness of these five layers is no 
more than that of the emulsion of ordinary black and white negative 
material. 

When an image is focused upon Kodachrome film, some part of the 
picture is formed in each of these three layers, depending upon the color 
of the subject: red colored objects in the picture are recorded by the bot- 
tom, red-sensitive layer; green colored objects by the center, green-sensi- 
tive layer; and blue colored objects by the top, blue-violet sensitive layer. 
After the film is processed by the reversal method, each of the three coats 
of selectively sensitized emulsions is dyed with color complementary to its 
original sensitivity. The bottom, red-sensitive emulsion is dyed blue- 
green. The center, green- sensitive coat is dyed red (magenta). And the 
top, or blue-violet sensitive layer is dyed yellow. 

During the processing the metallic silver image is dissolved and thus 
removed, leaving a pure dye image reproducing beautifully all colors of 
the original. 

Two Types of Kodachrome 

Because each of the three coatings of emulsion can be sensitized select- 
ively, Kodachrome Film can be made for practically any purpose and of 
varying degrees of sensitivity in any of the spectral color regions. Accord- 
ingly, two types of Kodachrome Film are available to suit the two kinds 
of illumination: daylight and artificial light. 

The Kodachrome Regular (K135) has an emulsion which is designed 
to produce correct color rendering in daylight without any filters or other 
accessories. However, a special Haze Filter will improve the results if 
used under certain conditions. Ultra-violet light which may occur in 
extremely distant scenes, snow scenes and at high altitudes, will record 
on the Kodachrome Film as violet. To correct this, the Kodachrome Haze 
Filter should be used (it requires no change in exposure). The same 
filter will also improve color rendering by imparting more warmth to the 
tones of scenes and people photographed on a gray day or in the shade. 

Kodachrome Regular can be used in artificial light, provided a Koda- 
chrome Filter for Photoflood (blue) is placed in front of the lens. This 
filter changes the quality of artificial light to that of daylight by reducing 
the excess of red prevailing in artificial light. There being a special type 
of film available for artificial light, the use of the Regular film should be 
restricted to daylight work. The filter generally has an exposure factor 
of 4x, which calls for too long exposures. 

The Kodachrome Film Type A (K135A) has an emulsion especially 
corrected for use with artificial illumination so that no filter whatever is 
needed to obtain correct color rendering. Specifically, the color sensitivity 
of this film is very accurately adjusted for light of Photoflood and 
Photoflash bulbs. No other bulbs should be used if correct color rendering 
is desired. High-wattage tungsten bulbs are apt to make the pictures too 
red. The "daylight" or blue bulbs should not be used because they will 
make the pictures too blue. Similarly, arc lamps that produce light 

264 



Color Photography 

approaching- daylight in quality will make the pictures too blue on Type A 
Film. Primarily intended for work in artificial light, the Type A Film 
is not recommended for daylight, for which purpose it can, however, be 
used in connection with the special Type A Kodachrome Filter for Daylight, 
which is reddish-yellow to change the quality of daylight to artificial light 
by reducing the ultra-violet and the blue portion of its light. 

Exposure 

Every roll of Kodachrome Film is accompanied by very specific recommendations for 
exposures. The most satisfactory results will be secured by following these instructions to 
the letter. Color photography requires much more critically correct exposures than black- 
and-white work. Generally the latitude of color film is much more limited than that of 
black-and-white films (about 1/3). Such variables as climatic conditions, to which Koda- 
chrome Film is rather sensitive, geographical latitude, accuracy of shutter speed and lens 
diaphragm, may tend to produce some over or under exposures. Until all such variables 
are fully under control it may be best to take three pictures of each scene: one exposure 
following the manufacturer's recommendation, one at twice, and one at half the recom- 
mended exposure. Intelligent and judicious use of a good exposure meter of the photo- 
electric variety should prove very valuable for getting consistently good results with 
Kodachrome Film. However, due to variations in color sensitivity of various meters, 
even those of the same make, they should be carefully checked and calibrated against 
actual results. The best way to calibrate one's meter is to make a few exposures strictly 
in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations, while at the same time securing 
a reading with one's own exposure meter. If both indications coincide and the resulting 
pictures are right the meter is correctly calibrated. Slight differences can be adjusted 
by resetting the emulsion speed from that recommended by the exposure meter to that 
corresponding to exposure setting which secured a well exposed picture. 

For general guidance, subject to variations, it may be said that the Kodachrome Films 
can be rated as follows : 

KODACHROME FILM: Weston Scheiner Din 

Regular K135 (daylight) 8 18 11/10 

(Photoflood light)* 3 14 7/10 

Type A. K135A (Photoflood light) 12 20 13/10 

(daylight) f 8 18 11/10 



* with the Kodachrome Filter for Photoflood. 

f with the Type A Kodachrome Filter for Daylight. 

Illumination 

Color photography has its own requirements of illumination which are quite different 
from those applying to black and white work. In the latter, the differentiation of form, 
lines and planes is produced by contrasts of brightness and shadows cast. In color woric 
much less contrasty illumination is required because the "tones" and gradation are pro- 
duced by color. In outdoor work best results are obtained with the sun approximately 
behind the camera. It should be remembered that increased exposures are required if the 
sun is to one side of the camera, (almost double), and still longer exposures when the 
camera is facing the sun (about four times normal). 

For indoor work with Photofloods a flat "flood" type illumination should be provided 
to avoid shadows as much as possible. Assuming that lights are being placed on both 
sides of the camera, most pleasing results will be secured when some 60% of the entire 
amount of light will come from one side, while about 40% from the other. 

Several points should be remembered when arranging lights for indoor color photog- 
raphy. All Photofloods should be new. Each bulb should be used in a suitable reflector, 
the Kodafleetor type or the Kodak Handy Reflector providing the least expensive and most 
efficient form. Each reflector should be directed upon the subject so that the full amount 
of light reaches it. When working in artificial light, daylight should be completely ex- 
cluded ; otherwise the pictures will show too much blue in those portions which were 
illuminated by daylight. 

Instructions accompanying each roll of film contain a complete exposure table for use 
with Photoflash bulbs, which when followed to the letter with the aid of a tape measure 
will assure perfect results, where the use of Photoflashes is preferred to Photofloods, as 
in action shots, photography of children, pets, etc. 

265 



Viewing and Projection 

Though a few photographers bemoan it, it seems particularly fortunate that the pro- 
cessing of Kodaehrome Film is attended to by The Eastman Kodak Company. It must be 
remembered that the film consists of reversed images, there being: no negative. Subsequent 
manipulations called for in the making of color enlargements require absolutely perfect 
transparencies, free from scratches, blemishes and any traces of handling. The Kodachrome 
transparencies as they arrive from the processing laboratory are very carefully packed and 
as a rule reach us in excellent condition. They should be immediately and permanently 
protected against any possible damage which may result if they are put in an enlarger, 
projector, or Stero Viewer. Depending upon the use to which they are put, they should 
be suitably mounted between glass. A number of mounts, masks and mats are available 
to meet adequately any possible requirements. The Kodachrome 35mm. transparencies can 
be mounted either in standard lantern slides (3*4" x 4") or Leica size lantern slides 
(2" x 2") or into strips of three exposures each for Stereo Viewing (bound between special 
cover glass measuring 35 x 120 mm, available through E. Leitz, Inc., New York). In 
addition to masks required for mounting between glass there are hand-viewing mats avail- 
able in horizontal or vertical arrangement. 

Under no circumstances should Kodachrome transparency strips be used directly in 
projectors or enlargers because scratches and abrasive marks, impossible to prevent, will 
promptly ruin the usefulness of the valuable strip. At the moment of writing no color 
duplicates are possible. Black and white copies can be made on panchromatic negative 
material by contact printing. From such duplicate negatives subsequent black and white 
enlargements can easily be made. 

Black and White Enlargements From Kodachrome 

Black and white enlargements from Kodachrome transparencies can easily be 
secured by projection upon Eastman Kodak Direct Positive paper. This is a reversible 
material, very easy to handle and its only drawback is that the Direct Positive paper is 
somewhat slower than the usual projection papers. One can secure an inexpensive com- 
plete outfit for direct positive work either for sepia effects or for black and white effects 
by ordering same through any Kodak dealer. Enlargements up to 5 x 7 can easily be made 
but if 8 x 10 enlargements are wanted a photoflood bulb should be used in the enlarger. 
One should be tempted to make black and white enlargements from Kodachrome trans- 
parencies for they are free from grain and have excellent definition. 

It should be remembered when making enlargements upon direct positive paper that 
the Kodachrome film must be placed in the enlarger with the emulsion away from the 
lens to assure that the image will not come out reversed from right to left. 

The greatest enjoyment can be derived from natural color transparencies by viewing 
them in the form of brilliantly projected pictures. There is, however, a keen desire on the 
part of photographers to make color prints, a desire which can now be gratified. The 
making of prints from Kodaehrome transparencies resolves itself into two main parts. 

Three Color Separation Negatives 

The most critical and difficult part of the procedure is the production 
of three negatives from the Kodachrome positive transparency, in such 
a manner that each of these negatives records details of one of the three 
basic colors as they were separated originally within the body of the 
emulsion of the Kodachrome Film. This is accomplished by projecting 
fche Kodachrome positive transparency by means of an enlarger upon 
panchromatic negative material, first through a green filter, then through 
a red filter, and finally through a blue filter. These negatives are made 
by three separate exposures upon three separate panchromatic negatives 
of any desired size. The filters required for this are of the standard 
three-color separation filter set consisting of A filter (25) B filter (58) and 
C-5 filter (47). 

The respective densities of these three negatives will have to be such as to produce 
good color balance later in the making of the paper print. To secure this balance two 
conditions should be met. The enlarger lens should be exceptionally well corrected for 
color. A Photoflood bulb should be used in the enlarger, or a blue filter (daylight) 

266 




Color Photography 

should be placed between the bulb and the lens of the enlarger. The exposure factors 
of the three filters used should be definitely established with regard to both light source 
of the enlarger and film used before exposures are made. Thus, for instance, if a film 
as Eastman Kodak Panatomic is used for making the negatives, the respective filter 
factors will be as follows: A Filter 3, B Filter 8, and C-5 Filter 12, if tungsten light 
is used. For other films, filter factors referring to artificial light offered on page 95 
should be consulted, or obtained direct from the manufacturer whose film is used. 

It should be remembered that the original Kodachrome transparency should be 
placed in the enlarger with the emulsion side facing away from the enlarger lens. This 
will assure correct placement of subject on finished color prints. 

The negatives are then developed according to recommendations of the manufacturer 
to secure full detail and gradation. Each negative is carefully identified by a proper 
mark referring to the filter it was made with. The negative made through the red filter 
will then become the blue printer ; that made through the green filter, the red printer ; and 
the one made through the blue filter, the yellow printer. 

Making Separation Negatives in the Camera 

The Kodachrome film is undoubtedly the quickest and simplest method of obtaining 
the original color positive. Requiring no accessories "in the field" it can be broadly 
applied to action photography, and photography of living and moving objects. At times, 
however it may be desirable and possible to make three 
separate negatives of the same object. This is done sim- 
ply by making three exposures on the same Panchromatic 
film, one exposure through each of the standard "Wratten 
three color separation filters A, B and C-5. A set ol 
these three filters mounted in a rotating segment is pro- 
duced and distributed by the Chess United Co. of New 
York. This combination set is known as the "Trichromatic 
Separation Filter," is mounted directly over the lens 
and each of its three filters moved into taking position Trichromatic Separation 
as required. (The same filter can also be used in con- Filter for use on Cam- 
nection with making three color separation negatives by era or Enlarger Lens. 
projection in the enlarger.) 

The exposure factors of the three color separation filters vary depending on the nega- 
tive material used. They will be found in the filter factor table on page 95. As a matter 
of convenience the following filter factors for DuPont Superior Film are given : 

Daylight Photoflood Mazda 

A 95 4 

B 5 6 6 

C-5 6 10 13 

It seems almost superfluous to point out that the camera must be rigidly supported 
for the making of three color separation negatives. A neutral density scale consisting of 
step gradations of white, grey and black, sharply outlined, should always be placed in a 
corner of the picture (so as not to appear later in the finished print but to appear on 
every negative). The scale must be illuminated in the same manner as the subject and 
should be sharply in focus to serve not only as a means of comparing the density of the 
negative but also as a means for registering the three prints in superimposing them. 
When the negatives are developed and dried they should be marked along the edge with 
good water proof India ink as follows: B for the negative taken through Red filter for 
blue color ; R for the negative taken through green (to be colored red) ; Y for the negative 
taken through blue filter (to be colored yellow) . 

The color balance of the final prints will depend upon the care and relative correct- 
ness of exposure used in making the original black and white negative in the camera, or 
of the separations made from the Kodachrome positive. If correct exposure has been 
given the neutral density scale lef erred to will have the identical tone value in each 
negative. If the original negatives are not correctly exposed, it may some times be pos- 
sible to make a slight compensation by varying the exposure during subsequent manipula- 
tions, but the results will not be as satisfactory as those originating from correctly bal- 
anced negatives. 

The problem of securing proper balance of densities in the three-color 
separation negatives requires considerable experience before satisfactory 

267 



results are obtained and a good deal of experimental work will have to 
be done before the proper technique is acquired. However, once a set of 
satisfactory three-color 'separation negatives is available, one may proceed 
to make color prints by either of the two methods outlined below. 

Defender Chromatone Process 

For Natural Color Photographic Prints 

All manipulations involved in the Defender Chromatone Process are 
very simple, and little difficulty should be experienced by the Leica worker 
who is already familiar with the developing and toning technique. The 
process is based upon the principles of three-color photography of the 
subtractive type. Briefly, the process involves the superimposition of 
three transparent positive prints: one dyed yellow, another magenta, and 
the third blue-green all mounted upon a white background, the finished 
product resulting in a picture in natural colors. The original photograph 
may be taken either by direct color film, such as Kodachrome or three 
separate negatives can be made by direct photography through green, red 
and blue filters. When the original color photograph has been made on 
Kodachrome, it will be necessary to make three color separation negatives 
as described above from which subsequently Chromatone color positives are 
made. 

White light is a mixture of all known colors. White is not an absence 
of color, but on the contrary it is the sum total resulting: from the 
presence of all colors. To show the presence of the components of light we 
can pass a beam of this white light through a glass prism with the result 
that the colors are separated into the spectrum: violet, blue, bluish-green, 
green, yellow, orange and red. Each of these spectral colors is a true 
color which cannot be broken down or separated into other colors by any 
known methods. 

For practical purposes, the spectrum may be considered divided as shown in the 
following: diagram: 



c 


1 

1 


A 




I 
1 


1 
| 


Blue- 
Violet 




| Green 
1 


1 
1 
1 


Red 


\400 500 ^yV^ 600 


709/ 


^ v^ 

Bluish-Green Orange 



The color of any object is due to the color of that portion of the incident light which is 
reflected from its surface. The other colors of the incident light that are not reflected 
are absorbed by the object. 

It is commonly known that any color can be reproduced by mixing varying quantities 
of blue-violet, green and red colors. Therefore all three-color processes are based on 
photographing separately the primary colors: red, green and blue. In the case of Koda- 
ehrome this is accomplished within the body of one composite emulsion while in three 
color separation negatives made in the camera, or by projection, this is done by three 
separate exposures made through red, green and blue light filters respectively. 

268 



Color Photography 

Making the Actual Color Prints 

The principle of color prints is based upon considering the white paper 
stock upon which the print is being built up as the light source. This 
white paper stock reflects all colors of the spectrum. From each of 
the three separation negatives secured either directly through the camera, 
or by projection from a color transparency like the Kodachrome, posi- 
tive prints are made upon a special stripping film (Chromatone Print 
paper) which is exposed and handled similarly to projection paper. 
The collodion emulsions of the Chromatone Print Paper are stripped off 
their base, toned to the proper color, which is complementary to the color 
of the filter through which its respective negative had been made, and 
superimposed over each other upon the white paper backing. The comple- 
mentary color of red is blue-green; it transmits both blue and green, 
absorbing red, being therefore white minus red. The complementary color 
of green is blue red or magenta; it transmits both the blue and red, and is 
therefore white minus green. The complementary color of blue is red, 
green or yellow; it transmits both red and green, and is white minus blue. 
When all color prints are superimposed upon the white mounting paper, 
each print will thus subtract from the white of the paper all the portions 
of the original which were not blue, green or red, according to the respect- 
ive light filters through which its negatives were taken. Such superimposed 
prints if correctly registered will give a print in natural color. 

The black and white Chromatone prints are thoroughly fixed and washed for at least 
15 minutes in running water. In the fixing bath the gelatin emulsion can be stripped 
or separated from the paper backing. The stripped emulsions should be handled with 
reasonable care to avoid formation of kinks. The next step is to tone each film, in its 
respective Chromatone toning solution. 

Toning the Separation Positive 

The stripped off black and white positive films which are intended for the Red and 
Blue images are placed together in one tray and the Red and Blue toner-A made up 
according to the formula sheet accompanying the materials is poured over. They should 
remain in the A solution for at least 15 minutes thoroughly agitated until all of the black 
silver is removed. When these prints are thoroughly toned they will appear as a light 
greenish blue image. They are then placed in running water and thoroughly washed 
for about 10 minutes. It is essential that hands be kept clean at all times to avoid con- 
tamination of various solutions. 

After this washing, the film to be toned is placed in the Red toner B, and allowed 
to tone for about 10 minuf-es. The solution is then poured off for use a second time, 
and the print is immersed for three minutes in a 15% hypo solution (granular or rice 
hypo: 2% oz. (70 grams) distilled water 32 oz. (1000 cc.) (Do not use acid fixing hypo). 
It is then washed for about 15 minutes in running water. 

Similarly, the film to be toned Blue-green is placed in the Blue toner B and allowed 
to remain for about 10 minutes, after which the toner is poured off for use a second 
time, and the print immersed in a tray of weak hydrochloric acid solution for about on* 1 
minute. Use one part of diluted solution hydrochloric acid CP : 16 oz. (500 cc.) distilled 
water 48 oz. (1500 cc) with one part of water. The print is then thoroughly washed 
in running water for about 10 minutes after which it is placed in a tray containing 
standard hypo solution (see above) until greenish tones have changed to blue. It is 
then washed for 20 minutes in running water. 

The Yellow toning solution (Yellow Toner A) is supplied in two solutions, equal 
parts of which are mixed foi one. The print to be toned yellow is immersed in this 
solution for about 15 minutes. This work may be carried on simultaneously with the 
blue and red toning operations, separate trays being used. At the end of about 15 
minutes the solution is poured off into a graduate and 10 cc (3 drams) of standard hypo 
solution is added to every 50 cc (2 oz. ) of working solution, and thoroughly mixed. Next 
wash the print for 2 or 3 minutes in running water, or in one complete change of water, 
return it to the tray and pour the solution back on the print. This operation should be 
done quickly, and the tray should be vigorously rocked for about 1 minute to prevent 

269 



any streaking of the yellow image, The print is now allowed to remain in the solution 
for about 3 minutes, after which the solution is discarded, the print washed for a minute 
or two in clear water, and then immersed for about 1 minute in a solution made up of 
standard hypo solution one part, water three parts. Do not keep the print longer than 
one minute in this solution as the image at this stage is slightly soluble in hypo and 
highlight detail may be lost thereby. Wash the film immediately for not _less than 20 
minutes in running water. The yellow image, after thorough washing:, is immersed for 
about 2 minutes in the Yellow toner B, and then washed in running: water for -about 20 
minutes. It is then ready for assembling. 

The three-color images are now registered on a gelatin coated paper (Chromatone 
Backing- Paper) which has been previously soaked thoroughly in water. Lay the backing: 
paper gelatin side up, on a clean ferrotype tin, clean glass or Masonite tempered hard 
board, or on any flat waterproof surface. The Yellow image is placed first on the paper 
and squeegeed firmly into place, emulsion side down, and allowed to remain for a few 
minutes. The Red image is then placed on top of the Yellow, pushed carefully into 
register, squeegeed lightly, the register checked, and adjusted if necessary, and the Bed 
image squeegeed firmly into place. If at this point the two images do not appear exactly 
in register, the Red sheet may be peeled off carefully, re-moistened and registered again. 
It will be found easier to register the Eed and Yellow images if they are viewed through 
a light blue filter. 

The Blue image is then superimposed upon the other two, precisely as described above, 
completing the color print ; all prints emulsion side down. 

The print is now allowed to remain in the air for about 10 minutes until the surface 
dries to some extent. Next, the damp print should be trimmed so that the edges of the 
collodion layers are flush. It is then placed on a piece of rigid, hard waterproof material. 
Masonite Tempered Hard Board is admirably suited for this purpose. 

Ordinary Kraft gummed tape is moistened and the damp print fastened to the board 
with this tape overlapping the print about 3/16" on all four edges. Do not have the 
gummed tape too wet or the gum will ooze between the print and the board, making it 
difficult to remove the print. 

The print will dry rapidly, stretched absolutely fiat. It can be loosened from the board 
when dry by carefully inserting a sharp knife through the tape under the edge of the 
print and running it around the print. 

Chromatone prints, ordinarily processed, dry with a high gloss and great color 
brilliancy, which is considered desirable for illustrative and commercial work. 

A MATT finish can be obtained by rubbing over the glossy surface with fine dry 
pumice powder. If the finished print is given a coat of good matt lacquer applied with 
an air brush, varying degrees of matt finish can be secured. 

To obtain rougher surfaces, any of the regular rough textured papers, such as 
Defender Veltura Q, can be used instead of the glossy base paper when assembling the 
print. Simply fix the paper, without exposure and thoroughly wash it. 

A very interesting detailed description of the Defender Chromatone Process, its 
principles and practical application is offered in a booklet that should be secured from the 
Defender Photo Supply Co. of Rochester, N. Y. 

The above described Chromatone Process of making color photographic 
prints is one in which color images are formed on three transparent media 
which are permanently superimposed upon paper, forming a print consist- 
ing of a number of layers. 

Wash-off Relief Process 

Another method, in which relief images are formed on transparent 
supports and dyed with water soluble dyes, and in which only dye images 
are transferred to paper, known as the Eastman Wash-Off Belief Process 
is offered to our readers. This comparatively new but thoroughly tried 
process is readily mastered. 

The Process in Brief 

For the Eastman Wash-Off Relief Process of printing in natural colors, three-color 
separation negatives are required. These are employed to make prints, by contact or en- 
largement onto Eastman Wash-Off Relief Film. In either method of printing, the ex- 
posure is made through the support of the relief film. Positive silver images are first 

270 



Color Photography 

developed in the relief films, and are then bleached in a bichromate solution. This bleach 
renders the gelatine of the photographic emulsion insoluble in the regions of the silver 
image. Then, by washing in warm water, all of the soluble gelatin is removed, and relief 
images in hardened gelatin are left adhering: to the supports. These are fixed in hypo 
and thoroughly washed. The three relief images are then dyed in the Eastman Three- 
Color Printing Dyes, A, B and G. The dyed positives may be superimposed in register to 
form a three-color transparency, or they may be used in the imbibition transfer process to 
make three-color prints on paper. To transfer the dyes to paper, each dyed positive is 
squeegeed in turn onto a wet paper bearing a mordanted gelatin coating. A natural-color 
print in ti'ansparent and stable dyes is thus produced. 

The Negative 

Three-color separation negatives are made directly from the subject 
(or from Kodachrome positive transparencies as described earlier) 
on Wratten & Wainwright Panchromatic Plates, Eastman Portrait Pan- 
chromatic Film, Eastman Super- Sensitive Panchromatic Film, Eastman 
Commercial Panchromatic Film, or Eastman Panatomic Film through 
Wratten Filters, A, B, and C5 (Nos. 25, 58 and 47 respectively). 

The negatives should he exposed with clue regard for the filter factors 
corresponding to the light source employed, and all of the plates or films 
must be uniformly developed. The inclusion in the subject of a scale of 
greys near an edge of the field assists greatly in obtaining correct exposure 
and development of the negatives, or in making suitable adjustments in 
Ihe printing in case slight errors of density or contrast are found in the 
negatives. If the set is correctly exposed and developed, any given step 
on a scale of greys should have the same density in each of the three 
negatives. The contrast or "gamma" for the scale of greys is preferable 
0.8 to 1.2. 

Step-by-Step Procedure of the Printing Process 

Making the Relief Positives 

1. Print by contact or projection through Wratten Filter No. 35 onto three Eastman 
Wash-Off Relief Films, exposing through relief-nlm supports. 

2. Develop 5 minutes in Formula D-ll at 65F. (18C.). 

3. Wash 10 minutes in running water at not more than 70F. (21C.). 

4. Bleach completely (about 2 minutes) in Solution R-10 at 65F. (18 C.). 

5. Develop 4 minutes in water at 110F. (43C.). 

6. Fix 1 minute in Bath F-24. 

7. Wash 5 minutes in running water. 

8. (Optional) Bleach brown stain by bathing 1 minute in Permanganate Reducer R-2. 

9. (Optional) Wash 3 minutes in running water. 

10. (Optional) Clear by replacing in Bath F-24 for 1 minute. 

11. (Optional) Wash 5 minutes in running water. 

12. (Optional) Dry. 

Dyeing 1 the Reliefs. 

13. Dye reliefs in solutions of Dyes A, B and C for 30 minutes. 

14. Rinse in dilute acetic acid of concentrations given. 

15. Superimpose dyed reliefs for inspection. 

16. If necessary, give corrective treatment. 
Finishing Transparencies. 

17. Dry Films. 

18. Varnish, if desired, and dry. 

19. Register films in superposition. 

20. Bind films between cover glasses. 

271 



Making Imbibition Transfers to Paper. 

21. Prepare paper in advance, or during dyeing of reliefs. 

22. Transfer magenta dye. 

23. Transfer blue-green dye. 

24. Transfer yellow dye. 

25. Dry print between blotters or on ferrotype tin. 

FORMULAS 

Dissolve all chemicals in the order given. 

Developer (D-ll) 

Avoirdupois Metric 

Water (about 125F.) (52 C.) 64 ounces 2.0 liters 

Elon 60 grains 4.0 grams 

Sodium Sulphite, Desiccated 10 ounces 300.0 grams 

Hydroquirione 1 ounce 85 grains 36.0 grams 

Sodium Carbonate, Desiccated 3 ounces 145 grains 100.0 grams 

Potassium Bromide 290 grains 20.0 grams 

Water to make 1 gallon 4.0 liters 

Use without dilution. 

Wash-Off Relief Bleaching Solution (R-10) 

Stock Solution A 

Avoirdupois Metric 

Water 16 ounces 500.0 cc. 

Ammonium Bichromate 290 grains 20.0 grams 

Sulphuric Acid C.P 3Mz drams 14.0 cc. 

Water to make 32 ounces 1.0 liter 

Stock Solution B 

Sodium Chloride (table salt) !*/ ounces 45.0 grams 

Water to make 32 ounces 1.0 liter 

For use, take 1 part of A, 1 part of B t and 10 parts of water. 

Non-Hardening Fixing Bath (F-24) 

Avoirdupois Metric 

Water (about 125 F.) (52 C.) 16 ounces 500.0 cc. 

Hypo 8 ounces 240.0 grams 

Sodium Sulphite, Desiccated 145 grains 10.0 grams 

Sodium Bisulphite 365 grains 25.0 grams 

Water to make 32 ounces 1.0 liter 

Permanganate Reducer (R-2) 
Stock Solution A 

Avoirdupois Metric 

Water 32 ounces 1.0 liter 

Potassium Permanganate 1% ounces 52.5 grams 

Stock Solution B 

Water 32 ounces 1.0 liter 

Sulphuric Acid, C.P 1 fluid ounce 32.0 cc. 

For use, take 1 part of stock solution A, 2 parts of stock solution B, and 64 parts of 
water. 

Important: When preparing stock solution B, always add the acid slowly to the water 
while stirring the water rapidly. Never add the water to the acid, or the solution may 
boil over and spatter on tha hands or face, causing serious burns, 

Chromium Intensifier (IN-4) 
Stock Solution 

Avoirdupois Metric 

Potassium Bichromate 3 ounces 90.0 grams 

Hydrochloric Acid C.P 2 fluid ounces 64.0 cc. 

Water to make 32 ounces 1.0 liter 

272 



Color Photography 

For use, take 1 part of stock solution to 10 parts of water. Bleach thoroughly, then 
wash for five minutes and redevelop fully (5 to 10 minutes) in artificial light or daylight 
in any quick-act ins;, non-staining; developer containing the normal proportion of bi'omide, 
such as Formula D-ll, diluted 1:3. Then wash thoroughly and dry. Greater intensification 
can be obtained by repeating the process. The degree of intensification can be controlled 
by varying the time of redevelopment. 

Table of Dilutions of Acetic Acid 

Concentra- Amount of Acetic Acid 

tion in % Glacial Acetic Acid 28% Commercial Acetic Acid 

1/10% 1 cc. diluted to 1 liter, or 3.6 cc. diluted to 1 liter, or 

% fluid dram diluted to 1 fluid dram diluted to 

32 ounces 32 ounces 

Vz% 5 cc. diluted to 1 liter, or 18 cc. diluted to 1 liter, or 

1*4 fluid drams diluted to 5 fluid drams diluted to 

32 ounces 32 ounces 

5% 50 cc. diluted to 1 liter, or 180 cc. diluted to 1 liter, or 

13 fluid drams diluted to 5% fluid ounces diluted to 

32 ounces 32 ounces 

Aluminum Sulphate Solution for Mordanting Paper (M-l) 

Avoirdupois Metric 

(A) Aluminum Sulphate 6% ounces 200 grams 

Water to make 32 ounces 1 liter 

(B) Sodium Carbonate, ..Desiccated 1 ounce 145 grains 40 grams 

Water to make 16 ounces 500 cc. 

Add B slowly to A, stirring well during the addition. A white precipitate is at first 
formed, but this dissolves upon stirring. If a trace should remain, it can be filtered out 
with a rapid filter paper. 

5% Sodium Acetate Solution 

Dissolve Sodium Acetate. Anhydrous (E. K. Co.). 50 grams in 950 cc. water, or 
dissolve Sodium Acetate, Anhydrous 1-2/3 ounces in 32 ounces of water. 

1% Ammonia Solution 

Add one part by volume of strong ammonia water to 100 parts of water. 

Varnish Formula for Color-Film Transparencies (V-l) 

Avoirdupois Metric 

Gum Sandarac 365 grains 25 grams 

N-Butyl Alcohol G*/> fluid ounces 200 cc. 

Castor Oil 1% fluid drams 5 cc. 

Oil of Lavender 14 fluid dram 1 cc. 

Warm the gum sandarac and butyl alcohol together until the sandarac has been 
entirely dissolved. (Caution: Butyl alcohol is inflammable, and should not be heated over an 
open flame.) Then filter the solution through a fine, lintless cloth, add the castor oil 
and the oil of lavender, mix thoroughly, and cool before using. The oil of lavender may 
be omitted if the odor of the castor oil is not objectionable. 

The Eastman Wash-Off Relief process is essentially very simple, once 
understood and acquired. However detailed instructions and specific infor- 
mation covering every step of the procedure are absolute prerequisites of 
success in making color prints by this method. Accordingly the editors 
feel that they are performing an important duty towards their readers in 
briefly presenting the outline of the process. It is suggested that those 
seriously interested address the Graphic Arts Department of the Eastman 
Kodak Co., Rochester, New York, requesting latest issue of pamphlet 
entitled "Color Printing with Eastman Wash-Off Relief Film". The Eastman 
Wash-Off Relief Process is being constantly improved and latest informa- 
tion should be secured from the Eastman Kodak Company. 

273 



PART II 



LEICA IN SCIENCE AND EDUCATION 




Face Lift Operation 



Henry M. Lester 



274 



jfp. t ,,##** - << &*^&Mu lll , > f' f >* 

'%^J* ' ' ^^^w*^ 




Pig. 182 Transportation 



J. D. McCauley 



THE LEICA IN VISUAL INSTRUCTION 



ELLSWORTH C. DENT 



CHAPTER 15 



The onetime formal and rather bitter educational procedure of 
the elementary and grammar school is giving way to the more 
interesting and profitable method of encouraging the pupil in self- 
activity. The pupil is placed in a situation where it is desirable to 
make comparisons, secure information, and calculate solutions to 
problems, thus developing a need for the use of letters, words, 
figures, and other symbols of thought. The term, motivation, is used 
to indicate this more effective training procedure. 

Visual-sensory aids to instruction perform a definite function in 
this procedure. A simple picture, carefully chosen, may bring a 
series of voluntary oral discussions, written compositions and mathc- 

275 



matical calculations equivalent to many of the former fearful assign- 
ments of themes and sums. Objects, themselves, may be used even 
more effectively, but frequently it is impossible to have the real 
objects available. Representations of those objects are next in value, 
and the photograph is one of the most economical of all represen- 
tations. The photograph, properly made or chosen, may be even 
better than the object, especially for group instruction. Teachers 
are realizing this and are beginning to develop series of pictures for 
class instruction, very much as they might select reference books, 
magazines and other aids. 

Pupil-participation is exceedingly important as a motivating 
agency. If the pupil, even the unruly one, can be made to feel that 
his presence and cooperation are important in the scheme of things, 




Pig. 183 This picture by Creigh- 
ton Peet will gain the coopera- 
tion and interest of young Child- 
ren very Quickly and Stimulate 
Conversation 



life takes on a new meaning to him and education becomes something 
more than an endurance contest. Pupils may collect specimens, clip 
pictures from magazines and newspapers, build collections of hobbies, 
and do many things which will serve a dual purpose: (1) develop 
an intense working interest on the part- of the pupil, and (2) develop 
a collection of materials which will be of inestimable value in teaching 
present and future groups. 

One prominent visual instruction director takes pictures of his 
pupils in special situations. He secures a good picture of a pine- 
apple field, for example. Next, he takes a picture of a member of the 
class in which the picture of the pineapple field is to be used. By 
clever photographic procedure, he combines the two to make a picture 
of that pupil in a pineapple field. The combined picture is trans- 
ferred to a lantern slide for projection. The pupil is instructed in 
advance that he or she will be expected to tell, during the projection 
of the picture, just how it seems to be in a pineapple field. In order 



276 




Fig. 184 Indian Children Fig. 185 Negro Children 

Pictures to show how the children of different races look, live, and play 

to do this satisfactorily, that pupil must find out as much as possible 
about pineapples. Although photographic trickery is used to build 
a false situation, that situation proves to be a great motivating in- 
fluence and increases the interest of the entire group in that subject. 
A similar procedure might be adapted to many situations. 

Teachers are, properly, the most extensive travelers of any in 
professional work. Travel does much to broaden the outlook and 
increase the efficiency of the teacher. Some collect specimens of 
various kinds to be used later in teaching. Others gather pictures, 
pamphlets, curios, and the like, for the same purpose. But there is 




Fig. 186 Harvesting in Siberia 

Such a picture tells the story quicker : 



Julien Bryan 

md better than a thousand words 



277 




Fig. 187 Foxgloves 



A series of pictures presenting complete information about these flowers, 
in their natural environment, flower formation, malformation of one of the 
blooms, and even a close-up cross section 

an increasing- number. of those who are depending upon the camera 

to record the experiences of travel which may aid in the classroom. 

All forms of plant and animal life undergo important changes 

during the summer months. Some forms complete their life cycles 

278 



Visual 

during the period when pupils are on vacation from formal instruc- 
tion. Things are happening which the child may not notice or may 
not understand. The brilliant colors of midsummer are gone when 
the importance and functions of color among living things are dis- 
cussed in the classroom sometime between September and June. A 
camera which will record the changes, including accurate reproduc- 
tion of color, and will make them available for later use in the class- 
room becomes one of the most valuable assistants any teacher could 
choose. The camera which would be, satisfactory for this type of 
photography might be used equally well to record any other things 




Fig. 188 Threshing in New Mexico Willard D. Morgan 

In the little town of Chimayo, north of Santa Fe, this interesting 
threshing scene was photographed 

of interest, including pictures of people, buildings, landmarks, points 
of historical interest, rock formations, trees, animals, and the like. 

Inasmuch as teachers are not endowed, normally, with unlimited 
funds for such activities, it is necessary that photographic equipment 
be selected which will accommodate almost any photographic task and 
do it inexpensively. The Leiea camera is meeting such requirements 
and is becoming increasingly popular among those who realize the 
potential value of pictures in teaching. 
Educational Use of Pictures 

It seems proper, at this point in the discussion, to mention some 
of the things to be observed in selecting or making pictures to be 
used as visual aids. In the first place, the mere showing of a picture 

279 



to a pupil or to a class may be an absolute waste of time except as it 
may inject variety into an otherwise dull classroom situation. An 
intelligent teacher would not inject the study of Chaucer into a 
class in the lower grades. Neither would that teacher assign prob- 
lems in physics to a class in elementary mathematics. It is fully 
as important to select the proper type of picture for use in any 
given situation. The few simple suggestions noted below might well 
be observed in outlining plans for the selection and use of pictures 
in the classroom: 

1. Pictures selected for educational use should be within the age, or grade- 
level of the pupils with whom the pictures are to be used. (A picture of 
the Parthenon would mean little to an elementary group and a picture of 
Mary Jane's doll house would not be appreciated by pupils in the upper 
grades.) 

2. A few pictures which are pertinent to the subject under discussion would 
be preferable to many. The use of too many pictures is more likely and 
more harmful than the use of too few. 

8. The pictures used should relate directly to the lesson or unit of instruc- 
tion and should contain few or no irrelevant details. Anything which 
may not so relate to the subject under discussion will have a tendency to 
detract seriously. 

4. Each picture should contain some object of familiar size. A person, 
an article of clothing 1 , a pencil, or any other object commonly known to 
pupils will aid in conveying a correct impression of the primary subject 
of the picture. 

5. Pictures should indicate action whenever action will aid in presenting a 
natural situation. Animals moving about, children at play, farmers at 
work in their fields, make excellent photographs and are vastly more 
interesting than posed pictures. 

6. Pictures must be mechanically correct and of sufficient size to be viewed 
without eye strain. This applies particularly to projected pictures but 
might be applied as appropriately to photographs and enlargements. 

There are many sources from which organized picture units may be 
secured. Some are for sale and some may be borrowed. The school which 
is able to purchase an adequate supply of pictorial materials for use among 
its teachers places those teachers in a fortunate situation. However, if it 
should be possible for each school to purchase a liberal supply of available 
pictures, there would still remain many occasions for the use of a camera 
to record special activities and scenes of local importance or for special 
application to teaching problems. Inasmuch as no school is able to pur- 
chase all desirable material and many schools are able to purchase little 
or none, a suitable camera becomes highly important to those teachers who 
desire to -present instructional material in an interesting and effective 
manner. 

The Leica Camera 

The cost of producing suitable pictures for school use has been 
a hindrance to the wider use of appropriate illustrations. The avei- 
age camera will produce a reasonably good picture under ordinary 

280 




Fig. 189 Dramatics Montage Designed by Barbara Morgan 

From 1936 Pean, school annual, Phillips Exeter Academy, New Hampshire. The indi- 
vidual shots are from the productions of "Macbeth and Androcles and the Lion" and were 
photographed by students of Phillips Exeter Academy. * 




Teaching- the Deaf to Speak 

Summar 50mm lens, f :2.2, 1/3, E. K. Super X film. 

282 



J. Winton Lemen 



Visual 

conditions but that picture is not ready for use in the classroom. 
It is too small to be clear in all its details and it is not in proper 
form for easy enlargement through projection. If enlarged as a 
photograph, the cost is prohibitive, and it must be transferred to 
glass or film for suitable projection. The latter procedure requires 
special apparatus and materials, involving considerable expense. 

The Leica camera, on the other hand, is capable of producing 
film strips for projection at a ridiculously low figure. The teacher 
who will follow a few simple directions can prepare such pictures 
at a cost which will range from four to six cents per picture using 
inexpensive apparatus for developing and printing. Furthermore, 
this same camera may be used to copy large or small pictures for 
similar projection. The Leica camera will photograph anything 
from very small miscroscopic organisms to the largest things in the 
known world. The chapters on Copying and the making of positives 
give more complete information. 

If it should seem desirable to use photographs of any convenient 
size, or of various sizes, such enlargements may be made by using 
enlarging apparatus which is both inexpensive and simple to operate. 
Eefer to the chapter on Enlarging. The cost of such enlargements 
will be very little more than the cost of the negative for the average 
camera and the enlargements may be made to conform to any desired 
size or type. The negatives may be filed in small space, cataloged, 
and used for reference purposes as needed. 

If it should be desirable to make and color lantern slides of any ^ or 
all of the negatives, the procedure is more economical than the production 
of slides by any other method, and the results are highly satisfactory- For 
ordinary classroom purposes, the double-frame film slide produced by con- 
tact printing of Leica negatives will be almost as satisfactory as the glass 
slide and will be much less expensive. 

Some teachers Jind that their regular duties require so much time 
that it is impractical to use the small amount of time required to develop 
and print or enlarge miniature pictures. In such cases the most logical 
solution of the problem is to organize a small camera club of older stu- 
dents who may be interested in photography. Such a club will serve many 
purposes. It will train its members to apply leisure time in an interest- 
ing and profitable activity. It will develop a greater interest in the pro- 
duction and use of pictures throughout the school. It will" build a useful 
and valuable collection of pictorial materials at low cost to the school. 

Convenience is another attribute of the miniature camera which should 
be given careful consideration. It may be carried in a handbag, in the 
pocket, or suspended on a small strap. It is always ready for action and 
may be adjusted to any special situation quickly. It is simple to operate 
and all necessary adjustments are made in less time than is required to 
mention it. 

283 




Fig. 190 Bark Splitting- 
cm a Five Year old Peach 
Tree from the low Tem- 
peratures of 1929-30. Note 
the Healing over of the 
Exposed Area 



Photo by M. J. Dorsey 



The adaptability of the miniature camera is the greatest of all. The 
various simple attachments which are available to adapt it to special situa- 
tions cover every possible requirement. The wide range of available lenses 
will accommodate anything anyone could photograph with any other camera 
or group of cameras. In all this, the cost of operation is much less than 
would be the cost of operating the ordinary pocket camera which uses 
rolls of six to ten or twelve exposures. 

The Miniature Camera in Special Subjects 

Agriculture. One of the chief handicaps of the teacher of 
agriculture in the average school is that the principal crops grow, 
fertilize and mature during the months of the school vacation period. 
The animal life of the farm has undergone important changes. There 
are many printed reports of what has taken place and the teacher 
may be able to describe the developments in an interesting manner. 
However, a pictorial record of those changes could be made with the 
Leica camera and used to enliven the classroom discussions of various 
farm crops and animals. 

The agriculture teacher who goes to fairs and other exhibitions 
of the best in farm products might not be able to bring samples of 



284 



Visual 

those products before his classes for study. It would be rather simple 
to make a complete series of pictures of the most important ones. 
The cost would be but a few cents per picture and the possibilities 
would be unlimited. The convenience of small size makes it possible 
to carry the camera constantly for the purpose of photographing 
anything which might be of importance. 

A further great advantage of the miniature camera is the ease 
with which it may be used to copy charts, graphs, drawings, prints, 
or other graphic materials for projection or reproduction. Frequent- 
ly, valuable charts are accessible for study but may not be taken 
from library or private collections. In practically all such case^, 
permission to photograph those charts may be obtained. The photo- 
graphs of the charts may be projected for study and are really more 
useful than the original charts in some instances. The miniature 
camera is ideal for such copying. 

Biological Sciences. The possible uses of the Leica camera in 
preparing materials for use in teaching the biological sciences are 
unlimited. Photographs and photographic enlargements of speci- 
mens of all sizes, types and colors may be photographed and pro- 




Pig. 191 A Parent Bird and Family. "Photo by Charles A. Proctor 






Fig. 192 (left) Cotton Blossom and Plant. This 
Picture and the two Above give a Quick Impres- 
sion of the Subject by Eliminating all Unessen- 
tial Details 

jected or reproduced accurately. A series of photographs showing- 
successive changes in living forms may be made at little expense. 
Flowers, birds, roots, leaves, seeds, insects, animals, and all usual 
types of microscopic cross-sections, plants, and animalcules may be 
photographed with ease and accuracy. Teachers who conduct re- 
search during vacation periods or who may desire to produce special 
pictures for class use will be unable to secure a substitute for the 
miniature camera which, will fill the requirements at such low expense. 
Languages. Objects are becoming increasingly important in the 
building of a vocabulary. Projected pictures may be used in all 
classes, from the lowest elementary grades through the foreign Ian- 




Fig. 193 Peregrine Falcons Charles A. Proctor 

A. mother and her youngster give the photographer a tough look 



286 



Visual 

guage- groups in colleges and universities, for the purpose of fixing 
new word symbols or clarifying the meaning of the old. The lan- 
guage teacher who has long desired a collection of representative 
pictures for use during the teaching of vocabulary may use the Leica 
camera to copy such pictures from books, magazines, travel bulle- 
tins, and the like. Furthermore, those who travel will be able to 
prepare adequate collections of original photographs at low cost. 

A projected picture in the classroom is one of the most potent 
stimulators of oral expression and may be made the central topic 
for a major part or all of a recitation period. All such expression 
will but tend to develop greater facility in the use of words, regard- 
less of the language employed. 

Another profitable use of the Leica camera in language instruc- 
tion would be for photographing and projecting charts of word 




Fig. 194 The People of Tibet 



Harrison For man 



These pictures are full of details. Note man in the background holding- his 
hands over his face... why? A market scene. . .ornaments. . .dress. . .super- 
stitions 

forms and endings, thus eliminating the tedious procedure of copying 
such material on blackboards or on charts. With a little camera, a 
little care, and a little energy, the energetic teacher will be able to 
increase the effectiveness of instruction with a saving in time to all 
concerned. 

Geography. The myriad possible uses of the miniature camera 
for the preparation of materials to be used in teaching geography 

28v 




Fig. 195 The Concrete Mixer W. H. Friedrich 

An excellent action picture which shows the mixer in actual operation with humans to 
give the scale and a more personal quality 

stagger the imagination. Pictures of people at work and at play 
in all corners of the earth may be photographed by those fortunate 
enough to travel widely or may be copied from suitable photographs. 
These, projected in the classroom, are second in value to travel in 
giving true concepts of the way others live. 

The same Leica camera may be used to copy detailed outline 
maps which may, in turn, be projected against a white cardboard or 
blackboard for study and for fixing locations. Pictures are exceed- 
ingly valuable in the study of human relations and the miniature 
camera offers the most economical means of providing those pictures. 

Local geography is neglected frequently but could be utilized 
to good advantage. Those features which are difficult to observe by 
excursion or field trip may be photographed and brought into the 
classroom. The fact that such pictures are of local situations will 
tend to increase their value as related to the teaching problem. 

History. Again, the teacher who travels may produce a series 
of pictures which would be of inestimable value in the classroom. 
It would not be necessary to travel widely. Local history forms an 
important part of the instruction in all schools and could be made 
a great motivating agency in both oral and written composition. 
Pictures of landmarks of early development, homes of famous per- 

288 



Visual 

sons, federal and state governmental buildings, and of any number 
of other places could be obtained either by direct photography or by 
copying from publications of all kinds. 

The Leica camera is so inconspicuous and convenient to use that 
many are able to collect excellent assortments of pictures of im- 
portant figures in the events of the day. The possible use of such 
a camera to produce pictures for use in connection with the study 
of current events are many. 

Industrial Arts. Here the Leica camera may be used to good 
advantage for the preparation of either elementary or advanced 
work. Certain master drawings might be photographed and pro- 
jected on a screen for group study, a far more satisfactory method 
than to make a drawing large enough for the class to study, and 
incomparably better than passing an outline or a drawing from one 
student to another. Furthermore, materials thus organized for pre- 
sentation could be preserved in small space and brought out for 
service as needed. 

One instructor in engineering in a mid-western university uses 
a miniature camera to copy drawings and outlines of special problems 
and their solutions. Such problems are illustrated and discussed in 
the professional magazines and the former method of this instructor 
was to draw enlarged charts of ample size for the class to discuss 



i 




Fig. 196 How Are the Bones and Fragments of a Prehistoric Animal 
Assembled and Mounted ? Photo by Dr. A. L. Lugn 



289 





Pig. 197 Stones For Grind- 
ing Corn in an Arizona 
Cliff City 



Fig. 198 Betatakin Cliff 
Dwelling in Arizona. A 
City once Inhabited by 
several Thousand Indians. 
Photos by Willard D. Mor- 
gan 



as a group. Now, it is only necessary to photograph the page with 
the little camera, make a print on film, and project that print to 
any desired size. If charts seem desirable for use in the solution of 
similar problems, they may be made quickly by tracing the projec- 
tion on suitable paper. The process is simple, rapid, and inexpensive. 
It would be almost as easy and but slightly more expensive to make 
photographic enlargements for such members of the class as might 
require them. 

Architecture. This is the branch of engineering which is served best 
by the miniature camera. Many interesting photographs of desirable 
types of architecture may be made at little cost and studied at will. With 
one camera loading of 36 pictures it is possible to photograph exterior, and 
interior views of a building, and also make numerous close up detail views. 
This strip may be reproduced on a filmslide strip for projection at a cost 
varying from four to five cents per picture. The cost of making such 
pictures with the miniature camera is so little that various angles of each 
design may be recorded at less than the cost of a single picture of average 
camera size. Small designs in professional publications may be copied and 
enlarged to any desired size. So long as the resultant enlargements are 

290 



Visual 

made for personal use and not offered for distribution, there is no infringe- 
ment of copyrights or question of unprofessional ethics. 

Physical Training. Many schools offer various forms of corrective 
gymnastics. Students who seem to require correction of physical defects 
or irregularities are photographed before the training is started. They are 
photographed during the process, until correction ends. The miniature 
camera, producing pictures with enlarging and projection possibilities, 
becomes the first choice of the physical training supervisors who give this 
record work serious thought. 

The photographs of corrective changes are important but by no means 
exhaust the possible adaptations of the miniature camera to corrective or 
competitive athletics. The Leica camera is equipped with a lens and 
shutter competent to photograph all types of action, stopping that action 
at any point for careful study of form. In many instances, such stop- 
motion pictures are as valuable to the coach or trainer as would be motion 
pictures of the same athlete in action. These pictures may be used effec- 
tively to point out both good and bad points in the form of the athlete. 
The suggestions are vastly more clear to him than if made orally without 
some form of supporting illustration. 

Doctors and dentists who are charged with the responsibility of medi- 
cal and dental inspection of school pupils are finding the miniature camera 




Fig. 199 Dentition. Child 6 to 7 Years Old. Primary Teeth 
Yielding to Pressure of Secondary Teeth. Photo by Henry M. Lester 

to be of great value in photographing physical irregularities which need 
correction, such as poor teeth, enlarged joints, improper muscular develop- 
ment, eye defects, and the like. Peculiar situations may be photographed 
for more detailed study through enlargement or projection. It is possible, 
with this type of camera, to photograph the most minute structural details, 
even those which are recorded through the lens of a microscope. 

Physical Sciences. Many photographs maybe accumulated which will 
illustrate, clearly, the application of the simple laws of science to the 

291 




Fig. 200 Hog - Nosed 
Snake Photo by J. M. 
Leonard 

> 



rather complex structure known as civilization and its environment. Pho- 
tographs of geologic formations; the work of water, wind and temperature 
as they change the surface of the earth; the effect of volcanic eruptions 
and of glacial action; and of the application of physical laws to the mechan- 
ical devices of industry, may be made quickly and cheaply. 

Other Subjects. The suggestions made above are but a few of 
the possible applications of the miniature camera to visual instruc- 
tion. The enterprising teacher or visual instruction director will 
find some use for such a camera in connection with the effective 
teaching of almost every subject listed in the curriculum. One of 
the great failings of textbooks for use in the elementary and inter- 
mediate grades is that they contain illustrations covering situations 
which are not within the understanding and personal experiences of 
the pupils. It is not difficult to supplement the textbook illus- 
trations with local pictures of similar situations, thus developing 
a clear and logical understanding of the matters discussed in the text 
and during the class period. 

The application of the miniature camera to the problems of class- 
room instruction by no means exhausts the possibilities of its use in 
the school building or system. For example, one very successful 
school administrator carries a minature camera wherever he goes 
among the various buildings to observe the work in the classrooms 
or to inspect the school plant. When he notices an unusually fine 
type of project, he photographs it. If some student has completed 
an outstanding piece of work, he makes a picture of it. If an altera- 
tion or a repair is needed in a school building or among its equip- 
ment, he may take several pictures of the situation. The resultant 

292 



Visual 

pictures are prepared for projection before teachers' meetings, the 
board of education, the building committee, or before any others who 
may be interested in the work or welfare of the schools. These pic- 
tures become a permanent record of progress, frequently quite valu- 
able in clarifying misimpressions among those who are not thoroughly 
informed concerning conditions. 

The Leica camera is almost ideal for the production of pictures 
of school activities to be used for all types of publicity. Although 
the school annual is becoming less important to student life each 
year, there are local and school papers and periodicals which make 
good use of interesting pictures. Such pictures can be made with 
this camera at a cost of a few cents each. It is almost certain that 
many more good pictures will be available for such purposes than if 
the cost should be several times that amount. 

The school which may desire to make the most effective use of 
pictures will find many uses for the miniature camera. Furthermore, 
the cost of operation will be but a fraction of the cost of usual types 
of pietiire making. The individual teacher or supervisor who may 
be interested in building collections of illustrative materials for class- 
room use will find the miniature camera to be an economical answer 
to the problem of covering unlimited demands with a limited budget^ 




Fig. 201 Rock Structure, Segi Canyon, Arizona, Showing Horizontal 
and Vertical Structure. Photo by W. D. Morgan 



293 




Dress Patterns in the Making Henry M. Lester 

Drilling the Guide Perforations and Cutting a "Lay" of One Thousand 
Patterns 

Summar 50mm lens, 1/60 second at f :2.2, Super-X Film 

Courtesy of Butterick Company 




294 



THE IN HISTORICAL RESEARCH 



JAMES A. BARNES, Ph. D. CHAPTER 16 

Modern scholarship demands of the research worker of today 
impeccable evidence to substantiate his assertions. Such evidence can 
very rarely be presented in the form of originals of historical mate- 
rial. True copies are therefore required. These not only must be 
good and accurate reproductions; they must be obtained speedily and 
effectively. The Leica camera conveniently fulfills these require- 
ments. 

At one time the student spent the greater part of his day in 
laboriously copying his finds or discoveries. Materials of the most 
varied character illegible letters, worn diaries, old faded news- 
papers, statistical tables, and intricate election returns may be 
copied. These records can be secured photographically far more effi- 
ciently and in incomparably shorter time. Subsequent ability to 
enlarge to almost any size is an added advantage as it greatly con- 
tributes to the legibility of such records. 

There can never be a question concerning the accuracy of repro- 
duction; not only the form of the original is retained in such a copy 
but frequently even its spirit and intent. 

The research worker, when he comes to writing, need not, as he 
must when working from typed copies, wonder if the typist or the 
original writer made the strike-over, the omission, the abbreviation, 
the cancellation, the interpolation, or any of the peculiarities which 
mark all human documents. The genuineness of signatures and hand- 
writing and even the character of the paper used may be easily 
authenticated. There can be no doubt as to whether a letter was 
handwritten, typed, or printed; that a letter was dictated and 
signed in his absence is easily discovered. Such apparently trivial 
but sometimes important points as whether the address given on a 
letter was merely a printed name or a part of the written manuscript 
itself are readily established. Quotations in the final *copy for a book 
may be checked against the original Document. 

A very important asset in copying by camera is inclusiveness. 
An entire manuscript or document can usually be recorded as 

295 



cheaply and as quickly as it can be extracted. Seemingly insignificant 
sentences in a manuscript may take on, at a later date, a meaning 
not discerned at the time of copying. The mere fact that a letter 
contains no mention of a current event or existing condition may 
later prove of great value if one can be certain that the omission 
was committed by the writer and not the extractor. Adjacent par- 
agraphs may give to a statement meanings or modifications not per- 
ceived at the time the research worker copied the document. By 
recording the entire original, the camera retains the proper setting 
of desired extracts. 

The camera not only provides accuracy, speed, and inclusiveness 
in copy work; -it enlarges the field of research. No longer must the 
scholar limit his labors to what seems at the moment important; as 
already mentioned, he may copy somewhat lavishly without adding 
perceptibly to the bulkiness of his material. Maps, charts, and graphs 
may be readily copied in whole or in part. By use of the extension 
tube the smallest section of a chart or graph may be lifted out 
of its original setting and enlarged for particular study. The 
cartoon, most pungent expression of contemporary opinion, may now 



Fig. 203 Books, Manuscripts, Cartoons, and Similar Subjects can be 
Copied for Historical Research. Photos by James A. Barnes 

MAT ** *" '*! 

THE NATIONAL i 

BIMETALLISM 



ff EDITION. iW THOUSAND. 




296 



Historical Research 

make up an important and significant part of the files of the research 
worker who uses the camera. The writer's collection of several hun- 
dred cartoons, gathered from every section of the country at small 
reproduction expense, interpret the local attitude on economic and 
financial questions in the period of the eighties and nineties more 
poignantly, perhaps, than any other one possible type of source ma- 
terial. 

Obtaining Complete Historical Record Pictures 

But maps, charts, graphs, and cartoons do not complete the list 
of new sources made readily accessible. Highway signs, terrains, 
badges, handbills, broadsides, uniforms, machinery and implements, 
deserted villages, abandoned mining camps, relies, ancient, medieval, 
and modern inscriptions, and even flora and fauna, are readily and 
accurately recorded by Leica miniature photography. Whatever the 
eye can perceive as source material, the camera can record and 
preserve. My own files on the great depression of 1929 may in future 
years prove richer because of their inclusion of photographs of silent 
factories, of bread lines, of the unfortunates seeking warmth and a 
place to rest in the St. Louis Public Library, of the bonus marchers, 
of men and boys tramping the highways and riding the transconti- 
nental freights looking for work, and of many other evidences of 
economic turmoil. The New Deal may prove more interesting because 
of a photographic record of the inauguration, of closed banks, of 
farmers plowing under cotton, and of emergency workers on govern- 
ment payrolls. 

There are other advantages. The research worker often finds the 
amount of time that he can spend at a given place limited. The 
camera prolongs his stay in effect by enabling him to accomplish 
more than he can by any other method of copying; it also permits 
him to bring exact reproductions of the original documents to the 
quiet of his own study for careful analysis and. interpretation. This 
is particularly important where translation is necessary. The scholar 
who works in European archives on a summer's journey has not the 
time (and often not the money) to spend hours puzzling over a 
manuscript the chief difficulty of which is translation, when he may 
project the writing in an enlarged form on a wall or screen in his 
own home. 

A university friend whose time for traveling was extremely 
limited recently photographed enough of the literature of the Penn- 
sylvania Dutch in a few weeks to employ all his study hours for a 
year. Transcription too sometimes presents problems. The writer 

297 



discovered a particularly valuable diary in Kansas; unfortunately, 
it was written in a system of shorthand with which he was not 
familiar. Its value was attested by the convenient fact that many 
pages had been partially transcribed. The diary was photographed 
quickly and cheaply and later consultations with expert stenographers 
resulted in its complete transcription. 
The Kesearch Equipment 

The entire camera outfit for traveling research is little bulkier 
than a typewriter. I recently completed a twelve-months research 
trip through the West and the South in which I collected more than 
twenty thousand copies of manuscripts. My equipment consisted of 
a Leiea camera, Fuldy Copy Attachment, baseboard, upright and 
sliding arms, two extension tubes, and two ordinary goose-neck lamps 
fitted with one-hundred watt bulbs. It is well to carry also a develop- 
ing tank and some standard prepared developer. Films may easily 
be developed each night and carefully checked for omissions. This 
cheeking is made reasonably simple in my own ease by the fact that 
I keep a careful index of every photograph, recording the date, place, 
person, subject, and collection or library from which the material is 
obtained. The collection and library as well as an identifying num- 
ber are easily photographed with each manuscript. Identification 
and number may be on a simple typed slip or a regular holder 
with movable letters and figures. The size of the original may be 
shown by established measuring marks on the baseboard. Each roll of 
film also is identified by a number, photographed at the beginning and 
the end. 

A scientific knowledge of photography is not necessary in order 
to use the camera as a research instrument. Careful observation of 
results and some idea of the fundamentals of lights and shadows are 
helpful. The research worker is primarily interested in obtaining 
the best possible photographs in the least possible time. He may be 
compelled to compromise between quality and quantity. He cannot 
spend too much time on artistry. The perfect negative, however, is 
worthy of attempt because of the possibility of enlarging it for future 
use as illustrative book material. For the beginning photographer 
of ordinary manuscripts the two fundamental things to remember 
are: first, keep lights as uniform as possible over the field to be 
photographed; and second, be sure that the camera is in focus, The 
oose-neck desk lamps are conveniently carried, but care must be 
exercised in placing them. Turn the shades so that the rays cross 
over the manuscript. A magnifying glass is helpful in focusing, par- 

298 



Historical Research 

ticularly on newspapers. The perfectly focused negative, regardless 
of the size of the manuscript photographed, is easily read. 

The length of exposure in copying varies with the intensity of 
the light used, the size of the diaphragm opening, the color of the 
paper which is being photographed, and the nature of the film em- 
ployed. Practice alone can establish the best exposure for any par- 
ticular equipment. The use of a dependable exposure meter is highly 
recommended. The f :9 diaphragm opening has proved the best in 
my own work. It is small enough to give clear-cut lines in the photo- 
graph, and yet it permits enough light to ascertain whether the 
manuscript is in proper condition, when iising the Fuldy attachment, 
without opening the diaphragm with each exposure. Where single 
sheets of paper of somewhat uniform size are being* photographed, 
there is no need for repeated focusing. 

The cheapest and perhaps best general film for ordinary repro- 
duction seems to be the regular positive stock. This film with the 
f :9 opening and two one-hundred-watt bulbs photographs black and 
white papers at an exposure of about one second; yellowed newspapers 
may run to three seconds. Allowances must be made for the difference 
in intensity between direct and alternating current lights, and also 
for extremely bright days. Filters are valuable, but longer exposures- 
must be made when they are employed. Panchromatic film such as 
Du Pont Micropan should be used and especial care taken in copying 
graphs, charts, and cartoons which are intended for illustrations in 
books. 






FIRST BATTLE 
OF MANASSAS 

ItfENRY Hill LIES JUST TO THE SQUTH.J 

[HERE THE CONFEDERATES REPULSED; 
I THE BEPEATEfl ATTACKS OF THE UNION. 
/ARMY UNDER McDOWELL, JULY 21, 
(IB6L HE8E JACKSON WH THE NAME, 

"STONEWALL^ AND FROM HEfiE 8E- 

I (JAN MCDOWELL'S RETREAT THAT ENOEO 

[AT* 

" 



Fig. 204 Highway Signs which Give Historical Information Should be 
Photographed. Photos by W. D. Morgan and James A. Barnes 



299 



The most economical method of buying film is in bulk; the two hun- 
dred-foot lengths have many advantages. The traveling research worker, 
however, must learn to load both his cartridges and his developing tank in 
darkness. Bathrooms and closets are most frequently pressed into service 
as darkrooms, and one often finds that there is no place for attaching the 
safety lamp. A little practice makes it possible to load in complete darkness 
almost as quickly as with a lamp. An infallible test for determining the 
emulsion side of the film is to touch it to the tongue because the tongue 
sticks to the emulsion. Practice and observation, while they may not make 
of the researcher an expert photographer, will soon lead to qualifications 
sufficient for his work. 

The student may use his material in two ways: either make enlarge- 
ments on regular photographic paper, or else use a projector. For concen- 
trated study enlargements on paper are preferred. Projection of the nega- 
tive film itself of that material which is to be used only a few times is thor- 
oughly satisfactory. The total cost per page when used in this manner is 
only a fraction of a cent. If repeated projections are to be made, it is safest 
to make them from positive prints. By carefully reading the special chap- 
ters on developing, copying, making positives, and projecting, a thorough 
understanding of this subject may be acquired. 

The photographic method of research is certainly more econom- 
ical and much more rapid than any other employed; it is also far 
more accurate. On a research trip of more than fifteen thousand 
miles the writer found no objections to the use of the camera. Own- 
ers of manuscripts and documents are easily convinced that misinter- 
pretation and misquotation are less likely to occur when the material 
is photographed than when copied by hand or typewriter. 




This Enlarging, Reading, and Pro- 
jection Outfit, known as the Vokom, 
can be used for Examining Nega- 
tives or Positives. A small Mirror 
is attached for throwing the Image 
upon a Projection Screen. Note 
Ventilating Ring around Lamp 
Housing for use with Higher Power 
Bulbs 



300 



AND 



FRANCES W. BINKLEY CHAPTER 17 



For the copying I do in iny study the camera is mounted on the 
Leiea arm which slips over a 4-foot upright fastened to the table. 
On the table beneath the camera concentric rectangles are drawn, 
corresponding to the sizes given in the Leica tables for use with the 
front lens. Along the top line of each rectangle there is written 
the helical focus to be used for copying that size, the distance of 
the camera from the object, and the amount of reduction. There 
are five of these rectangles, from 8 x 12 to 13 x 19 inches. A plumb 
bob dropped to the center serves as a check on the position of the 
camera. Very satisfactory results may be obtained in focusing by 
measurement with this arrangement, and it is more convenient than 
the copy attachment excepting in copying material that varies greatly 
in size. 

If the camera is moved from its original position on the Sliding 
Arm to the Sliding Focusing Copy Attachment, the lens position is 
moved to one side and the field no longer corresponds to the rectangles 
as drawn on the table. (In the Fuldy Copy Attachment that I use the 
center is 2 inches to the left of the original center, when the Leica is 
attached directly to the Sliding Arm.) 

It is necessary to use a supplementary lens or an extension tube to 
focus by measurement. If the various extension tubes are to be used 
between the Leica and the lens the supplementary lenses are not 
required. In this latter case use the tables given in the chapter on 
copying. In case a definite checkup is required the single exposure 
Leica is of value for securing exact focus for the various extension 
tubes, as well as the different positions of the Leica lenses. 

I have found that the f :3.5 lens plus the front lens No. 1 meets 
all ordinary needs in copying. It is a good lens combination for 
general work. However, where the type of material to be copied 
varies from such small objects as postage stamps up to newspaper-size 
pages, it would be convenient to have an additional lens or use the 
ground glass copy attachment. The smaller apertures give better 

301 



definition, and it is a good plan to make stop f :12.5 or f :18 the usual 
aperture in copying. It is possible, however, to make legible copies 
with as wide an aperture as f :6.3 and this of course speeds up the 
exposures. The character of the material to be copied must be taken 
into account in judging the limits within which the aperture may be 
opened. Since the smaller aperture means greater depth of focus, it is 
not necessary to re-focus even in copying very thick volumes, when 
the lens is stopped to f :18. 

The Model F or G Leica (with focal plane shutter) make double 
exposures impossible and are probably the most satisfactory models to 
use in copying. Earlier models can be adapted by the use of a slow 
exposure timer. If enough light is used to reduce exposures to one 
or one-half second, there will very likely be considerable variation in 
density unless the exposures are automatically timed. 

The Model FF camera may be used in long copying jobs, because 
of its greater capacity of film. 

With the standard camera a half-dozen or more magazines may 
be loaded in the morning and reloaded in the changing bag if they 
are all exposed in the course of the day. (I keep a can in the 
changing bag supplied with film cut in advance into 5 foot strips.) 
This is very satisfactory for occasional copying, but in continuous 
work loading the magazines and changing them in the camera takes 



I O ,\ O U 

PJ rorcdl afl<J arc to be fold by f. C^ I 

Prwwr to tlic wid Company i * * 5 




Fig. 205 Title Page Showing- 
the Lists of Deaths from the 
London Plague of 1665. Photo 
by F. G. Ludwig, Yale Library 



302 



Copying MSS 

up a disproportionate amount of time. There are, however, compar- 
able disadvantages with long rolls. 

The Eastman or Du Pont process or positive safety films, bought 
in 200 or 400 foot rolls, are satisfactory for copying any black and 
white material. This safety film gives good contrast, and can be pro- 
cessed in a dark room with yellow light, a considerable convenience for 
the inexperienced worker. In copying colored material the panchro- 
matic emulsions may be used. A document mimeographed in violet ink 
came out very badly on the positive film, but gave an excellent copy 
on Du Pont Micropan. Dr. Bendikson of the Huntington Library has 
published a number of articles (Library Journal, Oct. 1, 1932, Sept. 
.15, 1933, etc.) describing his methods and results in copying colored, 
faded, blotted and charred documents. 

In copying material printed on thin paper it is necessary to inter- 
leave with white, to prevent the page underneath from showing 
through. Where the ink on one side of the page shows through on 
the reverse side I interleave with black, as this reduces the contrast 
and may eliminate the show-through on the negative. 

Spring clips and rubber band's may be used to hold the paper flat in 
copying, or a piece of plate glass may be placed over the object. Glass is 
troublesome to use as it must be watched carefully for reflection and flare. 
In a library where the equipment is available the camera may be mounted 
on the photostat machine, so that the photostat copy holder and illumination 
can be utilized. 

Two desk lamps with 100-watt bulbs give adequate illumination for 
copying, with a slow exposure. They may be placed one on each side of the 
object, the lamp placed 18 inches above the outer edge. This is not a perfect 
lighting system, as there is a variation with the size of the page copied. 
This variation however does not visibly affect the density of the negative 
(or length of exposure) in copying up to folio size pages. When newspaper- 
size pages are copied it becomes necessary to use two lights at each side. 
Care must be taken to avoid a flare spot on the curve of the page in copying 
bound material. When the paper has a glossy finish, tissue paper hung 
over the lights will increase diffusion. 

With two 100-watt lights, placed as described, and an aperture of f :18 
the exposure will be between 4 and 6 seconds on process film. Two seconds 
will result in a negative too light to be read easily in the projector, 8 sec- 
onds will be too dense. By substituting Photofloods for the 100-watt lamps, 
the exposure can be reduced to one second, and by enlarging the aperture it 
is possible to copy with an exposure of l/20th second. There is no appre- 
ciable decrease in contrast with the use of photofloods, or with the use of 
Cooper Hewitt lights. 

Since the time necessary to turn pages and arrange the document is 
always longer than the actual exposure, there is usually no advantage to 
be gained in working close to the limit of good definition with a wide 
aperture. 

303 



The small tank may be used for occasional films, but for developing a 
number of strips, the most satisfactory method seems to be simply to stand 
the film on edge in a deep tray, drawing it out to prevent adhesion in curling 
Several strips may be handled' at once in this manner and with an assistant 
present to hand the strips a large quantity of film may be developed 
within a short time, without any equipment except the tray. Where ex- 
posures are as standardized as they are in copying there is no great need 
for developing by inspection. In copying printed and written materials, the 
beginner must not forget that he is aiming at contrast rather than the 
soft tones sought in pictorial work. Emphasis in developing should be on 
securing contrast. There is little difficulty in obtaining adequately fine 
grain results with the process films. 

Extreme care is necessary to avoid scratches and spots since they may 
obliterate essential words or letters of the document copied. The film should 
be touched only on the edge, and should not be allowed to drag across the 
side or bottom of a tray, where sediment may scratch it. Chamois used in 
wiping the film before drying should be free from grit. 

Where negatives are valuable it is a good plan to give them a 
second bath in fresh hypo and a double period of washing to insure 
permanence. 

As soon as they are well dried the film strips should be rounded 
at the ends and placed in the containers. It is said to be advisable to 
roll the film with the emulsion side out. 

The need for cleanliness in the dark room is frequently men- 
tioned and should be called most emphatically to the attention of those 
whose darkroom, as is often the case with amateurs, is in the basement 
or the attic, where there is apt to be a good deal of dust. Film that 
is allowed to become dusty soon becomes scratched. It should not 
be dried in a room where spilled hypo has dried and crystallized. 
The amateur engaged in copying will produce a much greater bulk 
of film negatives than would likely be produced in pictorial work, 
and it is therefore necessary to care for a considerable number of 
strips if processing is done at home. 

Making and Using Film Copies . . . 
The Clerical Side 

A system of filing and identifying negatives is an important 
factor in putting a collection of film copies to the best account. Most 
of us follow the line of least resistance and if there is a good deal 
of bother about unwinding film and searching for the piece wanted 
we are inclined to neglect the film copies, no matter how excellent 
the photography may have been. The following plan fits my own 
needs and might be adapted to the use of others. 

The film strips are numbered and filed under headings that 
parallel those in a general file of notes and documentary material. 

304 



Copying MSS 




Crumbling of Newspaper Files 
Declared Loss to Historians 



"By The Associated Press. 

. MINNEAPOLIS, Dec, 28. "Tons 
of history" are being swept tip 
daily from the floors of American 
libraries because of the absence of 
art economical preservative to pre- 
vent ruin of n^wspap^r files,, the 
American Council of Learned So- 
cieties was told here today. 

' Wood pulp paper, with which 
most of the presses are fed, serves 
the historian badly because it 
cracks, tears and crumbles, threat- 
ening destruction of a primary 
source of material for future in- 
terpreters of modern life, Dr, Solon 
JV Buck of the University of Pitta- 
burgh said, 

He suggested that cameras capa- 
ble of reducing facsimiles of news- 
paper pages to small size requiring 
little space in archives might solve 
the .problem in part but that a low- 
cost* adequate preservation which 
would. insure the safety of original 
files was the greatest need. 



Fig. 206 Newspaper Clipping 
Warns Against the Loss of 
Valuable Records 



Fig. 207 Cover of an Early Medical 
Book Copied for Later Study 



A record of the material copied is photographed in each case and 
becomes part of the negative, serving as a label. 

The first exposure on each strip of film copies a large number 
that can be read on the negative without a lens, and a good deal of 
eye strain is avoided in identifying film strips by this large number 
at one end. The numbered series serves as a check against the loss 
of film in process or in use. 

The second exposure copies a label, which contains the following 
information : 

a. title of document 

b. filing designation 

c. photographic conditions 

d. number of pages copied 

It is not necessary to use an entire frame for this label, as it 
may be placed alongside a title page and photographed in that posi- 
tion. After the entire strip of film has been exposed, the number of 
pages copied may be noted on the original label, and if the document 



305 



has not been completed the label may be carried forward to the next 
film strip. The original label is eventually filed in the general file, 
with other notes, and serves as a cross reference to the film. In 
special cases, as in copying a series of documents, it is convenient 
to keep a list of the contents of the film strips, taken from the labels 
before they are filed. 

The entry on photographic conditions may be referred to in comparing 
the results of various methods of copying, and also in planning retakes 
where the copying has not been successful. If a large amount of material 
has been copied in the course of travel, a note on the label of the condition 
of the document, color of ink and paper, and the exposure given, will explain 
the results in the case of a poor negative and may be taken into account in 
ordering retakes. If missing pages or other variations in the document are 
noted on the label it will save turning again to the original in checking- 
over the film negatives. 

It is a good plan to number the exposures or frames in copying. Small 
cardboard squares which stay in place when dropped at the corner of the 
page are desirable (mine are hat check numbers). These frame numbers 
are used in collating enlargements or in giving orders for enlargements to 
be selected from a film strip. A running title, typed on a narrow piece of 
heavy paper and placed at the bottom of each page, is also useful in identi- 
fying enlargements and in identifying pages as they are read in the pro- 
jector. 

To add the frame number and running title, interleave pages to prevent 
show-through, and attach spring clips to hold the pages flat, all occupies 
about twice as much time as the actual exposure in copying. In my experi- 
ence, however, the time is saved twice over in the future use of the negatives. 
To assort the enlargements from a number of film strips, if they are not 
numbered, will sometimes take as much time as the photographic process 
itself. On one occasion, before I adopted the numbering system, I had 
copied several slightly varying drafts of a single document, had 75 enlarge- 
ments made, and found it was necessary to compare each enlargement with 
the original in order to be sure the pages were arranged in correct sequence. 
It took as much time as a jig saw puzzle. 

An advantage of the film copy method is that proofreading is 
riot required. It is necessary, however, to look over the film, with a 
lens, first to see that it is satisfactory from the photographic poini 
of view, and then to discover if what we might call clerical errors 
have occurred. 

Copying Mistakes and Their Remedy 

Faults in photography most likely to be encountered are, first, 
those in exposing, such as errors in focusing, the object not being in 
the center of the field, over or under exposure, spots caused by im- 
proper illumination or by reflection from bright objects near the page 
copied, and the like. Second are the accidents in processing, such as 
scratches, pin holes and water spots, and over or under developing. 

306 



Copying MSS 

The most likely clerical errors are mislabeling of documents, or 
skipping pages. The following device serves as a check on missing 
pages, so that it is not ordinarily necessary to check them on the 
finished negative. 

I connt thirty pages in the document and place a marker at the 
end. If the camera counter, the frame numbers, and the marker in 
the document coincide at the end of the strip, it is reasonably certain 
that no pages were omitted. If an error has been made the best way 
to correct it usually is to retake the whole strip. This avoids isolated 
pages, taken at a later time, which must be spliced on to the film strip. 

Film Storage 

I keep the Leica film strips in small tins, labeled on the top. These can 
be arranged in rows in a shallow drawer and treated, so far as filing is 
concerned, as if they were folders in an ordinary vertical file. The label 
on the tin corresponds to the file designation photographed on the film and 
also, of course, to the headings in my general file. 

Where there are a number of short takes on a strip, I cut them apart, 
disregarding the strip number, and file the short slides with other material 
in the general file. Paper folded and pasted on the back of a folder forms 
pockets to hold the film. 

The best advice on storage that I have been able to obtain indi- 
cates that proper processing is the prime condition of film per- 
manence. There is apparently no great danger of loss if the film is 
kept in a reasonably cool place. Since almost all my film is on the 
acetate base there is no more fire danger involved in keeping It thau 
in keeping papers of any sort. 

Reading the Negatives 

After the copies are made and filed in some safe and easily accessible 
manner, the problems involved in using them are relatively simple. The 
film may be used in short or long strips, on reels, or the frames may be cut 
apart and mounted individually in cards, to be used as slides. When suit- 
able reading devices are available the film may be projected to a convenient 
size and read at close range in a light room, so that a typewriter may be 
used in making notes. If the projector used will not allow a light at the 
desk, it is still possible to record notes on a dictaphone as the film is 
studied. 

When enlargements are desired, they may be greatly reduced or made 
as large as required. Copies of newspaper clippings, for example, may be 
enlarged to twice the original size, or on the other hand a series of letters 
may be reproduced to fit a 3 x 5 card file. Such papers as Photostat R, 
Insurance Bromide, and Haloid Record are satisfactory for enlargements. 

If a few frames are to be selected for enlargement from a long strip 
of film, the enlargements may be indicated by the frame number or by 
short pieces of string tied into the perforations. 

In planning for enlargements in large quantity, it must be taken into 
account that they add a large sum to the very low cost of the film copy, as 

307 



well as increasing the bulk of material to be stored. To the cost of making 
the enlargements should also be added a charge for clerical work in assort- 
ing and checking over the finished copies. It may also be decided to mount 
the enlargements, to get away from the tendency of the paper to curl, and 
this adds another charge. If a suitable projector is available the beginner 
in the field of film copy ought by all means to give a fair trial to reading 
the film by projection before deciding out of hand that all his film copies 
must be enlarged. 




Tiger Beetle 



J. M. Leonard 



308 



THE MINIATURE CAMERA FOR 

MINIATURE MONSTERS 








J. M. LEONARD 



CHAPTER 18 



The photographer who is weary of portraits and pictorials or 
who is bored by the discussions of purist versus creative may take 
new hope. If he wishes to combine amusement and education with 
a host of interesting photographic problems, he should explore the 
world of miniature monsters which awaits him in his own backyard. 
He will find a life as fascinating and as bizarre as any that ever 
roamed the hot sands and the reeking swamps of prehistoric times. 

Such an exploration, through the eye of the camera, will reveal 
creatures clothed in bone, in feathers, and in hair; creatures with 
from two to eight eyes, and from one to nearly thirty thousand lenses 
or facets to each eye; creatures so weird in appearance that they seem 
to belong to another age. These are the insects and the spiders. 
Their variety of form is boundless and in brilliancy of color they 
equal if not surpass the most gorgeous flowers. Their habits and 
their social conduct are of such absorbing interest that the insect 
photographer need not feel surprised should he suddenly find himself 
more interested in studying the actions of the insects than in pho- 
tographing them. 



309 



Entomologists estimate that there are a half million or more 
known species of insects. They constitute by far the largest group 
of Hying creatures and greatly exceed the combined total of all others 
on the earth, in the air, and under the water. Doctor Frank E. 
Lutz of the American Museum of Natural History states that there 
are approximately fifteen thousand species of insects to be found with- 
in fifty miles of New York City, and nearly eleven thousand species 
within the state of New Jersey, and these, bear in mind, are species 
and not individuals. The photographer who takes up this branch of 
work will never lack subjects. Also he will have a year around hobby, 
for the insects may be photographed alive in the field or may be 
mounted and saved for the long winter evenings. 

Catching the Insects 

Although insects are so numerous and so widely distributed a 
few hints as to where to look and what to look for might be helpful. 
The collector doubtless needs no suggestions as to where to find such 
household insects as the roach, silver fish, clothes moth, house fly and 
mosquito. These, however, constitute a very small percentage of the 
thousands of varieties which lie beyond the screens and the front 
door. 

Pig. 208 Head of Wolf Spider Pig. 209 Head of Jumping Spider 
Note How Eye Arrangement Differs 




310 



Miniature Monsters 




2L* 

Fig. 210 The Northern Centipede which Lives in Houses 

While many insects are much in evidence some of the most in- 
teresting ones prefer seclusion and their society must be sought. 
Turning over an old board or a rock in a field may admit one to the 
private lives of a few crickets, a family of sow bugs, or a miscellane- 
ous collection of beetles. Other insects will be found under bark, in 
rotten wood, in flowers, among the roots of plants, and in fact prac- 
tically everywhere that the careful collector cares to look. The chief 
requisites of a collector are active curiosity, quick fingers, and nimble 
legs. For the capture of moths, butterflies, dragon flies, or other 
flying insects a net is essential. This may be purchased for a rea- 
sonable price from any dealer in entomological equipment. 

While all insects are interesting photographically, there are a 
few of the common ones which, because of certain outstanding points 
of interest, should appeal to the beginner in insect photography. 
The spiders which by the way are not insects but are of the class 
Araclmida, order Araneida are interesting because of their ferocious 
appearance and the number and arrangement of their eyes (figs. 208 
and 209). The normal number of eyes is eight and all of the eyes are 
simple : in none of them is the outer layer divided into facets as in the 
compound eyes of insects. The normal arrangement is regarded as 
two rows, each containing four eyes, but they may be found in three 
and even four rows. Grasshoppers are interesting because of their 
smug expressions (fig. 211). Scutigera Forceps, the northern centi- 
pede which lives in. houses, appears like a "bleached carcass on the 
desert when photographed on sand against a black background (fig. 

311 




Fig. 211 Grasshopper 

Elmar 135mm lens, S. F. 
Attachment, 60mm ext. 
tube, 36 seconds, at f:18, 
DuPont Superior Film 



210. The larvae of many of the large moths such as Cecropia, Prom- 
ethia, and Cynthia look like prehistoric dragons in the photographic 
enlargements. The points of interest are endless but the experimenter 
will soon find his own favorites. 
The Camera Equipment 

The camera used in photographing insects must fulfill several 
important requirements if the best results are to be secured. Ground 
glass focusing is essential because of the very small depth of focus 
which is available when the object to be photographed is only an inch 
or two from the lens. The equipment selected should be such that 
the distance between the lens and the film may be varied sufficiently 
to produce either photographic reduction or enlargement of several 
diameters. The range in the size of insects is such that a fixed 
amount of bellows extension will not serve for both the large and 
the small ones. The image of a praying mantid would have to be 
considerably reduced before it could be recorded on a 35mm film, 
whereas a mosquito or a fly would need a corresponding amount of 
enlargement to bring out any detail. 

The Leica camera, which is used hy the writer, fulfills all of the 
essential requirements. The sliding focusing copy attachment provides 
ground glass focusing, and the lens extension tubes which are used with it 
permit a wide range of photographic reduction and enlargement, particu- 
larly when used with lenses of different focal lengths. As an added ad- 
vantage the copying- attachment and camera may be mounted on a tripod 
and used in the field for photographing live insects. The question of which 
model of the Leica to use is significant only in one respect. Any model is 
satisfactory but the Model F has the outstanding advantage of including 
speeds between 1 and 1/20 second, and it is in this range that many of the 
insect exposures will be made. 

The accessory equipment for this branch of work will vary with the 
ideas of the individual and with the state of his pocket-book. A fairly 
comprehensive list is as follows: 

312 



Miniature Monsters 

Sliding 1 Focusing Copy Attachment and Magnifier 
30mm, 60mm and 90mm Extension Tubes 

Elmar 35mm lens Elmar or Summar 50mm lens 

Lens Shade Wire Cable Release 

Ball Jointed Tripod Head "Triax" Tripod 

For field work the 50mm lens and the 30mm tube generally will be 
sufficient. This combination in connection with the Copy Attachment will 
produce a .82x magnification of the image which is about all that can 
be tolerated when working with a live insect of average size. If greater 
magnification is used it will be difficult to obtain critical focusing because 
of the reduced depth of focus combined with the need for fast work when 
photographing a live insect. The additional tubes and the 35mm lens will 
be found useful for higher magnifications when the work is done indoors 
under controlled conditions. 

Photographing in the Field 

Photographing the insects in their natural haunts will provide 
the occasion for many a long and interesting walk. The woods, the 
fields, and the shores of ponds and streams are teeming with life. The 
close observer will find ceaseless activity and industry to an extent 
unrivalled among living things. He will find every trait and char- 
acteristic that can be found in human beings and many others besides. 

For field work, the equipment should include the sliding focus- 
ing copy attachment and magnifier, a 30mm tube, lens shade, tripod 
with ball jointed head, and wire cable release. In addition, a can 
of ether or carbon tetrachloride, a small glass jar and a medicine 
dropper will be found useful. 

A little experience in trying to photograph a live active insect 
will soon show the difficulty of doing so. Some insects are easily 
frightened and others appear to have a constant urge to go some- 
where. Usually by the time the camera is set in place and the some- 
what critical focusing has been done, the insect has succumbed to this 
urge and is nowhere to be seen. The job will be made much easier 
and the chances of a successful picture increased if the insect is 
placed under better control. 

The following method has been used with good results : 

1. Select a twig, shrub, rock or any other place where you would 
like to have the insect resting when it is photographed. 

2. Focus the camera on the particular spot selected. 

3. Next catch the insect and place it in the jar with a few drops of 
ether or carbon tetrachloride. It should be carefully watched and 
should be removed from the jar as soon as it appears stupefied. 

4. Place it in the spot previously focused on, arrange its legs in a 
natural position, quickly check the focus and take the picture. 

313 



If it has been etherized just the right amount It will be able to cling 

to the twig or leaf but will not be able to crawl or fly away for a minute 

or so. 

Too much ether will kill it, and too little may enable it to leave before 

the picture is taken. 

The insect may be mounted in the field if desired and thus kept 
under more complete control. About twenty years ago Dr. David 
Pairchild of Washington, D. 0., made a number of very interesting 
insect photographs which were published in the National Geographic 
Magazine and later in book form as "The Book of Monsters". Dr. 
Fairehild describes Ms method of mounting as follows : 

"Cover the top of a small block of wood with a thin, even coating of 
paraffin or ordinary candle wax by letting the drippings of the candle fall 
upon it. Pick a large leaf and turn its upper surface down upon the wax, 
before it cools, and let it stick there; this will give a natural looking ground 
for the insect to stand upon. Hold the insect over the block of wood and 
arrange the legs in as natural a position as you can with a long needle or 
fine dental tool. Then fasten each foot in place by heating the needle in the 
candle flame and pricking a hole in the leaf just under each foot so that the 
wax will come up through the leaf and hold it fast." The insect^ is anes- 
thetized just before the mounting operation is undertaken, and is photo- 
graphed immediately after it is mounted. 

There are times when it pays to proceed with caution and to 
observe closely what the insect is doing instead of immediately cap- 
turing and etherizing it. An interesting series of pictures may be 
the reward of restraint and patience. The insect may be engaged 
in an operation which is seldom noticed and less frequently photo- 
graphed. Careful scrutiny may show a cricket laying its egg through 
a long tube which has been thrust into the earth, a jumping spider 
dancing before its mate or a praying mantis depositing its egg mass 
as shown in figure 213. 

The mantis series resulted from wondering why this insect was 
lightly tapping the stick with the end of her body. It seemed to be 
an unusual procedure and was one which the observer had not seen 
before. After watching this seemingly futile performance for twenty 
minutes the observer was rewarded. The mantis began to exude a 
frothy substance from her body and carefully worked this into place 
on the stick. As it was apparent that this was the beginning of the 
egg mass the Leica was hastily set up and a picture was snapped. 
Pictures followed at ten minute intervals for the two hours and 
twenty minutes she required to complete the operation. 
Selecting the Correct Photographing Angle 

In insect photography, as in any other kind, the position of the 
camera in relation to the object being photographed is an important 

314 



Miniature Monsters 

factor in determining' whether or not the picture will be interesting. 
A photograph of a man or a horse taken from an elevation with the 
camera pointing directly downward would not be particularly pleas- 
ing and would give little idea of what the subject really looked like. 
Following this line of reasoning best results will be obtained if the 
camera is in the same plane as the insect, or in other words, at insect 
level, although this rule may be varied by angle shots from slightly 
above or below the subject. This point is illustrated in figure 212 
which shows two moths, one photographed from above and the other 
from the side. 

It is for the reasons given that the "Triax" tripod is suggested for 
field work. It is one of the few that is so constructed that the legs when 
spread out so that they are in one plane, cannot be raised above that plane. 
When the tripod is placed on the ground with the legs spread in this manner 
the camera will be only a few inches above the ground and will be rig-idly 
supported. 

The proper exposure time can best be determined by means of an ex- 
posure meter, bearing in mind that a correction factor must be applied if 
the extension tube is used. Using the 30 mm. tube and the 50 mm. lens set 
at infinity with the diaphragm at f :6.3 the exposure as determined by the 
meter should be multiplied by 2.2. It should be remembered that when 
an extension tube is used between the lens and the camera the f values of 
the diaphragm do not mean the same as when the lens is used without the 
tube. Moving the lens away from the film increases the size of the image 
at the plane of the film and therefore a given amount of light coming 
through the diaphragm aperture will be spread more thinly over the image 
than would be the case with the lens in its normal position in the camera. 
This is equivalent to reducing the f value and proportionately longer ex- 
posures will be required. 

Field trips in search of insects will disclose other interesting 
subjects for the camera. The hog-nosed snake, the neighbor's cat 




Fig. 212 Cecropia Moth 
Luna Moth (right) 



315 



Pig. 213 A Praying Mantid 
Depositing its Egg Mass 




316 



Miniature Monsters 




These Pictures were taken at ten-mixmte in- 
tervals during the two hours and twenty 
minutes required to complete the egrg 
mass 




317 



and the lizard (fig. 214) are among the many trophies of such 
rambles. 

Bringing Home the Catch 

If the insects are to be brought home to be mounted and photo- 
graphed at leisure, instead of being photographed in the field, small 
straight sided bottles having large mouths and screw caps will be 
found convenient for transporting them. A word of caution, how- 
ever, about properly segregating the occupants of the bottle. The 
writer, on one of his collecting trips, found some magnificent speci- 
mens of huge black and red ants. He captured a half dozen of the 
finest looking ones and placed them in a small cardboard box. He 
carefully brought the box home and opened it to find a grand 
collection of spare parts legs, heads and bodies scattered about. 
In the midst of the destruction was the victor minus all six legs- 
still waving avid mandibles in search of more victims. A safe rule 
is to have a separate container for -each insect. 

Moths and butterflies should be killed as soon as they are cap- 
tured. This may be done by carefully but firmly pinching the thorax 
between the thumb and finger. If they are alive when placed in the 
container they will thrash about and injure their delicate wings, 

Mounting the Insects 

Insects which are to be photographed at leisure must be per- 
manently mounted. This is a difficult job and, if naturalness is to 
be achieved, calls for steady hands and endless patience. There 
probably are many ways of mounting and the experimenter may wish 
to develop his own. 

A method which was adopted by the 
writer after many experiments is as 
follows : 

Take a piece of cardboard measuring 
about 2x3 inches for the smaller insects 
and proportionately larger for those of 
greater size. Cement to this a piece of 
Dennis on's gummed cloth mending tape 
with the gummed side up. Place the ether- 
ized insect on this and putting each leg in 
turn in the proper position, moisten the 
gum around the foot with a small pointed 
stick which has been dipped in water. The 
events leading up to and following this op- 
eration are as important as the mounting 
operation itself. The live insect is carefully 
studied until all of the details of one pose 
are firmly pictured in the mind. This in- 
Pig. 214 Gila Monster eludes the position of the antennae and of 

318 




Miniature Monsters 




i '* ' *" "i^tewAji* j 

Fig. 215 A Praying Mantid Showing one Method of Mounting 



each of the six legs, the angle of the head and of the body, and the distance 
between the under side of the body and the mounting surface. The insect 
is then etherized. This may be done by inverting a water glass over it and 
placing a few drops of ether under the edge of the glass with a medicine 
dropper. Experience will show the proper amount, which varies greatly 
according to the kind of insect. A few drops suffice for a fly while some 
beetles and spiders literally must be bathed in it. Care must be taken to 
remove the insect after it is properly anesthetized. Too much ether will 
kill it, and the way the contracting muscles of a dying- beetle will pull its 
six legs into a tangle would discourage the most patient experimenter. 
Place the insect quickly on the gummed tape and fasten each foot in the 
position it assumed when alive. After this job is about half done the 
chances are that it suddenly will come to life and pull its feet free so that 
the whole operation will have to be repeated. 

When all legs are in place the insect is blocked up to the proper height 
by inserting under it small rolls of tinfoil or bits of cardboard. The head 
is held at a natural angle in a similar way or by letting it drop into the 
crotch formed by two pins which are stuck into the cardboard in such a way 
that they cross just under the head. The antenna may be held sloping 
upward to the front by a piece of cardboard so folded that one part of it 
rests flat on the mount forming a base for the other part which extends 
upward at the desired antenna angle. The antennae are carefully laid on 
the sloping piece. Antennae which are carried in a horizontal position may 
be held in place by a small block of tinfoil placed under them. Legs which 
tend to buckle in the wrong direction are braced by pins stuck into the 

319 




Fig. 216 The praying 
Mantid shown in Fig. 215 
after the Mounting Pins, 
Blocks, etc., have been Re- 
moved 



cardboard mount. Ordinary pins may be used but those are not as satis- 
factory as the pins used by entomologists for mounting insects. This pin 
is about 1V2 inches long and has a very small head and a sharp point. 
After the insect is finally mounted and is blocked in a lifelike position it 
should be killed. One of the most satisfactory ways of doing this is by 
inverting a large mouthed cyanide bottle over the insect. The cyanide 
fumes do their work in a very few minutes. The insect is carefully put 
aside to dry and in four or five days the pins and blocking may be removed. 
The insect will remain permanently in the position in which it was mounted. 
Figure 215 shows a praying mantis which was mounted in a fighting pose by 
the method just described. Figure 216 shows the same insect as finally 
photographed. 

The supplies and implements for mounting are few and simple. They 
are: a can of ether, a medicine dropper, some pieces of cardboard, a small 
sheet of tin or lead foil, a roll of gummed cloth mending tape, a tube of 
cement, one or two long flexible tweezers, some pins, and a few slender 
pieces of wood with needles stuck in their ends. The needles are used for 
arranging the insect's legs and antennae. One of them may be made more 
useful by heating the needle point and bending it into a very short hook. 
One more accessory which is almost a necessity is a binocular loupe magni- 
fier such as is used by oculists. Lacking this a reading glass may be used 
but it should be mounted on a support so that both hands are left free to 
work on the insect. 

The question has been asked many times as to how insects 
should be preserved to prevent decomposition. The answer is that 
preserving is not necessary for the reason that the insect wears its 
skeleton on the outside. The outer part of the insect's body is com- 
posed of a substance known as chitin. This is an organic chemical 
compound and the parts of an insect's skin which contain it are 
hard, tough and lasting. Spiders, however, require special treat- 
ment as otherwise the body will gradually shrink and collapse until 
it is flat and unnatural in appearance. Before mounting a spider 
the under side of its abdomen should be slit open and it should be 
thoroughly cleaned out. It should then be stuffed with cotton until 
it is filled out to natural size and appearance. 

320 



Miniature Monsters 

To prepare the mounted insect for photographing* a thin layer 
of fine sand may be sprinkled on the cardboard mount to produce a 
natural looking foreground. A piece of cloth or cardboard may be 
placed a few inches beyond the insect for a background. This may 
be white, black, or some shade of gray depending upon the color of 
the insect and the photographic effect desired. For a dead black 
background a piece of black velvet is excellent. 

Lighting 

Lighting a subject as small as an ant or a fly in such a way as 
to bring out the desired contrasts is difficult and requires much 
experimenting. Almost any source of illumination can be used, but 
the results obtained will be somewhat dependent upon the amount 
of control that can be exercised in the application of the light. The 
lighting originally used by the writer consisted of three 100-watt 
Mazdas in goose neck desk lamps. While fairly satisfactory results 
were obtained with this lighting arrangement it was not all that 
could be desired. The size of the light source was so large com- 
pared to the subject being photographed that it was difficult to 
produce the desired effects. Photoflood lamps may be used if it is 
desired to materially shorten the exposure time, but these too have 
the disadvantage of being much larger than the subject. 

The most satisfactory lamps so far used were improvised from old 
style De Vry still projectors. This so called projector really consists of only 
a lamp housing with its support and a very good condenser system. Pro- 
jection originally was accomplished by clipping a De Vry camera in front 
of the condenser and using the camera lens as the projections lens. The 
camera however is not necessary in constructing the insect spot lights. The 
first steps in adapting the projector are to remove the lamp housing from its 
support, discard the support and the transformer which it contains, and 
substitute a double contact bayonet socket for the single contact socket. 
The double contact socket is standard and may be obtained in any automo- 
bile supply store. A 50 or 100 watt 115 volt projection bulb will fit this 
socket and is the right size for the lamp housing. The housing should then be 
mounted so that it may be moved up and down or may be tilted. This 
requires only a little ingenuity and in figure 217 it is shown in use. It con- 
sists of a lead-filled lamp base, a rod with sliding- clamp which ordinarily is 
used to adjust casement windows, and a brass coat hanger for adjusting the 
position of the lamp when the housing becomes too hot to touch. A piece of 
ground glass clamped in front of the condenser lens to diffuse the light com- 
pletes the outfit. This lamp produces a brilliant concentrated spot of light % 
inches in diameter at about 2% inches in front of the condenser lens and a 
well diffused light at a distance of eight or more inches. The light has a 
value of 1500 to 1800 candles per square foot in the % inch spot and about 
600 candles at the 8 inch distance. 

In arranging the lighting in preparation for the exposure a good 
general rule is to place lights on both sides of the subject with a 

321 




Fig. 217 Close- 
up View of Pho- 
tographic Equip- 
ment Showing 1 Po- 
sition and Con- 
struction of Spot 
Light and Ar- 
rangement of In- 
sect and Lens 



third light above and to the front of the insect. In order to avoid 
flat lighting the lamps should not be equidistant from the subject, 
but should be so placed that proper shadows are cast. Care should 
be taken, however, to avoid multiple shadows. By changing the 
position of one or more lamps any desired parts of the insect can be 
thrown into relief. A useful combination of lights consists of two 
photoflood lamps with tracing cloth diffusing screens and a single 
spot light. The photofloods are placed on either side of the subject 
to give full and uniform illumination and the spot is used to bring 
out the desired contrasts. 

Back lighting produces interesting results and seems particu- 
larly effective in the case of insects having semitransparent wings. 
Entirely different effects in wing photographs may be produced by 
back, front or cross lighting. An example of cross lighting is shown 
in figure 219. This is a photograph of the almost transparent wing 



Fig. 218 Transparent Wing of Small Insect: 
Front Illumination ; White Back-ground 



Fig. 219 Transparent Insect Wing, Cross- 
Illuminated Against Dark Back-Ground 




322 



Miniature Monsters 

of a small insect. The beam from a single spot light was directed 
across the surface of the wing in order to make the wing veins 
stand out in relief. In contrast to this, front lighting against a 
white background silhouettes the veins (fig. 218). 

Many pitfalls will be encountered. The smooth shiny body of a 
beetle will reflect brilliant patches of light. Undesirable reflections 
will be produced by the eyes. The under side of the insect will 
appear on the print as a black area with no detail unless care is 
taken to place one or more lights at the level of the insects body or 
slightly lower. Many other difficulties will be encountered which 
can be solved only by experiment. In general, most of the lighting 
principles which are used in portrait work apply equally well to 
the photography of insects. The difficulty lies in the practical appli- 
cation of these principles. The subject is so small and the effects 
of the lighting are, in consequence, so difficult to judge that many 
times it is only when the final enlargement is made that the correct- 
ness of the lighting arrangement is known. 

Ultraviolet Light 

If extreme resolution of detail is required it will be necessary 
to depart from the usual sources of artificial light and to take advan- 
tage of the short wave lengths of the ultraviolet region. An inspec- 
tion of the equation for resolving power of a lens will show that 
decreasing the wave length of the light used increases the resolving 
power. 

The use of ultraviolet light for photography immediately sug- 
gests quartz lenses and quartz lamps, but these are very expensive 
and are not necessary for ordinary work. The usual types of camera 
lenses will transmit wave lengths from the visible spectrum down to 
about 3300 Angstrom units which is sufficient to give a noticeable 
increase in definition. 

A convenient and relatively inexpensive source of light is the 
Black Bulb ultraviolet lamp manufactured by the "Westinghouse 
Lamp Company and obtainable through any of their local offices. 
It is a mercury vapor lamp equipped with a standard screw base. 
It operates at 15 volts and comes in two sizes having 2 amperes and 
5 amperes current consumption respectively. The lamp transmits 
ultraviolet wave lengths from 3200 to 4200 Angstrom units, which 
are the long waves of the ultraviolet region and which, incidentally, 
are of high actinic value in photography. They ai?e not harmful to 
the eyes. 

323 



Great care should be taken not to connect these lamps to the 
usual 110 volt house lighting circuit as they will immediately burn 
out. They should always be used In series with a suitable reactance 
or resistance depending upon whether they are to be connected to an 
alternating or a direct current source. 

It is advisable to use two lamps in order to obtain balanced 
lighting of the subject, and the exposure time will be reduced if they 
are used with reflectors. In selecting these it should be remembered 
that a reflector which is quite satisfactory for white light will not 
necessarily serve for ultraviolet. Probably the best compromise be- 
tween reflection efficiency and availability of the material is aluminum 
oxide. This may be formed on the surface of any aluminum re- 
flector by immersing it in a strong solution of lye. It should be 
removed and washed for examination at intervals of two or three 
minutes and the action should be continued until the aluminum has 
a uniform matte surface. Just two words of caution first make 
sure that the reflector purchased is not chromium plated on the 
inside, and second, do not breathe the fumes .of the lye bath. 

The visible light from the Black Bulb is so faint that focusing is 
impossible and must be done by white light. While theoretically the ultra- 
violet will cause a shift of focus, practically this is so small that it is not 
noticeable in the finished picture. The exposure time will be much longer 
than with the usual sources of artificial light. Definite comparisons are dif- 
ficult because of the lack of a convenient means of measuring the intensity 
of the ultraviolet light but the following may serve as a rough guide: 

Two sets of exposures of the same subject were made, using in one case 
two Black Bulbs in aluminum reflectors and in the other case one small spot 
light equipped with a 100 watt projection bulb. The lights in each case were 
placed at about the same distance from the subject. To produce negatives 
of equal density required about 150 times as long an exposure with the ultra- 
violet as with the white light. 

The improvement in definition resulting from the use of ultraviolet light 
is shown in figures 220 and 221, These are photographs of the eggs which 

Fig. 220 Eggs of Canker Worm Fig. 221 Same Section of Egg Mass 

Photographed by Ultra- Violet Light Photographed by Mazda Light 




324 



Miniature Monsters 

produce the inch or canker worm so destructive to foliage. Tlie pictures 
were taken on the same roll of film with the same lens so that all condi- 
tions except the light source were identical. 

Increased definition is only one of the results of the use of ultraviolet. 
Experiments conducted by Dr. Frank E. Lutz and others indicate that insects 
see by ultraviolet rather than by the light to which our eyes respond. By 
using the short invisible waves to photograph the insects we are able to 
picture them as they possibly look to each other. Comparison photographs 
of the same insect taken by white and by ultraviolet light will in some cases 
reveal interesting differences in the marking. Figures 222 and 223 show 
two photographs of a butterfly taken in one case by white light, and in 'the 
other by ultraviolet. 





Fig. 222 Yellow Tiger Swallow-Tail But- 
terfly. Photographed by Mazda Light 



Fig. 223 Same Butterfly. Photographed 
by Ultra- Violet Light 



The determination of the best film to use in ultraviolet photography 
must be left to the reader to determine, as the writer has not yet had time 
to make complete comparative experiments. Dupont Superior Panchromatic 
with which the accompanying illustrations were made has given excellent 
results, although possibly other films may be found which are better suited 
to this light. 

Equipment for Indoor Work 

In preparing the photographic apparatus for indoor use, the 
camera should be so mounted that the axis of the lens is horizontal, 
and both the camera and the platform upon which the insect is placed 
for photographing must be mounted very rigidly in order to elimi- 
nate vibration and consequent loss of definition. As the amount of 
photographic magnification is increased this becomes a serious prob- 
lem and unless the whole structure is very rigid every nearby truck, 
train or street car will cause noticeable vibration. Another matter 
of importance is to support the extension tube at a point near the 
lens. If this is not done the vibration will be excessive no matter 
how firm the remainder of the structure may be. 

One of the arrangements used by the writer is shown in figure 224. The 
bed on which the equipment is mounted consists of two 5-ply hard wood 
panels bolted together and weighing about 40 pounds. Sponge rubber 

325 




Fig:. 224 James M. Leonard and his Camera Equipment for the Photog- 
raphy of Insects 

blocks are placed between the panel and the table top to absorb vibration. 
The table itself rests on cork. The camera is attached to a tripod head from 
an old German machine gun mount. These can be picked up in some of the 
stores dealing in second hand war material. The various adjusting screws 
on the tripod head make it possible to raise or lower the camera, to rotate 
it from side to side, and to tilt it in any direction. 

The mounting bed carries a heavy walled brass tube which is strongly- 
braced and on which are two Leica sliding arms. The outside diameter of 
the tube is l x /4 inches which is the correct size to fit the sliding arms. A 
small platform on which the insect is placed for photographing is mounted 
on one arm and the other is used to support the backgrounds. The platform 
can be moved forward or back by means of a rack and pinion. A movable 
support for the end of the extension tube rests on the mounting bed. 

Photographing at Home 

The insect to be photographed is placed on the platform and 
the sliding arm is moved to get about the proper working distance 
between the lens and the insect. The fine focusing adjustment is 
made by means of the rack and pinion. 

Having put the insect in place and arranged the lights all that 
remains to be done is to focus, expose, develop and print. These few 
operations, however, bring up some very interesting problems. For 
example, the question of the proper diaphragm opening is a vexing 
one and usually resolves itself into a compromise between depth of 
focus and definition. Stopping down the diaphragm increases depth 

326 



Miniature Monsters 




Fig. 225 Amblicorypha Oblongifolia A Relative of the Katydid 

of focus but in the case of some lenses results in a loss of definition. 
Opening it, may increase the resolving power but gives almost no 
depth of focus. A fairly wide open diaphragm may be permissible 
when photographing an insect 7 s head or other part which will not in- 
clude the foreground or the mount on which the insect is placed. If, 
however, these are included in the picture the result will be far from 
pleasing. The foreground will show a clean cut section which is in 
sharp focus while everything in front of and beyond this section 
will be completely out of focus. As the diaphragm is closed the sec- 
tion in focus will widen and the line of demarcation between it and 
the out-of -focus area will grow less distinct. The optimum opening 
is reached when the areas which are in focus and those which are 
not blend into each other; the important parts of the insect being, 
of course, in focus. 

Some difficulty may be encountered in determining whether or 
not the insect is sharply focused because of the small amount of light 
reaching the ground glass when the diaphragm is partially closed or 
when several sections of extension tube are used. Focusing will be 
made much easier if the ground glass is given a light coating of oil. 

327 



Fig. 226 (left) The Poison Sting at the End 
of a Scorpion's Tail 

Fig. 227 The original Zipper Purse The 
Egg Case of a Cockroach 




Coeoanut oil is very satisfactory for this purpose. Place a drop on 
the ground side of the glass and spread it with the finger, rubbing 
lightly in one direction and then at right angles to that direction to 
insure even distribution of the oil. Do not use cloth to spread the oil 
because pieces of lint are likely to adhere to the glass. Wipe the 
surplus oil from the finger after each rubbing in order to reduce the 
film to the right thickness. The proper amount remains when objects 
several feet distant appear indistinct when viewed through the glass. 
Exposure 

The proper length of exposure can best be determined by the 
trial and error method. An exposure meter will help, but the subject 
being photographed is so small that the amount of light which it 
reflects toward the lens is insignificant compared with the light re- 
flected by the mount or the background. About the only way to be 
sure of getting a usable negative is to make four or five exposures 
of each subject. The first exposure should be somewhat shorter than 
the estimated correct time and each succeeding exposure should be 
V/2 or 2 times the preceding one. A record should be kept of the 
subject, the lighting used, the length of the extension tube, the dia- 
phragm opening, and the time of each exposure. A study of such a 
record will soon enable the experimenter to make a sufficiently good 
guess at the exposure time so that if not more than three exposures 
are made as just described one of them will produce a negative of the 
correct density. 

The table on page 198 will be very helpful in determining the relative 
exposure for any length of extension tube and includes other valuable in- 

328 



Miniature Monsters 

formation as well. Also consult the chapter on Copying and Reproduction, 
by Willard D. Morgan, for information on other lenses and on depths of 
focus. 

^ Any reference to films and developers may seem unnecessary. These 
subjects have been fully covered in many publications. A few personal opin- 
ions will be ventured, however, in the hope that they may help the beginner 
in insect photography. If extreme definition is desired the order of pref- 
erence probably should be (1) positive film, (2) orthochromatic and (3) 
panchromatic. If proper rendition of the colors is the first consideration 
the order should be reversed. Many insects, particularly the moths and but- 
terflies are marked with red or orange and if the various gradations and 
shades of these colors are to appear in the finished print the use of pan- 
chromatic film is essential. 



Fig. 228 



Fig. 229 




The Life Cycle of the Spice-bush Swallow-tail Butterfly 



Fig. 230 




329 



The writer has adopted DuPont Superior panchromatic film and the 
so-called Sease No. 3 developer for his own use. The formula for this 
developer has been published many times but will be repeated here for the 
sake of completeness. 

Sodium Sulfite 3 oz. 76 grains 90 grams 

Paraphenylene Diamine . . . 154 grains 10 grams 

Glycin 93 grains 6 grams 

Water 33 oz. 1 liter 

Developer at 68 F. 

Gamma in fourteen minutes 0.62 

Gamma in tWenty-eigrht minutes 1.09 

Gamma in forty-two minutes 1.34 

Time to reach 0.7 gamma 17 minutes 

While this developer has the disadvantage of requiring approximately 
double exposure it has the advantage of excellent keeping qualities and of 
producing fine grain. The writer has developed twelve rolls of film in a 
liter over a period of months and the developer still appeared to be in good 
condition. 

It is hoped and believed that those who take up insect photog- 
raphy will find it a fruitful source of enjoyment and relaxation. The 
use of a little imagination in departing from the usual procedure of 
photographing the entire insect will produce interesting, and some- 
times amusing results. A collection of insect portraits may be made, 
or individual parts of the insect, rarely seen in detail by the unaided 
eye, may be photographically enlarged. Figure 225 is a typical insect 
portrait, the subject, in this case, bearing a surprising resemblance to 
the head of a horse. Figures 227 and 226, the egg case of a cockroach 
with its zipper top, and the poison-sting which is the scorpion's weapon 
of attack, are examples of parts of insects so enlarged that their 
details may be seen. Caterpillars found in the garden or the field 
may be brought home to develop their fascinating and mysterious life 
cycle within reach of the camera. Figures 228 to 231 show "four 
stages in the life cycle of Papilio-troilus, the Spice-bush Swallow-tail 
butterfly. These few suggestions by no means exhaust the possibilities 
of this interesting branch of photography. The field is limited only 
by the bounds of imagination. 




Fig. 232 Portion of Fig. 229. Who 
is the Father of our Country?... 



330 



PHOTOMICROGRAPHY 

THE 



H. W. ZIELER CHAPTER 19 



The Leica camera, the pioneer of miniature cameras has opened 
so many new fields to photography and has been used successfully for 
so many different tasks where it replaced larger cameras, that it is not 
surprising when it enters the field of photomicrography. 

It has become well known that for certain types of photography 
the miniature camera is directly essential, due to special optical condi- 
tions which are verified in this kind of camera. The combination of 
high speed of the objective and depth of focus in the picture which 
has been thoroughly discussed in the chapter on lenses, establishes the 
necessity of miniature cameras for many special tasks such as candid 
photography, photography of small objects, stage photography and 
others. For these purposes the miniature camera is essential because 
it does what no larger cameras can do. When trying to use the Leica 
camera for photomicrography it may appear upon superficial con- 
sideration that something paradoxical is being attempted. If small 
objects are to be photographically reproduced at a high ratio of magni- 
fication, it seems necessary to have a large negative, rather than crowd- 
ing the enlarged detail again into a small negative. The sceptic may 
readily admit that photomicrography with a miniature camera is not 
altogether impossible but he may consider it more or less useless or 
unsatisfactory and, at any rate, not specifically advantageous. It is 
interesting that a closer investigation of the optical principles proves 
beyond doubt that for certain types of photomicrography the miniature 
camera is essential and it is only with its help that some apparently 
unsurmountable difficulties can be solved. 

When to Use the Leica for Photomicrography 

In order to fully appreciate why the Leica camera can be used for 
photomicrography and why it may be the only means towards achiev- 
ing success, we must again dive into several intricate optical problems. 

331 



Some of them have been thoroughly explained in the chapter on Leica 
lenses and need only short recalling. 

To begin with, we must realize that the very purpose of pho- 
tomicrography is to record minute detail which is so small that it 
must be magnified in order to become visible. In the microscope there 
are two lens components which participate in the process of magnify- 
ing, and in taking the photomicrograph a third factor enters to make 
the process complete : 

1. the microscope objective forms a magnified image of the object 
under investigation 

2. the eyepiece of the microscope remagnifies this image 

3. the distance between the eyepiece and the negative on which the 
picture is recorded determines the area which the magnified image 
finally occupies in the photograph. 

It is interesting and important to know, that only the first of 
these three stages of magnifying is capable of revealing finer detail. 
The function of the eyepiece and the projection distance in recording 
the image on the negative is comparable to an enlarging process. In 
the enlargement we find the same detail which was in the negative but 
stretched over a larger area to bring it within the limit of visibility of 
the eye. Every single detail which we find in the enlargement was 
also in the negative, only it may have been so close together that the 
eye could not see it. 

In photomicrography we find all revealable detail in the first 
magnified image which the objective produces. In this image, how- 
ever, the detail is crowded into such small space, that considerable 
enlargement is possible before it is fully detectable by the human eye. 
We could place the negative in the plane where the objective has 
formed the first magnified image and simply enlarge this negative 
with a regular enlarging apparatus. In doing this we would meet with 
some technical difficulties. In the first place the grain size of the silver 
deposit in the finished negative would limit us in producing greatly 
magnified enlargements. And then, as was mentioned in the chapter 
on lenses, there is always a certain loss of detail in recording the image 
on the turbid emulsion of the film. The light, in penetrating through 
this layer, is scattered and thus the rendition of detail is slightly 
decreased. 

Therefore it is advisable to call for the assistance of another optical 
unit to participate in the process of enlarging the image which the 
objective has formed. But although we can let the eyepiece carry the 

332 



Photomicrography 

entire burden of the enlarging process so that in the original negative 
we find the detail separated far enough to make it visible for the eye 
(in which case a contact print could be made from the negative) we 
may, with equal justification, divide the task so that for instance in 
the negative the detail is still four times more crowded than is per- 
missible for the eye to see it. In this case we simply enlarge the neg- 
ative again four times in our regular enlarger. 

The realization is of utmost importance. We must not forget that 
any process of magnifying is naturally connected with a reduction of 
the light intensity in a given area. In fact, the light intensity de- 
creases with the square of the size of the negative so that for instance 
in taking a photomicrograph on a plate of 5 x 7 inches we require an 
exposure which will be 25 times as long as that which a Leica negative 
(1 x 11/2 in.) requires if it is placed so much closer to the eyepiece, that 





Fig. 233 Amoeba Dubia 
lOx Objective, 8x Eyepiece 



Fig. 234 Chaetogaster 
3x Objective, 8x Eyepiece 



C. G. Grand 



the same area of the object is reproduced on it. There are many occa- 
sions where a short time of exposure in a photomicrograph is essential 
because the specimen under the microscope may be living and moving 
around so that it can only be photographed by instantaneous exposure. 
Often it is not possible to increase the intensity of the light by selec- 
tion of a stronger light source because the enormous concentration of 
light in the plane of the object may quickly destroy the delicate struc- 
ture of the specimen. In these cases there is just one solution : the 
miniature camera. It is not surprising that it was the important field 
of photomicrography of living objects which came to its full practical 
significance only through the miniature camera. 

But, whereas the miniature camera is indispensable for this type 
of photomicrography, it can also be used with great convenience for 
many tasks of general photomicrography without serious disadvan- 
tage. Whenever a great many photomicrographs have to be taken 
under identical light conditions and magnification, it is, of course, a 
great convenience to have the Leica with its gr^at film carrying ca- 



333 



pacity, its inexpensive negative material and the great variety of 
film emulsions. General Photomicrography with the Leica is eco- 
nomical and convenient. Only in rare cases will it happen that the 
requirements for recording even the very minutest detail, are such 
that the method with the small negative may show slightly inferior 
results when compared to photomicrographs on larger negatives. 

Photomicrography of living objects and general photomicrography 
are of great importance for the scientist. But also the amateur can 
become interested in it and he can derive an infinite amount of pleasure 
from it. So we have a rather popular field of application for the Leica 
camera in photomicrography as a hobby, 

To summarize, we can form three groups and this classification is 
not arbitrary but has quite an important influence upon the selection 
of the best equipment : 

1. Photomicrography of moving objects : the Leica is a necessity, 

2. General photomicrography : the Leica is an economical convenience, 

3. Photomicrography as a hobby: the Leica is a source of pleasure. 

How to Adapt the Leica Camera to the Microscope 

In describing the technique of photomicrography with the Leica 
camera we must, of necessity, give preference to those details which 
relate specifically to the camera. The problems pertaining primarily to 
microscopy must be treated more briefly, because we wish to condense 
the information into a chapter rather than into a library. Therefore 
we shall, for the present, consider the microscope as one unit, and the 
Leica camera as another one and then describe the best method of com- 
bining these two units for the various purposes of photomicrography. 

Among the accessories offered for the Leica camera, there are 
devices which permit three different ways of adaptation of the camera 
to the microscope. Which of these three devices should be used, 
depends again upon the type of work which we want to do. 




Fig. 235 Daphnia Pulex 

C. G. Grand 

2x Objective, 8x Eyepiece 



334 



Photomicrography 




Photomicrography of Living Matter with the 
Micro Ibso Attachment 

When using the Micro Ibso attachment, the regular Leica lens must 
be removed from the camera. That means that this attachment can- 
not be used with Leica Model 
A. The attachment, shown 
in figure 236 is to be adapted 
to the camera body like a reg- 
ular Leica lens. At its lower 
end it is equipped with a 
microscope eyepiece. This eye- 
piece has a magnifying power 
of 10x when used for visual 
observation. Used in connec- 
tion with this device, however, 
this power is not fully devel- 
oped because the small nega- 

m s . 236 Micro-Ibso Attachment with syn- tiv6 f the Lelca Cam6ra ls 
chronized cable releases : one activating the Com- placed SO close to the evepieee. 
pur Shutter, the other throwing the prism out ^ J ^ 

of the path of light rays The microscopist knows that 

only if the negative is placed 10 inches from the eyepiece, the mag- 
nification of the latter in photomicrography will be equal to that 
which prevails in visual observation. With the Ibso attachment the 
eyepiece does only one-third of its performance for visual observa-. 
tion. But this is just enough to spread the detail conveniently over 
the area of the Leica negative. That means that a Leiea negative, 
enlarged to the size of 3 x 4% inches will represent a photomicrograph 
with the same magnification as that which prevailed if the same ob- 
jective and eyepiece would have been used for visual observation. 

The eyepiece can be removed from the Ibso attachment by un- 
screwing the knurled adapter ring with which the entire device is 
clamped to the microscope tube. It is not advisable to use eyepieces 

of different magnifiying power. It 
must be realized that the field seen 
through the microscope is circular 
whereas the shape of the negative is 
rectangular. On the other hand we 
find in photomicrography that it is 

Fig. 237 Leica Photomicrograph 
made with the Micro-Ibso Attach- 
ment 




335 



often next to impossible to have the entire field appear uniformly 
sharp in focus. Especially at higher magnification the outer portion 
of the field is more or less out of focus. The eyepiece with which the 
Ibso attachment is equipped has such magnifying power that the most 
valuable portion of the field is utilized. How the image of the speci- 
men fills the frame of the Leica negative is shown in figure 237. 




Fig. 238 Micro-Ibso Attachment with Leica camera 
placed upon Microscope -ready to use 



The middle section of the Ibso attachment contains a beam- 
splitting prism which can be removed from the course of rays by 
operation of a wire release. So that this prism may also be held 
outside of the course of rays, the wire release is equipped with a clamp- 
ing screw. A certain portion of the light which has passed through 

336 



Photomicrography 

the microscope is reflected by the prism into a side telescope where the 
micro image can be visually observed and focused. The balance of the 
light passes onto the film. Above the telescope there is a Compur 
shutter with which the actual exposure is made. A conical housing 
is attached to the middle section and this is of such length that the 
image will fill the negative as shown before. This housing also con- 
tains a lens system for the purpose of correcting the passage of the 
rays so that at this short distance a sharp image can be produced. 

It is the beam-splitting prism and the side telescope which make 
the Ibso attachment so valuable for photomicrography of living 
objects. When the specimen is in motion it is essential that we 
have a method of observing and focusing continuously until the very 
instant before the exposure is taken and these two features enable us 
to do so. 

And in order to shorten the time of exposure as much as possible 
we do not only benefit from the small negative size of the Leica but 
also from the fact that during the (general instantaneous) exposure 
the beam-splitting prism is removed from the course of rays, thus con- 
veying the entire available amount of light onto the film. 

The side telescope is equipped with an adjustable eyelens. This 
is an important device which is often overlooked. When focusing 
visually we must realize that there are differences in the eyesight of 
different observers. When the image appears in focus for one ob- 
server, it may not be sharp for another; yet the image must always 
be sharp in the plane of the film. These differences are compensated 
by the adjustable eyelens. In looking through the side telescope a 
cross hair ruling is visible. Before focusing the microscope the ob- 
server must turn the mount of the adjustable eyelens until the cross 
hairs appear in perfect focus. Only when this is done should the 
microscope be focused with the coarse and fine adjustment. In this 
case there will aways be coincidence of focus in the side telescope 
and in the plane of the film. If a different observer looks through 
the side telescope and finds the micro image out of focus, the cross 
hairs will likewise lack in sharpness. But simply by turning the 
mount of the adjustable eyelens crisp focus can be established for 
both, the image and the cross hairs. 

It may appear strange that a Compur shutter is required to 
take the photo inasmuch as the Leica camera has a focal plane shutter. 
This shutter, however, when released, moves in a direction which 
would create a lateral momentum and cause vibrations which would 
affect the sharpness of the picture. The Compur shutter avoids this 

337 



danger. But since the transporting of the film is coupled with the 
winding of the Leiea shutter, the procedure of taking successive 
photomicrographs is somewhat complicated and the photomierographer 
will have to accustom himself to the following sequence of manipula- 
tions. 

1. Remove the lens from your Leica camera and adapt in its place the 
Micro Ibso attachment to the camera body of Leica models C, D, E, 
F, FF, or G. 

2. Remove the regular eyepiece from the microscope tube, set the tube 
to the correct mechanical tubelength prescribed by the manufacturer 
(some microscopes are equipped with draw-tubes, others have sta- 
tionary tubes; the manufacturers have different standards as to the 
length of the tube and when the microscope is equipped with a draw 
tube, this must be correctly set) and place a rubber ring or metal 
clamp around the draw-tube so that the weight of the camera with 
Ibso attachment will not change the tubelength. A rubber ring is 
supplied with the Ibso attachment. 

3. Adapt the Ibso attachment with Leica camera to the microscope by 
inserting the eyepiece of this attachment into the microscope tube. 
Then tighten the clamping 1 screw on the knurled ring at the lower end 
of the Ibso attachment. 

4. Fasten the two wire releases to the Ibso attachment. The one with 
clamping screw is for the beam-splitting prism, the other one is for the 
Compur shutter. 

5. Attach the regular wire release to the Leica camera. Wind the focal 
plane shutter of the Leica camera and set it for time exposure. 

6. Adjust the eyelens of the side telescope so that the cross hairs appear 
in sharp focus. 

7. Focus the image of the microscope with coarse and fine adjustment 
while looking through the side telescope. 

8. Set the Compur shutter for the correct time of exposure. 

9. Press the wire release of the Leica camera and clamp the wire release 
in this position so that the focal plane shutter will remain open. You 
are now ready to take the exposure by pressing the wire release of the 
Compur shutter. If you wish to have as much light as possible for 
the exposure, you can also swing the beam-splitting prism out of the 
course of rays. Thus you will have to operate two wire releases simul- 
taneously. But you must also operate the fine adjustment of the 
microscope continuously and since we have only two hands, you may 
wish to make use of an automatic release attachment which permits 
with one motion to swing out the prism and immediately afterwards 
to take the exposure. This attachment is likewise shown in fig. 238. 

10. After the exposure has been taken, loosen the clamping screw of the 
Leica wire release, thus closing the focal plane shutter. Wind to the 
next frame, press the Leica release again, clamp it in this position 
and you are ready for the next picture. 

Whereas the Ibso attachment can, of course, be used for every 
task in photomicrography with the Leica camera, regardless of whether 
the object is moving or stationary, other devices may be preferred in 

338 



Photomicrography 

the latter case. The Ibso attachment, after all, is not inexpensive and 
other Leiea accessories may be used equally well, having the added 
advantage of the possibility of other applications. 

General Photomicrography with the Sliding Focusing Attachment 

Excellent photomicrographs can be taken with the Leica camera 
adapted to the sliding focusing copy attachment when the latter is 
attached to the extension arm on the upright of the Valoy enlarger 
(or other models) and is provided with an extension tube of a certain 
minimum length. Also in this case, Leiea Model A cannot be used 
because the camera body alone must be attached to the focusing at- 
tachment. The general set-up is shown in figure 239. After having 
removed the lamp housing from the upright of the enlarger, the spe- 




Fig. 239 General set-up showing how a Sliding Focusing Attachment is 
used with the Leica for Photomicrographic work. 

cial arm which holds the focusing attachment with the Leica camera 
is fastened to the upright. An extension-tube of 6cm, should be used 
attached to the sliding focusing attachment. The arm carrying the 
entire Leica equipment is lowered until microscope tube and extension 

339 



tube just overlap. A light-proof connection can easily be established 
by wrapping a piece of black paper or cloth around the lower end of 
the extension tube. * 

It is, of course, possible to use extension tubes of any length. The 
total length of the tubes used will determine the magnification of the 
image in the plane of the film and therefore also the area which the 
image occupies. A tube of 6cm. has been suggested for definite rea- 
sons. When this tube is used, the image will occupy about the same 
area as that shown in fig. 237, when an eyepiece of 10s magnifica- 
tion is used, as in the ease of the Ibso attachment. It is also possible 
to use eyepieces of different magnifying power. When these eyepieces 
are used for such short projection distances they do not yield their 
total magnifying power which would prevail in visual observation. 
Only if the total distance from the rim of the eyepiece to the plane of 
the film is 10 inches will the eyepiece yield the same magnifying 
power as in visual observation. For shorter distances this power 
decreases correspondingly. When the total distance is only about 
3 1/3 inches (as it will be when the 6cm tube is used) the eyepiece 
magnification is also reduced to 1/3 of its full value, which corresponds 
to that which we use when taking photomicrographs with the Ibso 
attachment. 

For those who want to proceed in strictest accordance with cor- 
rect optical principles it may be mentioned that when taking photo- 
micrographs with the focusing attachment, they may use eyepieces 
with adjustable eyelenses to compensate for the short projection dis- 
tance. The principle involved is too complicated and the benefit de- 
rived too minute to require special explanation. The reader who is 
interested is referred to literature about microscopy. 

The procedure in taking photomicrographs with this equipment 
is as follows : 

1. Before placing the focusing attachment with Leica camera and exten- 
sion tube in position, focus the microscope roughly for visual observa- 
tion so that the microscope tube will not have to be displaced too much 
in vertical direction after the light-proof connection has been estab- 
lished. 

2. When the microscope has been focused visually, lower the arm on the 
upright until the extension tube overlaps the microscope tube and make 
the light-proof connection. Tighten the clamping screw on the exten- 
sion arm when the image on the ground glass appears as shown in 
figure 2 (provided a lOx eyepiece and 6cm tube were used). 

3. Attach the wire release to the Leica camera. 

4. Focus the image sharply on the ground glass by means of the fine 
adjustment of the microscope and slide the Leica camera into position. 
You are now ready to take the photomicrograph. 

340 



Photomicrography 

When the focal plane shutter is released there Is no danger of vibra- 
tions affecting the sharpness because the Leica camera is held rigidly in 
the focusing attachment. 

Obtaining Critical Focus 

Critical mieroscopists may resort to a simple trick in order to 
avoid any error in focusing on the ground glass. A small piece of 
thin clear glass, such as a cover glass, used for protection of micro 
slides, may be pasted to the ground glass with a small droplet of cedar 
wood oil. The covered area will become transparent and the aerial 
image may be focused with a special 30x magnifier (a special ground 
glass with a clear strip and calibrated scale is also available). This 
magnifier, however, must also be focused to the plane of the cover- 
glass. Therefore, before attaching the coverslip, a small pencil mark 
should be made on the ground glass. The magnifier may be raised or 
lowered in its mount until this pencil mark appears in sharp focus. 
Then the fine adjustment of the microscope must be operated until 
the micro image also appears in sharp focus. 

The results which can be obtained with this equipment are so 
satisfactory that for many purposes of general photomicrography it 
finds more and more extensive use. As long as stationary objects are 
to be photographed it is often preferred to the Ibso attachment be- 
cause it seems easier to obtain a critical focus although with some 
training the other method yields equivalent results. 

There is another method of photomicrography with the Leica 
camera which requires less equipment. This method may be sug- 
gested to the amateur who may not wish to go too deeply into this type 
of work. 
Amateur Photomicrography with the Micro Adapter Ring 

"When using the Leica camera with the micro adapter ring the 
lens must be left in the camera. Therefore it is also possible to use 
Leica Model A for this type of photomicrography. The micro adapter 
ring is slipped over the tube of the microscope and its upper part is so 
shaped that it can be adapted to the rim of the Leica lenses of 50mm 
focal length like a light filter. 

The method of focusing is as simple as it is interesting. Focus 
the microscope for visual observation, focus the Leica camera inde- 
pendently for infinity and then place it over the microscope into the 
micro adapter ring where it is held in place by tightening the clamp- 
ing screw in the upper part of the adapter. 

This method of focusing is so interesting because it reminds us of 
the fact that the human eye is really a very small miniature camera, 
perhaps the most remarkable miniature camera in existence. The 

341 



human eye is equipped with a lens which forms images on the retina. 
But this lens has no focusing mount and yet it can be focused. It is 
certainly a most wonderful creation. Since nature preferred not to 
provide our eyes with bellows or focusing mounts which would permit 
to change the distance between the lens and the retina, the lens in 
the human eye focuses itself automatically by changing its focal 
length according to the distance from which we look at the object. 
When this distance is small, the lens increases its curvature (eon- 
trolled by a most ingenious mechanism of muscles) to shorten fts 
focal length until the image is sharp on the retina. If the object is 
farther away the muscles relax and decrease the curvature to increase 
the focal length just enough to have again a sharp image on the 
retina. And this complicated mechanism works so perfectly that we 
operate it unconsciously and instantaneously as soon as we open our 
eyes. 

Nevertheless it is a strain for the eye when it looks at an object 
at close distance whereas it relaxes as much as possible when it 
looks at an object which is infinitely far away. And since the 
microscopist must often look through the instrument for long pe- 
riods at a time the scientists designed the optical equipment of 
microscopes so that the eye can be as much at ease as possible. In 
other words the lens in the eye focuses itself as if it would have to 
look at an object at infinity. And if we replace the human eye by 
another miniature camera (or, for that matter, by any photographic 
camera, regardless of size) the lens of this camera must likewise be 
focused to infinity. 

Not every observer has perfect eyesight. Some are near sighted 
others are far sighted. That means that their focusing mechanism 
is out of order. Such defects may happen to the focusing mechanism 
of other miniature cameras. But as long as we deal with manufactured 
cameras we can send them to the manufacturer for readjustment. He 
can determine the amount of the error and can either place an inter- 
mediate ring under the objective mount or he can shorten this mount 
until the images are always in focus if we operate the focusing 
mechanism with the rangefinder. Unfortunately there are no similar 
repair shops for our eyes so that we must content ourselves with a 
correction of the discrepancy by adding front lenses which we call 
spectacles, to the lens of the eye. And everybody who must wear 
eyeglasses for correction of defects of his eyelenses, should always 
leave them on when focusing the microscope visually before taking 
pictures with the Leica and Micro Adapter Ring, 

342 



Photomicrography 

Before adding the weight of the Leica camera with adapter ring 
to the microscope it is also advisable to attach a rubber ring or a 
metal clamp to the draw tube of the microscope at the correct length. 

The distance between the Leica camera and the microscope is 
now so small that the magnifying power of the eyepiece is still 
further reduced to only one-fifth of its power for visual observation. 
In other words, if the Leica negative is enlarged five diameters the 
final print will represent a photomicrograph which has the same mag- 
nification which would have prevailed in visual observation with the 
same objective and eyepiece. Figure 241 shows the relation between 
the Leica negative and the area covered when taking a photomicro- 
graph with the micro adapter ring, using an eyepiece of 12x magnifica- 
tion. Eyepieces of different magnifying power can also be used, but 
sometimes it will be difficult to avoid internal reflections within the 
optical system. 





Fig. 240 Placer Gold. Photomicrograph 
by R. E. Head, made with Ultropak and 
Leica 



Fig. 241 11/eica used with Micro 
Adapter Ring and 12x Eyepiece 
covers area shown 



The procedure of taking photomicrographs with the Micro 
Adapter Ring can be summarized as follows : 

1. Set the draw tube of the microscope to the correct length and fasten a 
rubber ring 1 or metal clamp so that this tube length will be maintained 
when the Leica camera is placed into the Micro Adapter Ring. 

2. Detach the black lacquered upper part of the Micro Adapter Ring from 
the lower metal part, withdraw the eyepiece from the microscope tube, 
fasten the lower part of the ring to the tube and tighten the clamping 
screw. 

3. Insert the eyepiece into the microscope tube and attach the upper part 
of the Micro Adapter Ring. 

4. Focus the microscope for visual observation. 

5. Focus the Leica camera independently for infinity. Attach the wire 
release and wind the shutter which must subsequently be set for the 
correct time of exposure. 

6. Attach the Leica camera carefully to the upper part of the Micro Adapter 
Ring and tighten the upper clamping screw. You are now ready to take 
the photomicrograph. 



343 



Those who possess an enlarger and an extension arm may prefer to 
attach the Leica camera to this arm, place the microscope with the adapter 
ring on the baseplate of the enlarger and lower the arm until the Leica 
lens mount connects with the upper part of the Micro Adapter Ring. Thus 
the weight of the Leica camera does not rest on the microscope. This has 
not only the advantage of avoiding the danger of vibrations when releasing 
the shutter but also that of affecting the accurate focus, especially at high 
magnifications. 

This method of photomicrography with the Leica camera, incidentally 
is optically the most correct one because the microscope retains the same 
focus as for visual observation and the correction of the entire optical 
system of the microscope is at its best under these conditions. 

How to Select the Microscope 

For Photomicrography of Living Matter 

Whereas prepared microscopic specimens are generally mounted 
on glass slides as thin sections and can be observed by sending light 
through, them, living organisms or unprepared objects are mostly 
more or less opaque and of irregular shape. They not only require 
a microscope stand of special design but also special illumination 
arrangements. These illumination devices also influence the design 
of the microscope. 

As long as these opaque objects are to be photographed at low 
magnification the illumination offers no difficulties. Under these con- 
ditions the distance between the front lens of the microscope objective 
and the object is comparatively long. (This distance is generally 
called working distance, a term which should not be confused with the 
focal length of the objective) . The light emitted by a suitable micro- 
scope lamp may be concentrated by a so-called bull's eye condenser 
and may be so guided that it falls obliquely upon the surface of the 
specimen. But as the magnification increases the working distance 
decreases so rapidly that even at moderately high magnification there 
is not enough clearance between objective and specimen to squeeze 
the light between the two. 

Microscopists who examine the surface structures of metals use 
a device known as vertical illuminator. It is attached to the lower 
end of the tube. The light, entering laterally, is reflected into the 
direction of the optical axis of the microscope and passes through the 
objective which simultaneously acts as a condenser, to concentrate the 
light in the plane of the object. From the surface of the object the 
light is reflected and passes again through the objective which now 
acts as an image forming unit. 

This method of illumination, which yields satisfactory images of 
the highly reflecting polished and plane surfaces of metals, fails if 

344 



Photomicrography 

applied to the illumination of rough low reflecting and uneven sur- 
faces of organisms or other materials. As the light passes through 
the objective on its way to the specimen, partial reflections occur 
at the surfaces of the different lenses which produce a haze thus 
greatly reducing the contrast in the image. This haze may even 
obliterate the detail completely. 

The situation can be compared with one which you undoubtedly 
have often observed: a picture hanging on the wall may be covered 
with a glass plate. Under certain light conditions the glare produced 
through reflections of light by the glass plate may be so strong that 
you cannot see the picture at all. 

Another illumination method was developed for observation of 
objects of low reflecting power which avoids the double passage of 
light through the objective and can be used even at the highest mag- 
nifications. The device used for this purpose, the Leitz UUropak, 
was introduced only a few years ago and it has pioneered this im- 
portant and utterly fascinating field of microscopic observation and 
photomicrography of opaque objects with surfaces of low reflecting 
power at high magnification. The illuminator is shown in figure 242. 
The light, entering horizontally, is reflected by a ring-shaped mirror 
and passes through a condenser system which surrounds the objective. 
This condenser collects the light so that it illuminates the object with 
highly oblique rays. From the rough surfaces of the object the light 
is diffusely reflected, passes through the objective, a central hole in 
the ring-shaped mirror and forms the image. 



I Sector diaphragm 
I Slit for filters 




with Fi * 242 Bias* 8 - 1 * 1 showing 

a PP a ra ,u S 
screwed on 



345 



The Ultropak is attachable to every standard microscope tube. 
It is equipped with a small incandescent lamp which is satisfactory 
for visual observation but not strong enough for instantaneous photo- 
micrography. In such cases a more powerful light source such as an 
arc lamp must be used. A special lens system can be attached to the 
light entrance tube of the Ultropak to concentrate this light. The 
complete equipment assembled for photomicrography with the Ibso 
attachment is shown in figure 243. 




Fig. 243 Micro-Ibso Attachment with Microscope and Arc Lamp for Pho- 
tomicrography of living matter 

This arrangement makes a special type of microscope almost im- 
perative. Generally a microscope is focused by raising or lowering 
the tube which, for this purpose, is equipped with a coarse adjust- 
ment by rack and pinion and a fine adjustment by micrometer screw. 
The arc lamp, however, not being attached to the tube, would not 
follow these focusing motions and the horizontal beam would not 
always pass through the condenser lens which is attached to the 
Ultropak. In other words, the operation of focusing the microscope 
would throw the illumination system out of alignment. This diffi- 
culty can be overcome by using a type of microscope where the 
coarse focusing is done by raising or lowering the object stage. 

Microscopes of this type provide for much space between the tube 
and the stage so that even comparatively large objects may be placed 
on the stage in their entirety. These models are recommended for 

346 



Photomicrography 

photomicrography of objects which make the method of illumination 
by Ultropak or vertical illuminator necessary. They are of such 
design that substage illuminators for photomicrography by transmit- 
ted light can be attached to them. 

For General Photomicrography 

As mentioned before, specimens which have been specially pre- 
pared for microscopic observation are generally mounted as thin sec- 
tions on glass slides and they are illuminated by sending the light 
through the thin layer of the object. The structures may allow only 
certain colors of the light to pass through, whereas others are absorbed. 
These structures will become visible in those colors which could pass 
through them. It may be that other structures absorb all colors 
equally, either completely or partly, and those structures will appear 
black or any shade of gray against the lighter background. In other 
words, the structures become visible because of partial transmission 
of light and the illumination method for these objects is generally 
called "by transmitted light. The variety of microscopes available for 
this type of work is considerable. Essentially all models are built on 
the same principle although the various features may differ in regard 
to completeness or design. They consist of an illumination apparatus 
which guides the light through the object, a stage plate 'to support 
the object and an observation system with focusing facilities. 

For the selection of a microscope which is to be used for photo- 
micrography a few hints may be of value : 

The Illumination Apparatus 

The mirror which guides the light from its source through the con- 
denser should have one plane and one concave surface. The condenser 
should be of the divisible type so that the front lens can be removed when 
taking photos at low magnification. The illumination apparatus should be 
equipped with an iris diaphragm to regulate the intensity of the light. 
There should be a rack and pinion movement to raise or lower the con- 
denser. It is also advisable to have the condenser mounted in a centering 
adapter. When the photomicrographs are taken at high magnification and 
microscope lamps with concentrated filaments are used for this purpose, a 
centering adapter is of essential importance. 

Object Stage 

It is convenient, though not essential to have a device for the mechan- 
ical displacement of the specimen. Such devices are known as mechanical 
stages. They can be obtained either separately or built into the object stage. 

Observation System 

It has become general practice to classify the ranges of magnification 
as follows: 

347 



low power (requiring objectives from 40 to 16mm focal length) 
medium power (requiring objectives from 10-4mm focal length) 
high power (requiring objectives of less than 4mm focal length). 

For high power microscopy a type of objective is used which is known 
as immersion system. Regarding further details about objectives the reader 
is referred to the current literature of microscope manufacturers. 

The microscope may be equipped with a revolving nosepiece accom- 
modating either two, three or four objectives. The objectives of 16mm and 
4mm are most popular. For higher magnifications oil immersions of about 
2mm are generally used whereas for the lowest magnifications objectives 
of 40mm, 32mm, 24mm or thereabout are almost equally popular. 

Contrary to general opinion it is not necessary that a microscope for 
photomicrography be equipped with a tube of large diameter. A wide tube 
may only be of advantage if it is intended to use a microscope for that type 
of photography (not photomicrography) which the Leica user can do with 
the sliding focusing attachment and the regular Leica lenses. In this type 
of work an eyepiece is not required. 

It may also be mentioned that it is not advantageous to take 
photomicrographs without the eyepiece. Sometimes one meets with 
the erroneous opinion that under such conditions sharper images can 
be obtained. This is not true. The apparently greater sharpness is 
simply due to the lower magnification. Actually such pictures lack in 
sharpness because the objective is not used at the correct tube-length 
and thus a certain amount of spherical aberration is introduced. 

As to the magnification of the ocular, it has been mentioned before 
that for general purposes an eyepiece of lOx magnification is most 
satisfactory. Variation of magnification in the final print can always 
be obtained by varying the ratio of enlargement of the negative. 
Only in the case of photomicrography with the micro adapter ring an 
eyepiece of 12x magnification may be recommended. 

For Amateur Photomicrography 

The rules given for the selection of a microscope for general 
photomicrography or that of living object can likewise be applied to 
amateur work. Only in this latter case a simpler microscope will often 
bo fully satisfactory. In this case it is best to see what the manu- 
facturer has to offer. 

Magnification and Resolving Power 

It was explained at the beginning of this chapter that the ob- 
jective of the microscope alone is responsible for the revelation of 
minute detail and that the eyepiece simply stretches this detail to 
occupy a larger area. The power of the objective to reveal detail is 
called resolving power and is limited, It is possible to determine for 
each objective the magnitude of the finest detail which it is capable 
of revealing. And since we can also determine the total magnification 

348 



Photomicrography 

of the image in the negative, we are able to find out how much 
space the smallest revealable detail will occupy in the plane of the 
negative. This information is important because, as we know from 
the chapter about Leica lenses, the human eye can only distinguish 
detail if it is at least l/100th inch apart (provided we refer to detail 
in a photograph which we view from a distance of 10 inches). Thus 
we will finally be able to answer the question: Plow much can we 
enlarge the negative of a photomicrograph taken with the Leica 
camera without creating the impression that the enlargement will 
lack in sharpness? 

The maximum resolving power of the objective can easily be 
expressed quantitatively by the magnitude of the smallest detail which 
the objective can resolve. But in practical photomicrography this 
maximum resolving power can seldom if ever be verified, because it 
requires certain optical conditions for the illumination of the object 
which are detrimental in other respects. Therefore in practice the 
obtainable resolving power will mostly remain below this maximum 
value. 

In the books about microscopy we find that the resolving power 
depends upon the light collecting power of the objective and the 
wavelength of the light with which the specimen is illuminated. The 
light collecting power is generally expressed by a term numerical 
aperture. Its meaning is not identical to the relative aperture or 
speed of a photographic lens, but has close relation to it. We need 
not go into detail about the correct interpretation of the term 
numerical aperture because its actual magnitude is generally en- 
graved upon the mount of the objective and is also listed in the 
catalogs of the manufacturers. "We only have to realize that the 
higher the numerical aperture of an objective, the better is its 
resolving power. 

As to the wavelength of the light, we know that in the spectrum 
of visible light, the colors towards the violet end of this rainbow 
have the shortest wavelength. But whether we can use these rays for 
the illumination of the object, depends entirely upon the colors of its 
structures. Further information about the color of the light to il- 
luminate the object can be obtained in publications regarding the 
application of light filters for photomicrography. For the present 
we must only realize that the relation between the resolving power 
and -wavelength of the light is such that an objective of a certain 
aperture will yield the best resolving power if the wavelength of 
the light which illuminates the object is as short as possible. 

349 



But there is a third factor which influences the resolving power 
and which is often neglected in consideration. It refers to the direc- 
tion of the light which illuminates the object. As you know, the 
intensity of the light which passes through a photographic lens is 
regulated by opening or closing the iris diaphragm with which these 
lenses are equipped. In a microscopic objective there is no iris dia- 
phragm. But we find this iris in the substage of the microscope, 
directly below the condenser. If we close this iris diaphragm the 
object will be illuminated only with a small central beam of light. 
By opening it, the intensity of the illumination increases. But at 
the same time the resolving power of the objective also increases. 

Still, the resolving power may be increased without opening the 
iris diaphragm. We only have to displace it laterally so that the 
small beam which illuminates the specimen will not pass through it 
centrally, that means, in the direction of the optical axis, but obliquely. 

"When to increase the resolving power by opening the iris and 
when to displace the iris laterally depends entirely upon the nature 
of the structures of the specimen and upon the quality of the objec- 
tive. An objective of good quality can be used with the iris diaphragm 
comparatively far open whereas in an objective of inferior quality 
those misbehaviors of light about which we learned in the chapter on 
lenses will make themselves felt too much. 

By opening the iris diaphragm we render the illumination more 
diffuse and there may be detail which with such illumination will be 
obliterated. The surface of a piece of paper may appear smooth in 
diffuse light, but hold it in the beam of a powerful searchlight so that 
the direction of this light meets the paper surface at grazing inci- 
dence, very obliquely. Every little unevenness in the surface will 
throw a deep shadow and the little hills and valleys will appear most 
strikingly. 

These few remarks should indicate that the method of illumina- 
tion has a great influence, not only upon the visibility of detail which 
may be so small that the highest possible resolving power is necessary 
to reveal it, but also because this detail may be of such shape or nature 
that special tricks must be applied to render them visible even if they 
are large enough to require only little resolving power. 

To summarize we may say that under normal conditions the iris 
diaphragm of the substage should rarely be opened more than 14 to i/> 
of its greatest opening and as to the color of the light we shall learn 
presently why a green filter will find most frequent application. 
Under such conditions it is safe to assume that the magnification re- 

350 



Photomicrography 

quired to separate the detail until it is about l/100th inch apart, is 
about equal to 600 times the value of the numerical aperture of the 
objective used. 

From the catalogs of the manufacturers we learn the initial mag- 
nifications and numerical apertures of the current objectives. We 
know that the eyepiece lOx yields about 1/3 of its full magnifying 
power when used with the Leica camera as described before and with 
this information on hand we can determine how much the Leica 
negative of a photomicrograph can be magnified without losing the 
aspect of a sharp picture. The following table contains these values 
for some of the most popular objectives and may be of help in photo- 
micrography. 

This table has been prepared for Leitz objectives but by com- 
paring the figures for focal length, initial magnification and numerical 
aperture with those constants of the objectives of other manufacturers 
it will become evident that the figures can be helpful also to users of 
other objectives. 



Type of 
objective 

Achromat 
(dry) 



Apochromat 

(dry) 
Achromat 

(dry) 

(t 

Apochromat 

(dry) 
Achromat 

(dry) 
Apochromat 

(dry) 

Apochromat 
(oil immersion) 
Achromat 
(oil immersion) 
Apochromat 
(oil immersion) 



Focal 
length 

40mm 

32mm 
24mm 
16mm 
16mm 

13mm 

9mm 

8mm 

4mm 
4mm 
3mm 
2mm 
2mm 
2mm 



Initial Mag- 
nification of Numerical 
objective Aperture 



3.2x 



4.3x 
6 x 

10 x 
12 x 



14 x 



20 
23 



45 x 



46 x 



65 x 



100 x 



92 x 



92 x 



O.OS 

0.15 
0.20 
0.25 
0.30 

0.40 

0.45 
0.65 

0.85 
0.95 
1.32 
1.30 
1.32 
1.40 



Magnifi- 
cation on 

Leica 
negative 

10.5x 

H,3x 
20.0x 
33 x 
40 x 

46.5x 

66 x 
71.5x 

150 x 

153 x 

216 x 

333 x 

306 x 

306 x 



Enlargement 

possible to 

separate 

detail 1/100" 

4.6 x 

6.3 x 

6.0 x 
4.5 x 

4.5 x 

5.1 x 

4.1 x 

5.5 x 

3.4 x 
3.8 x 
3.66x 
2.35x 

2.6 x 
2.75x 



Thus we should conclude our chapter on photomicrography be- 
cause the problems pertaining specifically to the miniature camera 
have been covered. But there are so many questions pertaining to 



351 



microscopy which the miniature camera owner would like to have 
answered that at least some of them shall be briefly discussed. 

Light Sources 

It is difficult to recommend one definite light source because so 
many different types are suitable and yet each of them has special 
advantages, depending upon the work which has to be done. 

For photomicrography of living objects, for instance, a great 
deal of light is required because the image is formed only by that 
small portion which is reflected from the surfaces of the object. The 
effective intensity of light sources for microscopy, however, is not 
measured in terms of total candlepower and it is very important 
for the microscopist to understand why we need another measure. 
Actually we can compare the power of microscope lamps only in 
regard to their intrinsic intensities. This will become evident if we 
compare a lamp for 110 volts and 550 watts with one for 6 volts and 
30 watts. The only difference is to be found in the length of the 
filament, that of the lamp for 110 volts being about 18 times as long 
as that of the lamp for 6 volts. In both cases, however, the filament 
is fed by a current of 5 amperes and pieces of equal length of the 
two filaments emit the same amounts of light. Of course with the 
110 volt lamp we could illuminate an area having 18 times the square 
contents of that which, with the same condenser system the 6 volt 
lamp will illuminate. But the condenser systems are designed for 
rather small light emitting units because it happens that among these 
we find the light sources of greatest intrinsic intensity. 

Of the two light sources mentioned above the one for 6 volts should 
of course be preferred because, although it offers the same intrinsic 
and therefore effective intensity, it consumes only 1/lSth of the amount 
of energy. The fact that these lamps must be used with a transformer 
(or a rheostat, if d. e. is available) should not be considered as a dis- 
advantage because the lamp fulfills an optical purpose and its per- 
formance in this respect is the only important thing. 

The intrinsic intensity of a light source increases in proportion 
to the temperature of the light emitting area. A filament, heated to 
incandescence can never become as hot as, for instance the crater of 
an arc lamp where the carbon is heated beyond the point of incan- 
descence so that it is actually consumed Arc lamps have a compara- 
tively small sized crater and in order to t^able the miscroscopist to 
take full advantage of this important type of lamp, the condenser 
systems of microscopes are so arranged that this small light emitting 
unit will illuminate the entire field under observation. These arc 

352 



Photomicrography 

lamps are often the only type of light source which will make in- 
stantaneous photomicrography of opaque living objects possible, even 
with the small Leica. 

For photomicrography in transmitted light we may not require 
these strong light sources. In the first place, the entire amount of 
light which is concentrated by the condenser, passes through the 
microscope and is only partly absorbed by the structures of the object 
which in the photograph will appear darker than the background. 
Furthermore, these objects are generally not moving and longer ex- 
posures are permissible. In these cases a regular desk lamp with an 
inside frosted bulb, possibly a photoflood bulb, will give satisfactory 
illumination. Clear glass bulbs, showing the filament, should not be 
used, unless a ground glass is interposed. 

It is not possible to explain here, how, for every magnification, 
uniform illumination can be obtained. The reader must try to obtain 
such information from microscope manufacturers or text books. He 
will find, that by following definite rules he can avoid the rather uncer- 
tain method of trial and error, but these methods would require too 
much space in this chapter. 

Light Filters 

The application of light filters in photomicrography is another 
problem which requires thorough study. The reader is referred to 
current literature. The Eastman Kodak Co. published a booklet, en- 
titled '' Photomicrography ' ? from which valuable information can be 
derived. 

In the vast majority of cases where stained preparations are to 
be photographed, a green filter, such as the Wratten B filter will be of 
great help. Not only are most of the stains, used in practice, of such 
color that a green filter will produce the best contrast and differentia- 
tion, but the light transmitted by this filter is of that range of wave- 
lengths for which the correction of microscope objectives is most 
favorable. 

As to the best place to insert the filter, no special advice is 
necessary since it can be inserted at any place between the lamp and 
the microscope. It may happen however, that the filter is at a place 
where any dust spots or impurities on its surface would show in the 
field under observation because the condenser may form an image of 
the filter in the plane of the object. If such dark spots are visible, 
it is easy to find out whether they are produced by the filter or by 
impurities on the lenses of the eyepiece. Suppose we move the filter 
laterally and the spots follow the motion, they are caused by dust on 

353 



the surface of the filter. But if, upon rotation of the eyepiece in the 
microscope tube, the spots follow this rotation, they are due to impuri- 
ties on the lenses of the ocular. In both cases, the surfaces should be 
cleaned, but if the filter gave the cause, it can also be moved closer to 
the condenser. 

rams 

In photomicrography it is often not necessary and even detri- 
mental to use panchromatic film of high sensitiveness. The panchro- 
matism of the film is not required when a green filter is used. As you 
know, the only difference between orthochromatic and panchromatic 
film, lies in fact that the latter is also sensitive to red light. But if 
the filter has prevented all red light from passing through the micro- 
scope, this extra sensitiveness is of no value. On the other hand, 
panchromatic films are generally less sensitive for greem light (that is 
why green safelights can be used in the darkroom for their develop- 
ment) so that their general high speed does not exist for that range of 
light color which is transmitted by the filter. 

Finally we must realize that these superspeed films really do not 
yield that same fine detail which we obtain with slower films. It is 
true that the development can hold the grain size down but for reasons 
which are too involved to permit explanation at this place, it is really 
true that the slower films with inherently finer grain produce finer 
detail. 

To sum up, any modern orthochromatic film is perhaps most suit- 
able for photomicrography. Where speed is essential, the faster emul- 
sions are to be preferred, where detail rendition is of primary im- 
portance, the slower emulsions are better. Only in cases where living 
objects are photographed with the Ultropak or a darkfield condenser 
and if in these cases no filter is used, a fast panchromatic film will 
have its place. 

In exceptional cases positive film may be used. But we must not 
forget that this film is not sensitive to green light. Used when the 
Wratten B filter has been interposed in the course of rays, a photo- 
micrograph on positive film would only yield a blank space. Without 
a filter, the positive film in itself will perform what a blue filter would 
have done with orthochromatic film. This fact may be helpful in 
photomicrography of diatoms where the utmost in detail rendition is 
aimed for. But this task is perhaps one of the very few, where the 
miniature camera actually does not offer anything but disadvantages 
over the larger size cameras. 

354 



Photomicrography 

Exposure 

Help in gauging the exposure for a photomicrograph is perhaps 
most urgently needed and it is unfortunate that just in this respect it 
can hardly be given. The exposure depends upon too many different 
factors. There is the intrinsic intensity of the lamp, the size of the 
filament, the opening of the iris diaphragm in the substage, the magnifi- 
cation of objective and eyepiece, the numerical aperture of the objec- 
tive, the color of the light filter, the density of the specimen, the sensi- 
tiveness of the film to the color which the filter transmits and there 
are many other factors. 

The best way out of the difficulty is to take test photos under 
standard conditions, varying the actual time of exposure. After 
development of a test film and if the exact data for each exposure have 
been recorded, the correct time can easily be determined. 

Place the light source at a definite distance from the microscope, 
select the filter, record the position of the iris diaphragm in the sub- 
stage of the microscope, the magnification and numerical aperture of 
the objective, the color and density of the specimen, the magnifying 
power of the eyepiece, the type of film used and then take several 
exposures, varying the time in wide limits. You can easily find the best 
negative. Now maintain these standard conditions for this objective 
and only if a specimen of great density is under observation, lengthen 
the exposure. Of course, if a different filter is used, new tests have 
to be made, unless you know the relative filter factor for the particular 
film brand used. 

This standardization will undoubtedly be the shortest way to 
success and since a microscope equipment will generally not contain 
more than three or four objectives and, at the most two or three filters, 
the work involved is really negligible, not to speak of the value of 
having gone through an experience of this type. 



355 




Fig. 244 Dental Operating- Room of A. Laurence Dunn, D. D. S., Santa 
Barbara, California. Photographed by J. Walter Collinge 

(Dr. Dunn is left-handed and the equipment is arranged accordingly) 



356 



DENTAL -PHOTOGRAPHY 



A. LAURENCE DUNN, D.D.S. CHAPTER 20 

Dentistry offers one of the finest fields for. the Leica camera in 
scientific work. "With it the general practitioner, the specialist, and 
the research worker alike will find the opportunity to make records 
of a remarkable quality. 

To show the many uses in dentistry and in photography of all 
small objects, and to explain how the pictures may be obtained with 
a minimum of trouble, a simplified yet highly efficient technique is be- 
ing offered. The work is divided into three sections dealing first with 
the equipment necessary, second the photography itself, and third a 
system of records. 

Equipment Required 

1. Leica camera of any of the later models, and one of the 
50 mm lenses such as the Elmar f:3.5, Hektor f:2.5, or 
Summar f :2 and a cable release. 

2. Fuldy sliding focusing copy attachment. 

3. Camera support and reflecting board. 

4. Magnifying viewer. 

5. Two extension tubes, 12mm and 22mm. 

6. Photoflood lamp in reflector. 

7. Leicameter. 

8. Yard stick. 

9. Cardboard backgrounds (black, gray, white, etc.). 
10. Eeeord pad and pencil. 

One piece of apparatus that greatly simplifies photography at the dental 
chair is the camera support, a home-made device. The one shown in figure 
245 may serve as a suggestion of what can be constructed to meet individ- 
ual needs. Roughly, it consists of a pipe welded onto an old automobile fly- 
wheel. Being mounted on casters, it is moved easily, yet stays in position 
solidly. It is rolled in place by hand and minor adjustments for position are 
made by foot, with one foot on the base. 

As the photograph shows, the apparatus is adjustable for every height 
and position. The horizontal arm can slide freely on the upright pipe and is 
controlled by a thumb screw. 

To overcome vibration there are three upright rods welded both to the 
flywheel and the upright pipe. The reflecting board is made of an aluminum 

357 




Fig. 245 Home-made Port- 
able Camera Stand sup- 
porting Leica camera with 
Sliding Focusing Attach- 
ment and Eeflector. The 
outfit is readily available 
for use at the dental 
chair. Both Camera and 
Reflector are easily ad- 
justable, providing- excep- 
tional flexibility and ri- 
gidity. 



cookie sheet. One side of it is kept with a high polish for strong reflections 
while the other is dulled slightly by a very fine sand paper or by sand 
blasting. 

The camera is attached to the horizontal arm by a Leica Ball Jointed 
Tripod head. I have found nothing that will take the place of this device in 
holding the camera solidly in all positions. Figure 245 shows the construc- 
tion of the entire support. It can be made very simply and inexpensively. 
The Fuldy copying attachment is described on page 189. It is the ideal 
piece of apparatus for accurate viewing and focusing in close work. The 
proposed image is seen very clearly on the ground glass back. However, for 
the most careful focusing, I strongly urge the addition of the 5x magnifier 
and viewer. 



358 



Dental Photography 

For close-up work at least one and preferably two extension tubes are 
needed. A serviceable arrangement is to have the 12mm and the 22mm 
tubes. 

Needless to say, the Weston Leicameter is indispensable. To attempt 
to photograph numerous objects under varying light conditions is too hazard- 
ous without some means of measuring the light value scientifically. 

The Photoflood lamp should be mounted in some handy holder and 
reflector. If possible it should be set up close by, to be swung into position 
on a moment's notice. At least one spare bulb should be in reserve at all 
times. One ingenious way of saving the Photoflood, which burns only two 
hours, is to wire it through a Leitz Illumination Control which has seven 
degrees of measured light intensity (see page 159). Thus the light can be 
reduced to mild brightness for focusing and brought to the desired degree 
of intensity for the actual exposure. 

Finally, with a yardstick, pencil, and the record pad described in the 
third section of this chapter the equipment is ready for use. 

A picture of the apparatus set in position is shown in figure 244. When 
not in use the outfit is pushed back to the wall and the lamp swung to 
the side of the unit. Notice particularly how the camera support with its 
camera and reflecting board, and the lamp, are all adjusted in working 
position with no interference to the operator. For work in the laboratory 
or elsewhere in the room the camera support can easily be rolled into any 
position desired. 

Making the Photographs 

To illustrate the diversity of uses of photography in dentistry 
we start first with a series of pictures at the chair, then a series taken 
in the laboratory, in research, and in the preparation of papers or 
clinics. Many of the ideas presented in this chapter apply equally 
well to medicine and surgery and to the photography of all small 
objects. 

The largest object photographed at the chair is the patient's 
face, both front view and profile. This provides a general record, par- 
ticularly where any change is to be made in the front of the month. 
The main uses are in the young and the old, the children needing 
orthodontia and the elderly patients requiring full dentures. Such 
a picture will give an accurate record of the conditions to be repro- 
duced or eliminated and will serve as a means of comparing the 
finished results with the original. Moreover, I feel it to be a very 
wise procedure, in this age when so many faces are disfigured in auto- 
mobile accidents, to take full face and profile photographs of all 
patients. 

For these pictures the ideal distance of the camera from the subject is 
twenty-two inches. 

In most offices the full face picture (fig. 246) can be taken without 
electric illumination, daylight being sufficient. Formerly, I used one Photo- 
flood with a reflecting board but now seldom use either in the full face 
picture. In the profile, help the lighting with one Photoflood and use a black 

359 



cardboard to serve as a background (fig. 247). Whenever using the aluminum 
reflecting board, adjust first the Photoflood light and then the reflecting 
board. Place the latter in position to reflect the rays from the Photoflood so 
that this secondary illumination will brighten the surfaces not struck directly 
by the Photoflood. The technique of adjusting the board is exactly the same 
that a small boy uses in annoying the neighbors with a penny mirror on a 
sunny day. 




Fig. 246 (left) Full face 
view, made with Fuldy 
C. A. at 22", one second 
at f :18 



^% 

n 



Fig. 247 Profile, same 
case, data as above 




The Fuldy copying attachment is indispensable for work in dentistry 
and close-up photography. In using the Fuldy copying attachment at a 
distance beyond 37% inches, difficulty will be encountered from interference 
of the collapsible lens mount. This can be overcome as follows: With the 
focus lever set at infinity, work the lens into precise focus by sliding it in 
and out. Then swing the focus lever down to the opposite limit, 3.5 for 
instance. Next slide the camera across, swing the lever back to infinity, 
and all will be in proper focus and adjustment. 

The next closest picture is that of the anterior teeth (figs. 248- 
251). For this put on the 12mm extension tube and bring; the 
camera up to approximately nine and a half inches. The distance 
from the subject always means the distance measured from the sub- 
ject to the back of the camera or the film, and not to the lens. In 
this and closer work on patients the Photoflood should be used. Fig- 
ure 248 shows a picture in stronger lights and shadows, while figure 
249 smoother lighting and less contrast. 

A handy retracting device is shown in figures 249, 250 and 251. It is 
first formed as desired in wax and then converted into vulcanite. The 
method of use for the molar region is shown in figure 251. 

Finally where a single tooth, or a group of two or three is desired, 
use the 12 mm and the 22 mm together, obtaining a 34 mm extension 
tube. Place the camera approximately eight and one-half inches from the 
subject. Study pages 198-199 on the decrease in light value with the use of 
extension tubes and plan your timing accordingly. 



360 



Dental Photography 

Focusing for Close-Up Objects 

Figure 252 is an example of close-up photography. Notice not only 
the form and detail of the tooth as reproduced here, but also the bit 
of gauze pressed against the right central incisor. Here is an exam- 
ple of how a great deal of time and tension can be saved in the care- 
ful focusing for close-up work. First cut a small square of gauze 






Fig. 248 22mm Tube at 9 %", one 
second at f:12.5 




Fig. 249 22mm Tube at 9' 
second at f :18 



from a dental napkin or other loose fabric material. Next select that 
position of the field most desired to be in accurate focus. If the field 
is flat it will be simpler. If it has considerable depth, as in figure 266 
and you have computed what can be gotten into focus, locate a spot 





Fig. 250 22mm Tube at 9%", half 
second at f:6.3 (overexposed) 



251 12mm Tube at 12", one 
second at f :18 



which will be two-fifths of the way from the front limit toward the 
back limit. Place the square of gauze on the selected spot, wherever 
it may be, and focus on the gauze instead of any other object in the 
field. You will then be focusing on a hair-line instead of a flat 
surface. 

The preceding pictures have shown how the field can be pro- 
gressively diminished and the size of the teeth relatively increased. 
Study the usual attachments, distances and lighting for each type of 



361 



picture, and with but little practice you will soon develop a standard 
routine for each. 

Tronsillummation of Teeth 

Figures 253 and 254 show the effect of transillumination of an 
anterior tooth. Here we are confronted with the double problem of 
two lighting systems in use simultaneously. This should not be at- 
tempted until you have established a standard system of lighting 
for your own office which will give you results such as in figures 
249 and 252. When that has been worked out to your satisfaction 




Fig. 252 12 and 22mm Tubes at 
8%", one second at f :18 



you are ready to run a series to determine the correct strength for the 
trans-illuminating light. First, reduce the main or standard lighting 
approximately 30 per cent below normal. I use the Eitter transillu- 
minating lamp of the antrum type, as pictured in figure 268. Adjust 
it so that it has mild brightness and place it as shown, behind the 





Fig. 253 12mm Tube at 17", half 
second at f :18 



Fig. 254 22mm Tube at 9%", one 
second at f :18 



tooth. Eecord all factors, and particularly the number shown on the 
Eitter rheostat. Then photograph. Next increase the light of the 
Eitter lamp by one point and take the next picture. Keep increasing 
the voltage one point at a time for approximately five pictures, being 
certain to keep accurate records. From the finished results you can 
select the one which is to serve as your standard for future pictures. 



362 



Dental Photography 

The next two pictures, figures 255 and 256 are also examples of double 
lighting, although in these cases the transilluxninating light is not shining 
through the teeth to be operated but onto them, a distant view and a 
close-up. Here again the same routine must be worked out as in the pre- 
ceding paragraph, a series run to determine the correct balance of lights. 

The main thing to bear in mind here is that it must be the Hitter light 
and not the standard light that has the correct brilliance. In other words, 
the transilluminating light must be such that it will neither over-expose nor 
under-expose the negative, while the standard lighting must definitely under- 
expose. ^ And let me save time and money for you by again repeating that 
effects like these can be obtained only by running a series of exposures and 
keeping records. 





Fig. 255 12mm Tube at 
second at f :5.6 



1/20 



Fig. 256 22mm Tube at 10%'' 
half second at f :18 



The extent to which the depth of focus can be increased by stopping 
down to a small aperture is shown in figures 253 and 255. The former was 
taken with the diaphragm closed to f :18, while the latter was opened to 
f:5.6. Notice particularly the clearness of the fingers. It is because of 
the increase of precise focusing on unimportant details that I prefer to 
close the aperture as much as possible. Having selected 18 as my standard 
aperture for most work, I can focus through the Fuldy attachment with 
the diaphragm wide open at 3.5, then swing the lever to the opposite ex- 
treme, or 18, entirely by the sense of touch. Eliminating the necessity of 
getting around and viewing the diaphragm reading in close quarters is a 
great convenience, and obtaining greater depth of focus is an advantage not 
to be overlooked. 

Photographing Reflected Images 

Another variation from the usual photograph is the one taken 
in the mirror. Figures 257 and 258 are two examples. The first is a 
picture of the entire vault of the mouth, with an inflamed mucosa 
irritated by a full vulcanite denture. The second shows a tooth fol- 
lowing the treatment of pyorrhea by the stirgieal method. There are 
two precautions for this type of picture. First, the lighting must be 
studied very carefully to make sure that the area reflected in the 
mirror is as well illuminated as the surrounding non-reflected areas. 
It is the latter rather than the former that will determine the light 
value 'reading, so be careful. Second, the focusing must be done on 



363 



the reflected image. It must not be done on the non-reflected front 
surface of the object, nor on the glass of the mirror, but on the image 
shown in the mirror. With careful holding of the mirror this can 
be done as accurately as in the usual pictures. 





Fig. 257 12mm Tube at 10", half 
second at f :18 



Fig. 258 22mm Tube at 9%", one 
second at f :18 



There is nothing that will take the place of the photograph in 
explaining the technique of many operations. Where subject matter 
is being prepared for lecture or publication, visual education should 
be the first considered. An example of this is shown in the two pic- 
tures, figures 259 and 260, where a fixed bridge is being seated with a 
rubber dam in position, showing the case before and after the 
operation. 





Fig. 259 12mm Tube at 13", one 
second at f :18 



Fig. 260 12mm Tube at 13", one 
second at f :18 



In figure 261 an interesting method of eliminating background 
shadows is shown. Apparently the vulcanite bridge, a Dunn Tempo- 
rary Bridge, is suspended in mid-air. The effect is obtained by sup- 
porting the object on plate glass and placing the cardboard back- 
ground six inches or more below the glass. 

At this point it might be well to refer to backgrounds. Strong 
cardboards should be on hand for use at. all times, including black, 
dark gray, light gray, and white surfaces. Often the background 



364 



Dental Photography 

proves to be the salvation of the picture, especially with the smaller 
objects. 

Other types of cases are illustrated in succeeding pictures. An unusual 
emergency denture repair is pictured in figure 262. Here the points of sig- 
nificance from a photographic standpoint are the reproduction of the round- 
ness of the porcelain teeth, obtained by a proper lighting, and the great 
depth of field, obtained by stopping down to a small diaphragm and timing 
accordingly. 

Figure 263 illustrates how photography is an aid in the instruc- 
tion of cavity preparation. Figure 264 shows plaster models of a case 
before and after orthodontic treatment. 





Fig. 261 12mm Tube at 9", four Fig. 262 22mm Tube at 10", four 

seconds at f :18 seconds at f :18 

Determining Exposures 

Figure 250 shows the result of a mistake that is apt to be made 
very commonly in this type of work, that of over-exposure. Recognize 
in measuring the light value in these cases that the teeth form a very 
small part of the face and are much lighter than the rest of the face. 
For it is not the teeth so much as the skin that determines the Leica- 
meter reading. If a photograph is made, based on the Leicameter 





Fig. 263 12mm Tube at 12",. two Fig. 264 12mm Tube at 17", two 

seconds at f:18 seconds at f:18 

reading obtained directly, it will be flat and burned up, as shown in 
figure 250. If the time is cut considerably the result will be as in 

365 



figures 248 and 249. Another suggestion regarding this is told in 
connection with figure 264. 

One is likely to be deceived as to the true light value of small 
objects, particularly where they are very light in color. This is well 
demonstrated in the ease of these three plaster models. Placed on 
a black background, the greatest light value they would record was 
slightly toward from 1. With the Leicameter set for a film with 
a speed of 23, the correct camera adjustments were shown to be 13 
seconds at aperture 18. However, this was felt to be far beyond 
the correct timing. 

To determine the correct exposure a large white card of approxi- 
mately the same degree of brilliance as the plaster was held in place 
just in front of the models and a reading taken of the card. Instead 
of slightly less than one, the light value now proved to be 1/6 and 
the adjustments this time were changed from 13 seconds at 18, to 
V/% seconds at 18. The picture as shown was made with the latter 
adjustments. 

In your initial work on each new type of case, you will save 
time by running a series of pictures, all of the same subject. For 
instance, figure 263 was obtained first by finding that the light value 
was probably 1/6. Then a small diaphragm, f :18, was chosen in order 
to have maLximum depth of focus. Finally a series was run starting at 

1 second, then 2, 3, 4, 5, and ending with 6 seconds, but without the 
series of pictures I could not have been certain. As originally com- 
puted with the aid of the Leicameter reading of the white card, the 

2 second exposure proved to be ideal. Again let me urge you always 
to run a series of exposures in undertaking a new type of work, then 
select the best and use that as standard from then on. 

Occasionally there will be a case where the arranging of objects 
and studying their most desirable positions is difficult. All of the 
plaster models were such examples. The slight turning of one would 
throw certain lines in and others out, and the reduced image as 
dewed on the ground glass of the Fuldy attachment made adjust- 
ment difficult. In such a case place the object in general focus and 
approximate arrangement, then slip the camera off of the copy at- 
tachment, quickly unscrew the lens and you have an open hole 
through which to view. Using it as a frame for your picture, do the 
final arranging of the object, then replace the lens and camera and 
complete the photography. This aid is seldom needed but can be of 
great help in studying arrangement in difficult cases. 

Research work can be recorded as shown in figure 265, representing- a 
steel die and brass tube testing the precision of a gold casting, and again 

366 



Dental Photography 

in figure 266, a human jaw showing a deep pyorrhea pocket (indicated by 
the arrow), and the effect of occlusal attrition. 

Other objects which can be photographed are such things as radio- 
graphs (fig. 267), collections of interesting dental appliances, the oper- 
ator's hand demonstrating a certain technique (fig. 268), and so forth. 





Fig. 265 Hollenbeck Tube Dies. 
22mm Tube at 9", four seconds at 
f:18 

Fig. 266 (right) 22mm Tube at 
11", four seconds at f:18 

The high magnification that can be obtained by the use of extension 
tubes is shown in the typodont of gold foil work (figs. 269-271, typodont by 
Dr. E. D. Shooshan, Pasadena, Calif.). The picture of the gold foils in the 
upper right first molar, the single tooth and the typodont, are all enlarged 
to the same degree from their original pictures. The relative enlarging was 
done in the photography by means of the tubes, and not in the printing. 

The color record of the light pink of condensite material is shown in 
this typodont. The color record which vulcanite will give is shown in figure 
262. The anterior portion was gum pink and the posterior portion maroon. 
Figure 261 also shows maroon vulcanite. No color filters were used. 





Fig. 267 22mm Tube at 10", four 
seconds at f :18 



Fig. 268 22mm Tube at 12", one 
second at f :18 



In the photographing of small inanimate objects I prefer the soft light 
of daylight rather than the artificial illumination of electricity. Figures 
261, 263, 264, 266, 271, 269 and 270 were all made without artificial illumina- 
tion. The objects were placed on a small stand close to one window. There 
was one other window in the room which was used to help modify the 
shadows. 



367 



Some objects, however, require stronger highlights and shadows. These 
can be illuminated best with a Photofiood serving- as the spotlight, and day- 
light providing the floodlight Figures 262, 265 and 268 are examples of 
this type. The lighting of figure 267 was obtained by placing .the radio- 
graphic film on a radiographic viewing box. 





Fig. 269 12 and 22mm Tubes at 
S 1 ^", six seconds at f :18 



Fig. 270 9,0, 60, 22 and 12mm 
Tubes at 12 W, twelve seconds at 
f:22 






r-m- ' 



Fig. 271 12mm Tube 
at 9", four seconds at 
f:18 



Fig. 272 Record stamp 



Fig. 273 Print with 
record on back 



Importance of Keeping Accurate Records 

The photographer, who is interested in reproducing rapidly any type 
of scene must work out a systematic routine based on accurate records. 
This is particularly true of photography in any phase of science, where 
close-up apparatus is used and slight variations are of great importance. 
Here the subject is frequently a patient and time must be conserved for all 
involved. 

Following is a routine which will permit check-up and reference: 

1. Prepare a pad of paper. With a record stamp (fig. 272), stamp all 
sheets on the pad. 

2. Place subjects as desired, adjust camera and lighting. 

3. Use Leicameter. Determine light value and select correct aperture and 
time. ' 



368 



Dental Photography 

4. Now STOP and 

RECORD EVERYTHING 

5. If planning to take more than one shot of this subject (possibly experi- 
menting with varying apertures and timing) record (on chart fig. 273) 
EVERY shot in that series, BEFORE TAKING A SINGLE PICTURE. 

6. Then photograph AS PLANNED. 

Following the development of the film, study It through the Leica film 
viewer and marker. By means of this device clip a notch on the border of 
the film to designate each picture to be enlarged. 

Another method of choosing the pictures to be enlarged is to make 
strip prints from the entire film and then make your selection. If you use 
this routine be sure to mark the small prints in some suitable manner and in 
addition return to the film and clip the notches. This is particularly im- 
portant where you have taken a number of test exposures of the same 
subject. 

Numbers are to be found marking each picture on some brands of 
film, while others are blank. Those that are blank should now be numbered 
on the film in ink to correspond with the numbers on the last line of the 
record chart. Those films which have numbers on the border, will seldom 
be found labeled 1-36, but are more apt to be numbered 22-36, 1-21, or 14-36, 
1-13, etc. Therefore, these numbers which appear on the film must be re- 
corded on the next to bottom line on chart. 

When an enlargement (fig. 273) has been printed, turn it over and 
stamp the record chart on its back. Then fill in all data found on the 
original chart for that print. Now devise some filing system. For mine 
I have chosen to paste the pictures on 9" x 12 " sheets of heavy paper that 
come in an I-P class G T sectional post binder, top-locking #7717. I have 
strip prints made of the entire film and paste those for one film on one 
sheet of paper. For quick reference I now write the numbers on the strip 
prints, and it is at this point that I mark each print to be enlarged. The 
papers carrying the enlargements have the record chart stamped on them 
and filled in beneath each enlargement. Any enlargements which are not 
mounted are stamped as shown above in figure 273. 

It seems a bit safer not to cut the negatives but to store them in the 
metal film box. Here they are ready for instant use by referring to the 
strip prints. 

The result of the above will be a systematic record of all factors in- 
volved in obtaining every photograph. When you have a new photograph to 
take you can very readily pick out from your file the print most closely 
resembling it and proceed by duplicating the recorded factors. 

Above all, remember this. Any record routine that is developed 
along systematic lines will prove invaluable to anyone anxious for 
scientific results. It can be a routine very different from the above 
and still be a system. It is not important to copy this one, which 
I know works in a highly satisfactory manner and saves time and 
money. It is important, however, to develop some routine which is 
systematic, accurate and complete. 

369 




LEICA photos by 

Dr. Ramon Castroviejo 



Normal Eye. 

50mm Summar, f: 1-2.5, 1/20 sec. 



Tumor of lower Eye-lid. 

50mm Elmar, f:9, 1/8 sec,. 3cm 

tube. 



Pig-mented Condition of the Eye. 
50mm Elmar, f:9, 1/8 sec., 3cm 
tube. 



Congenital Coloboma of the Iris. 

50mm Elmar, f :9, 1/8 sec., 3cm 

tube. 

Dupont Superior film. 



Greater Enlargement of No. 4. 



AS AN OPHTHALMIC CAMERA 



HENRY M. LESTER CHAPTER 21 



Photography of anterior segments of the human eye for scientific 
and medical purposes presents problems peculiarly its own. A photo- 
graphic camera directed at an eye actually faces another camera, 
and a well designed one too, to say the least. Besides this our camera 
faces one of the most sensitive and delicate centers of the nerve sys 
tern, a very delicate and accurate optical organ and a convex mirror, 
photographically speaking: a wide-angle reflecting surface. 

To produce photographs of an eye one needs a good camera with 
an optical system as flexible as possible. One needs good and suit- 
able illumination capable of delivering the light required for short 
exposures without unnecessary strain to the eye. One needs fast 
films with broad latitude of emulsion and with a full color correction. 
And plenty of patience 1 

If it is difficult to make precision still photographs of the eye, 
it is harder yet to take motion pictures of it. This is particularly 
true in cases where the eyes to be photographed are diseased or abnor- 
mal, extremely sensitive to light, easily irritated by prolonged ex- 
posure to air. Such eyes are usually in motion, almost constantly. 
But even if it were possible to immobilize them for a moment the iris 
would never remain stationary: the movement of this remarkable 
living diaphragm cannot be controlled at will; the size of the aper- 
ture, the pupil, is constantly changed as the iris contracts or dis- 
tends. Strong light, such as is required for short exposures is almost 
invariably unbearable to the eye, causing irritation accompanied by 
lacrimination, nervous movements of the eye-ball, eye-lids and the 
entire head. 

During a recent production of a motion picture dealing with 
subnormal vision and describing various optical devices, spectacles 
and other aids designed to overcome this handicap, a number of 
" close-ups M of eyes (anterior segments) were required to show the 
specific condition of the case for which the particular type of 
spectacle was being designed. The motion picture was to amplify 
a lecture by showing and explaining visually to the profession the 
technique of examination of eyes having sub-normal visual acuity, the 

371 



optical principles underlying the construction of the different types 
of telescopic spectacles, pin-hole spectacles, compound magnifiers, con- 
tact lenses, etc. The various deformities and anomalies encountered 
in cases of sub-normal vision had to be shown to demonstrate available 
methods of optical treatments of the different types of defective 
vision. 

It was felt that it would be useless to expose patients to the 
strain, discomfort and hardships of motion picture photography for 
close-ups of anterior sections. It was found that "stills" of these 
anterior segments, showing the affected eyes in great detail, when 
rephotographed on motion picture film yielded all that was desired 
and even more, having several advantages. Besides, these "stills 7 * 
were usable for making of lantern slides and also for case history 
records. 




Fig. 275 Leica mounted on 
a Simplex-Pockette 16mm 
motion picture camera out- 
fit for making still and mo- 
tion pictures at the same 
time. The author assem- 
bled this outfit for his 
medical and scientific work 



372 



Ophthalmic Photography 

The entire picture (some 1600 feet of 16mm film) was produced 
within eight weeks. Two Simplex-Pockette cameras were used in the 
production. Figure 275 shows one of these outfits specially adapted 
for this work. The Leica camera was mounted atop the motion 
picture camera, where it performed double duty: it was used to 
check exposures and general lighting arrangement of each set-up, 
and to produce " stills" of every scene quickly, stills that were easily 
available, easily reproduced and enlarged to any size desired. This 
outfit was used for the general work: long and medium shots. For 
close-ups of anterior segments, requiring utmost precision, another 
outfit was designed and assembled. 




Fig. 276 The Leica as an 
Ophthalmic camera 



The Leica Equipment 

A Leica was mounted upon a heavy compound base of a binocular 
ophthalmic microscope. The base, equipped with cross-slide adjust- 
able movement was particularly well adapted as a support for the 
camera; while extremely rigid it permitted free and fully controlled 
movement of the camera in every desired direction for adjustment 
and focusing. Thus mounted upon the base the camera was placed 
on a heavy adjustable instrument table equipped with an elevating 
gear and an adjustable head-and-chin rest. The entire outfit was 
very heavy and rigid, permitting accurate and dependable control of 
the equipment at all times without being subject to vibrations. The 
illustrations show the arrangement as used in detail. 

373 



The outfit was assembled from the following units and parts : 
1. Leica Camera Model F. 2. Lens Shade. 

3. Spirit Level. 4. Cable Release. 

5. Compound Binocular Microscope Base. 

6. Instrument Table with Head and Chin Rest. 
1. Sliding Focusing Attachment Model No. 1, 

8. Magnifier with adjustable collar for above. 

9. Special Attachment Ring (ordinarily used on 
the lens when used in the Valoy enlarger). 

Two diagonal hair-lines were etched into the surface of the 
ground glass of the Focusing Attachment for better centering of the 
image. Greater brilliance of the image upon the ground glass was 
obtained by rubbing in a drop of oil into the ground side of the glass. 

The magnifier not only aided materially in critical focusing, but 
also acted in lieu of a focusing cloth, keeping out extraneous light 
during focusing on the ground glass. The spirit level was used to 
obtain better alignment of the camera with the optical axis of the 
eye to avoid distortion. The special attachment ring was used over 
the lens to facilitate the operation of the lens diaphragm. It also 
served admirably as a lens shade. In addition to the above the fol- 
lowing color filters in mounts were used : Panchromatic XI and X2 ? 
Yellow No. 1 and No. 2 and Eed (A). 

The optical equipment consisted of the standard Elmar 50mm 
f :3.5 lens and the 30mm extension tube. It was found that this lens 
has excellent sharpness, correction, definition and resolving power. 
This lens, when used in connection with the 30mm extension tube 
mounted upon the Sliding Focusing Attachment produced images of 
the eye upon the film almost normal size. When set for infinity with 
the working distance from the eye being 108 mm the exact ratio of 
the size of the object to the size of the image of film is 1 :0.S2. 

The Focusing Attachment with the camera connected to it was 
mounted upon the compound base by means of a brass key which 
fitted into a groove in the head of the base. A set screw tightened 
the connection rigidly. This arrangement rendered the camera out- 
fit easily interchangeable with the microscope, thus permitting the 
use of either at will. It also assured utmost rigidity and freedom 
from play and vibration, the importance of which cannot be over- 
emphasized. 

The outfit having been assembled, considerable experimental work 
preceded the actual taking of pictures of cases. The entire procedure 
of photographing anterior segments had to be standardized and 

374 



Ophthalmic Photography 

simplified before patients were requested to sit before the camera. 
Correct exposures, arrangement of lights, type of film, filters and 
many other details had to be worked out and definitely established. 

Correct exposures were determined with the Weston Photo- 
electric Leicameter. Factors of film, filters, and extension tubes be- 
ing known, it was a simple matter to arrive at the correct timing of 
the shutter. The factor of the 30 mm tube with the lens set at 
infinity is 2.2 x. The lens was usually stopped down to f :9 or f :12.5. 
Such small apertures were required to obtain greater depth of focus. 
Good definition was obtainable at these apertures of all parts of the 
eye, including edges of eye-lids, corners of eye. The maze of capillary 
blood vessels of the selera (white, opaque portion of the eye-ball) was 
also always in sharp focus. This depth of focus, though not essential 
to the picture, imparted usually a feeling of roundness and depth, 
with resulting life-like appearance of the eye. 

The success of the work depended not only upon a standardized pro- 
cedure of the technique of photography, but also on uniformity of materials, 
processing and laboratory work. For film the Du Pont Superior Panchro- 
matic was selected because of its latitude of emulsion, speed under artificial 
light, its color correction, response to filters and its grain structure. All 
film was developed, hardened, fixed and washed in Correx tanks. For de- 
veloper the well-known Du Pont fine-grain formula was selected: it yielded 
fine grain with minimum loss of speed and definition; this formula is known 
as Dr. Sease No. 3. (See chapter on Film-Development.) 

The use of color filters was avoided as much as possible. Only 
where it was absolutely necessary were they put into service. Par- 
ticularly, where special colors required it for the purpose of correct 
monochromatic rendering the color filters were resorted to. An 
example of this is offered in figure 277. 




f l Fig. 277 Congenital 
Coloboma 

Elmar 50mm lens, 30mm 
Tube. Photoflash exposure 
at f:12.5. DuPont Supe- 
rior film. Red (A) filter 



375 




This photograph showing a case of a congenital coloboma of an eye 
was made with the Wratten (A) Eed filter to separate the dark brown 
iris from the black pupil. The same photograph made without this 
filter showed no appreciable difference between these two colors. 

Importance of Focusing 

Focusing of the image on ground glass was usually done with 
the lens wide open. Subsequently it was stopped down to the desired 
aperture. For this work the special Attachment Eing placed on the 
front of the lens was almost invaluable. With the eye only 4-5 
inches away from the lens, it would have be-en difficult to reset the 
lens diaphragm to the desired stop without disturbing the patient. 
This ring has outside calibrations, which though not in * k f' ; values 
are easily memorized as to their equivalents. The patient was placed 

Fig. 278 Attachment Eing, which is extremely use- 
ful for adjustment of lens diaphragm (Elmar or 
Hektor 50mm) in close-up work. It acts also as a 
lens shade 

comfortably in the chair, the table raised to a level where the lens 
of the camera was opposite the eyes, and then the vertical and hori- 
zontal fine adjustments were made by means of the rack-and-pinion 
of the cross-slide movement of the base. The head of the patient was 
made to rest upon the chin rest, after which the focusing was made, 
the lights turned on and the exposure quickly made. 

Illuminating the Eye 

Which brings us to the most trying and difficult problem of 
photographing the eye: the illumination. The eye acts as a wide- 
angle mirror-like reflecting surface (convex). Not only will it reflect 
the light source, but, under certain conditions, the camera and its 
operator as well. Photographs of the eye, therefore, should be made 
in a room free from illuminated objects or light sources other than 
those used for the direct illumination of the eye. There should be 
no light entering through the windows, no skylights, nor ceiling 
lights. Lights used for illumination should be placed as far as pos- 
sible from the eye to render their reflections small and inconspicuous. 
Total lack of reflection in the eye is not desirable, because these re- 
flections lend the picture of the eye that spark of life, that roundness 
and fulness which distinguishes it from a dead eye. 

It is difficult to illuminate a normal eye sufficiently for an in- 
stantaneous exposure of a small lens aperture. Prolonged exposures 

376 



Ophthalmic Photography 

are undesirable because of the ever-present possibility of movement 
of the eye. But there are abnormal, diseased eyes, with all kinds of 
lenticular, retinal, corneal involvements, which actually abhor light. 
There are cases of Photophobia (which does not mean that they abhor 
photographers, although they actually do!); light, even daylight, 
hurts them. Their eyes must be shielded, protected from light, and 
not exposed to it. 

Thus, although the entire process of photographing anterior seg- 
ments was standardized sufficiently to form a kind of routine, the 
matter of handling, selecting and arranging lights had to be treated 
differently in each and every individual case. It had to be made to 
suit not only every patient, but the condition of each eye as well; 
for there were cases where one eye was entirely different from the 
other. Before the patient was placed before the camera, the reaction 
of his eyes to light had to be definitely and carefully determined by 
the doctor. 

Flashlight Eye Exposures 

In the case of eyes particularly sensitive to light, the most satis- 
factory method of illumination was found in the Photoflash bulb. 
The bulb was usually placed in the reflector of a goose-neck type floor 
lamp. A diffusion screen was placed before the photoflash bulb; not 
so much because of the intensity of the light, but because these bulbs 
occasionally crack or break when flashed. The tiny, thin fragments 
of glass would be dangerous to the eye of the patient, and one cannot 
be too careful in protecting it. The reflector was usually placed some 
five to six feet away from the eye, slightly above its level and to one 
side of it. On the other side of the eye a white reflecting surface was 
placed to provide even illumination, thus imparting roundness to the 
picture. Actual focusing was done with the light of a 15-watt bulb, 
placed conveniently near the camera. The shutter of the camera was 
synchronized with the switch of the bulb; and at the moment sharp 
focus was obtained, the exposure was made. 

In most instances the patient was barely aware of an intense 
light sensation in connection with the flash, which lasts only about 
l/50th to l/75th of a second too short to register any intensity upon 
the retina of the eye. To be sure of critical focus, it was at times 
necessary to use a special head-and-chin rest for the patient. The rest 
was provided with a small piece of flat wood, attached crosswise. 
The patient was askod to hold the wood firmly between his teeth dur- 
ing focusing, retaining the assumed position for the exposure. 

377 



Ophthalmic Photography 

Eyes with, normal reaction to light were photographed with the 
aid of two 500-watt bulbs, or two Photoflood bulbs, in suitable re- 
flectors with tracing cloth diff users. The reflectors should not be of 
the polished type, but of the oxidized, dull, aluminum finish, to avoid 
reflections of filaments upon the subject. One light was placed on 
each side of the eye; one closer to it (four to five feet), the other 
farther away (six to eight feet). The farther the light source from 
the eye the smaller its reflection in the eye. Frequently a white 
reflecting surface placed on one side of the eye replaced the second 
light, but at some increase in exposure. Focusing was again done 
with the light of a low wattage bulb conveniently placed near the 
camera and near to the patient's eye. 




"Fig. 280 Dr. R. Castroviejo using the Leica for photography 
of anterior segments of the eye. Adequate illumination is se- 
cured by means of head mirror reflecting powerful spotlight 
at time of exposure 

Leica for Clinical Photography 

I am indebted to Dr. Ramon Castroviejo of the Opthalmic 
Institute, Columbia-Presbyterian. Medical Center, New York, for 
extremely valuable information and ingenious methods of illumina- 
tion of anterior segments of the eye. Dr. Castroviejo assembled 
independently a Leica outfit for this work, quite similar to the one 
described here, with which he -obtains some remarkable photographs 
of anterior segments. He was good enough to demonstrate some 
of his work and to permit me to use some of his Leica pictures, 

379 



which are shown here. Dr. Castro viejo's work is remarkably well 
illustrated with Leica photographs, only some of which can be 
shown here. 

Dr. Castroviejo uses his Leica outfit as an Opthalmic camera 
extensively in his clinical work The results of his surgical and 
therapeutic treatments of eyes are constantly and periodically 
recorded photographically, furnishing a most detailed visual record 
for his case histories. Many photographs thus obtained are subse- 
quently made into lantern slides, and used in lectures. 

Illustrations which follow show the ingenious illumination 
methods used by Dr. Castroviejo. 

In setting up and operating the Leica Opthalmic equipment Dr. 
Castroviejo proceeds as follows: 

1. A standard surgical spot-light equipped with a 500-Watt bulb 
and a water filter as well as a system of condensing lenses for 
focusing and narrowing the beam of light is placed alongside the 
patient. 

2. The beam of light is directed at the head of the person operating 
the camera. 

3. The operator wears a head-mirror of the kind used by nose and 
throat specialists during examination of interior organs. The 
beam of light from the spot-light strikes the mirror and is re- 
flected by it in any direction desired. 

4. By means of slight movements of the head the operator is in a 
position to direct the beam of light upon the eye to be photo- 
graphed for as short or as long a time as indicated. 

5. The camera is focused as usual, the operator standing behind it 
opens the camera shutter and at the same time by a mere nod of 
his head makes the beam of light pass quickly across the eye. 

6. Directly afterwards the shutter is closed. 

7. With a little practice remarkable ease is acquired producing ex- 
cellent results with minimum discomfort to the patient. The beam 
of light need remain upon the eye a mere fraction of a second. 

Another method used by Dr. Castroviejo consists of placing the 
same spot-light opposite the patient's eye, alongside the camera, with 
the beam directed at the eye. In this case use is made of the compur 
shutter with which the spot-light is equipped, controlled by a cable 
release. The shutter has speeds of 1/25 to 1/50 of a second. After 

380 



Ophthalmic Photography 

focusing the camera with the aid of a low-wattage bulb, the spot- 
light is turned on with the compur shutter remaining closed, but set. 
for the desired speed. Opening the shutter of the camera, releasing 
the shutter of the spot-light, and closing the shutter of the camera, 
takes less time than to say it ! The illustrations show details of these 
various set-ups. 

Use of the Placido Disc 

Several photographs were required of eyes with deformities of 
the cornea. The cornea (the outer transparent part of the eye-ball; 
of a normal eye is spherical, forming a segment of a sphere slightly 
smaller in diameter than that of the eye-ball itself. It is smooth and 
glossy. Its roundness and smoothness enable it to act as a convex 
reflecting surface. In some cases the cornea assumes shapes different 
from normal, sometimes resembling a cone, in other cases it develops 
deformities of the outer surface, irregularities of the curvature, 
wrinkles, etc. All of these deformities result in distorted and defec- 
tive vision. Some of them are very slight, however, barely visible to 
the eye. The fact that a normal cornea acts as a convex mirror had 
been utilized in the detection of these irregularities and in their 
accurate measurement. A white disc (known as the Placido Disc), 
some 12 to 18 inches in diameter, upon which had been drawn con- 
centric black circles about 1 inch wide and about 1 inch apart, is 
placed in front of the eye. Through an aperture in the center of the 
disc one can observe the reflection of this disc in the eye. A normal 
cornea will reflect a true reduced image of these concentric black and 
white circles, fully retaining their roundness, spacing and concen- 
tricity. A malformed cornea will reflect a distorted image, from the 
nature, shape and direction of which the character of the malforma- 
tion can be diagnosed and measured. 




Fig. 281 Placido Disk Reflection in Cornea Fig. 282 Placido Disk Reflection in Cornea 

of Normal Eye of Diseased Eye 

381 



To obtain photographs of reflections of Placido Discs in normal 
and in abnormal eyes the same Leica outfit was used, but the illumina- 
tion was changed. A Placido Disc was placed over the lens, which 
was accomplished by inserting into its center aperture a black paper 
tube (about 2" long), which in turn was slipped over the Leica lens. 
The black paper tube acted as an extended lens hood. The center of 
the Placido Disc was made to coincide approximately with the optical 
axis of the lens. Two 500-watt bulbs in reflectors were placed slightly 
behind the patient and the light was directed at the Placido Disc. 
The light reflected from the white portions of the disc served to 
illuminate the eye. In arranging the lights care was taken to prevent 
direct rays of light from striking the elements of the lens. The fol- 
lowing illustrations show a photbigiraph of a normal eye and that of 
an eye with a distorted, malformed cornea. 

Portraits of Patients 

The flexibility of this Leica outfit made it possible to use it for still 
another purpose. By simply removing the 30mm extension tube and mount- 
ing the 50mm lens directly upon the sliding focusing attachment one se- 
cured a portrait view camera with a ground glass upon which to compose 
the picture. Focusing- in this case was accomplished by unlocking the lens 
barrel of the Elmar 50mm lens (turning it counter-clockwise) and moving 
it in and out. Portraits of patients were wanted for case 
histories and records to show the marked difference 
in facial expressions resulting from improved vision. 
The tired, haggard and tense expression typical of a 
patient during his early examinations was usually su- 
perseded by an expression of ease and contentment 
after the correct spectacles were fitted. For this pur- 
pose photographs of the head and a portion of the 
shoulders were wa'nted. Fo.r photographs of anterior 
segments the patient was asked to lean forward in 
his chair and' to rest his head upon the chin rest. For 
portraits the same patient was asked to lean upon the 
back of the chair. The change in the focal length of 
the lens, produced .by the removal of the extension 
to^ra 2 ! 3 ?f cor p5 h " tube > permitted making these two different pictures 
w!an p ng Pin-hofe 1<m without moving the camera, nor for that matter dis- 
Spectacies turbing the patient, who did not have to leave the chair. 

Subsequently a system of records .of cases was developed consisting of 
mounting on the back of history cards pictures showing the patient at first 
examination, anterior segments of his eyes, and a photograph of the 
patient wearing spectacles designed for him. A photograph of such a 
portrait is shown here. 

The usefulness of this Leica outfit did not stop after the comple- 
tion of photographs of anterior segments and portraits of patients. 
Another phase of the motion picture work offered great difficulties 

382 




Ophthalmic Photography 

and again the Leica was put to work and successfully used as a short- 
cut. In explaining the principles underlying the construction and 
design of various spectacles used as aids to eyes affected with sub- 
normal vision it was desired to show how a beam of light is refracted 
in passing through the medium of a lens, what happens to it when it 
enters the eye, and how the path of this beam of light can be con- 
trolled to produce an image upon the retina by making it pass through 
certain media before entering the eye. 

Smoke Box Photography 

A schematic model of the eye was built of glass. Also a special 
"smoke box", consisting of a wooden box, painted with dead black 
coating inside. One of the sides of the box was fitted with plate glass, 
which enabled observation from the outside. At one of the ends an 
opening was made through which a, beam of light could be admitted. 
An optical bench was placed inside the box, and various lenses, slits, 
prisms, pin-holes and similar media were mounted upon it aligned 
along the same optical axis. A strong source of light-was placed on 
the outside of the box with the beam light entering the box through 
the side opening. The bunch of rays entering the box was made as 
nearly parallel as possible. When the box was filled with smoke the 
path of rays became plainly visible in a darkened room. The rays 
were made to pass through lenses, prisms, slits, pin-holes, etc., and as 
a result were made to converge, diverge, change direction, intensity, 
etc. At the end of considerable experimentation to produce the de- 
sired results this turned out to be an interesting and quite a dramatic 
spectacle. But the motion picture camera was blind to it, despite fast 
lenses and fast films! Although a very strong source of light was 




Fig, 284 Smoke Box photograph showing behavior of bundle of rays 
after passing through convex lens 

Elmar 50mm lens. Three minutes ' at f:18. DuPont Superior film. Bed (A) filter 



383 



used, its actinic value was slight. Because what we saw was, of course, 
not light itself, but merely the illuminated minute particles of smoke, 
which reflected less light the farther away they were from its source. 
To intensify these illuminated particles, a bit of powdered chalk was 
shaken into the smoke box just before the exposure was made. 

The Leica was used to record these set-ups. When enlarged these 
photographs were rephotographed on motion picture film, producing 
results which were found to be excellent in every way. The camera 
mounted upon its rigid support described previously was as free from 
vibration as possible. This was important because very long expos- 
ures were required : with the lens stopped down to f :18 and with a 
red (A) filter used to retard the light and to bring out some detail 
in the shadows of the set-up and equipment inside the smoke-box 
the exposures ranged from 2 to 5 minutes ! The following illustrations 
show these actual photographs/obtained in this manner and subse- 
quently incorporated into the motion picture film. 






Fig. 285 Smoke Box photograph 

showing behavior of bundle of rays after passing through simple "telescope", entering 
model of eye and forming image upon retina. Exposure as in Fig. 284 

These photographs had to be produced in a darkened room. All 
those present in the room had to remain motionless throughout the 
long exposures. To prevent vibration caused by street traffic and 
subways the actual exposures were made between 2 A. M. and 5 A. M. 

When reproductions of these photographs were later flashed upon 
a screen as a part of the motion picture they appeared just as real as 
if they were produced directly upon the moving film, there being no 
action, but merely an even and steady flow of light, i Thus these stills 
were just as effective, but much, much simpler to make than by means 
of a " stop-mo tion" mechanism on the motion picture camera. Gor- 

384 



Ophthalmic Photography 

rect exposures for these photographs were obtained by the tedious, 
But infallible method of trial-and-error. Exposures varied with every 
set-up because of various light intensities resulting from the use of 
various media through which the light was made to pass. The prepa- 
ration of each set-up was so tedious that some three to six shots of 
each were made : just to play safe. 




Fig. 286 Smoke Box photograph 

showing- bundle of rays entering model of eye rendered defective by simulated corneal 
opacities. No image formed upon retina. Exposure as in Fig. 2$4 

At the conclusion of this work literally hundreds of feet of Leica 
film were on hand. These were scrutinized carefully, the best ones 
chosen, classified, viewed through the enlarger. Test prints were 
made, and unessential portions of photographs masked out. 

Glossy 5x7 prints, f errotyped, were made of all photographs 
desired for the motion picture work. They were uniform in size, 
finish, all were arranged and centered correctly. Mounted upon a 
special easel these prints were photographed with the Simplex Pock- 
ette camera in such a way that the white borders did not show. 

"When these " stills" were subsequently projected on a 7 x 9 foot 
screen they appeared amazingly life-like, brilliant and possessing all 
the roundness and detail that could be desired. What is more, as far 
as showing anterior segments was concerned, these stills had many 
advantages over actual direct shots : each eye stood still, as if caught 
and stopped; it was wide open for leisurely examination and observa- 
tion of its defects and details. There was no contraction of the iris, 
no movement of eye-lids to obscure portions of the eye-ball, there was 
no visible trace of effort on the part of the patient to show it, no 
lacrimation nor discoloration, which usually are caused by prolonged 
examination of the eye. 

385 




Lightning Striking Empire State 



John P. Gaty 



Ehnar 90mm lens, Time Exposure at f :4, DuPont Infra-D film, Wratten C and F filters 



386 






JOHN P. GATY CHAPTER 22 



Photography by means of light beyond the ends of the visible 
spectrum offers many interesting possibilities to the experimenter. 
Ultra-violet photography, using shorter wave lengths than those trans- 
mitted by optical glass, requires expensive quartz lenses and filters 
which are not available to the average photographer. The invisible 
light of the extreme red and infra-red region, which consists of 
longer wave lengths than the visible red light, can be utilized for 
photography without the aid of expensive auxiliary equipment. A 
minimum investment in this type of experiment would be the pur- 
chase of a roll of infra-red sensitive film and a red gelatine filter. 
The ordinary Leica lens of any type will work perfectly, although the 
Elmar series should be set at a scale reading of 100 feet in order to 
focus the infra-red rays from distant objects. The Hektor series 
requires slightly less compensation, while the latest Summar lens is 
provided with a special index mark on the mount for the purpose 
of focusing with infra-red. 

If close-ups are required, adjust the lens to the true distance 
and then subtract the same amount of angular rotation as was re- 
quired to move the lens from the true infinity position to the selected 
infra-red infinity position. This amount of angular rotation is 
measured on the circular edge of the focusing ring. In all cases 
the infra-red scale-reading will be less than the panchromatic scale- 
reading, by a very slight amount. Images formed by infra-red rays 
focus slightly further back of the focal plane formed by visible light. 
To compensate for this generally slight difference, the lens should be 
racked out by something like 1/200 of its focal length. Thus, if a 
50mm lens is used for infra-red photography, it should be racked 
out about %mm. In most eases the correction for close-ups is un- 
necessary, due to the depth of focus of the lens. 

It is rather difficult to visualize the nature of infra-red rays. The 
fact that the word red is made part of its name should not be taken 
to imply that these rays are colored red. The name of these rays 
implies merely that they can be located in the spectroscope in the 

387 



region adjoining red. Because the human eye is not sensitive to 
infra-red rays it should not be even taken as light. They can be 
most accurately described as invisible rays. It is quite possible to 
describe infra-red rays as heat rays. 

The use of infra-red light for photography is not new. Almost 
one hundred years ago Herschel made infra-red photographs by in- 
direct methods which are still used to explore the infra-red regions 
beyond the range of response of our most modern emulsions. Hersehel 
discovered that an emulsion which has been exposed to blue light 
will show a diminution of exposure wherever it is exposed to red 
or infra-red rays. A film which has been uniformly fogged by blue 
light will then show a positive image of a subsequently made infra- 
red exposure, when it is developed. Patience and careful control 
are required to make this system work effectively, but it offers great 
possibilities for research in regions otherwise beyond the reach of 
photography. 

Infra-Red Films 

Modern infra-red photography dates from about 1910 when the 
experiments of Professor E. W. Wood were announced to world 
famous scientific organizations. For a time popular interest lagged, 
due to the difficulty of obtaining suitable emulsions. Recently, great 
progress toward perfection of infra-red sensitive materials has 
brought the amateur photographer stable and fairly sensitive emul- 
sions suitable for the purpose. Those available for the Leica are 
Agfa R film, DuPont Infra-D film and Eastman K film. The DTI- 
Pont Infra-D and the Agfa E films are especially spooled for the 
Leica and are available from all dealers. 

It is extremely important to use, whenever possible, extremely 
fresh material that is sensitized to infra-red light. Fresh films will 
be found more sensitive than old. It loses its sensitivity in a com- 
paratively short time. Infra-red film six months old is generally 
half of its original speed at the time of production. It is therefore 
recommended that infra-red film be secured with an indication as 
to when it was produced at the factory. 

The special applications of infra-red photography depend on 
two main characteristics of infra-red light. First: it has unusual 
power of penetration of atmospheric haze and certain materials 
which are opaque to visible light. Second: many substances show a 
reflective power to infra-red light which has no apparent relation 
to their reflective power to visible light. The full range of wave 
lengths of infra-red light is considered to be about three thousand 

388 



Infra-Red 

times as great as the full range of the total visible spectrum from 
violet to deep red. In other words, if the total visible color spectrum 
were considered as a piano keyboard, with each note representing 
a different wavelength band, or color, it would take a piano with 
three thousand progressively arranged keyboards to contain all the 
notes or colors in the infra-red spectrum. Photographically, only 
the very beginning of this composite keyboard has been explored to 
date, since most experimenters have failed to reach further than the 
top of the fourth standard keyboard length above the visible spec- 
trum. The films already listed reach approximately to the top of the 
first standard keyboard length above the end of the visible spectrum, 
but in this region alone there lies a complete gamut of invisible colors 
(if such a thing can be) . Since these cannot be seen, their effect on 
the infra-red sensitive film must be determined by experiment. 

For illustration: some black, green, olive, blue, and violet dyes 
will photograph as light gray or almost white under certain wave- 
lengths of infra-red light. Other dyes matching exactly in visible 
color will photograph by the same light as dead black or dark gray. 
This fact may lead to adoption of specialized infra-red and heat re- 
fleeting dyes for summer clothing. The cloth would appear to be 
dark to the eye and would not soil readily, but would be as cool to 
wear as a white garment. 

Differences in. Infra-Red Values 

These two fundamental characteristics of atmospheric penetra- 
tion and unusual tonal response are the causes of the peculiar effects 
depicted in landscapes when they are photographed by infra-red 
light. On a clear day there is a total lack of atmospheric perspective, 
or the demarcation of various planes in the distance due to the sepa- 
ration of tones by atmospheric haze. The foliage of most trees reflects 
infra-red light perfectly and the sunlit trees appear in the photo- 
graph to be covered with silver leaves. This effect is greater in the 
case of broad-leaved trees than it is with the firs, pine trees and hem- 
locks. Since the infra-red light penetrates the atmosphere without 
much scattering, that part of the spectrum comes directly down from 
the sun without illuminating the sky by diffusion. The sky shows a 
total lack of scattered infra-red light and thus appears as dead black 
unless it contains clouds or atmospheric vapor of a tangible kind. 
Since the sky is free of diffused infra-red light it cannot act as a 
source of light to illuminate the shadows of the scene. The shadows 
will therefore photograph as dead black, unless some object on the 
ground acts as a reflector. White sand or a green lawn will do this, 

389 



and the point should be remembered when attempting to compose a 
landscape. The Infra-red pictorialist must think in infra-red pho- 
tographic values only. Otherwise, his pictures will provide surprises 
continually. 

The haze penetrating power of infra-red light has produced some 
remarkable results in aerial photography, but a distinction should be drawn 
between atmospheric haze, or intangible particles of moisture suspended in 
air and actual clouds composed of water drops large enough to wet a sur- 
face passing through them. Clouds perfectly reflect all the photographically 
available wave lengths of infra-red light and it is obvious therefore that 
photographs cannot be made through clouds by infra-red light. It is unsafe 
to say that at some future time an emulsion will not be produced to record 
spectrums of unknown bands of infra-red and thus perform accomplish- 
ments now impossible. Present research, however, has shown that the 
first keyboard of the infra-red above the visible spectrum is the most^ use- 
ful for haze penetration. At the lower end of this range, near the visible 
light, a 1% inch layer of distilled water is almost completely transparent, 
while at the upper end it absorbs about 90 per cent of the light directed 
upon it. There is a slight decrease in absorption of light near the begin- 
ning of the second keyboard and then a rapid increase, until at the upper 
end and thenceforth to "the limits of exploration the water is completely 
opaque. This interesting fact explains the surface heating of large bodies 
of water in summer since the longer wave lengths of infra-red are inti- 
mately associated with heat. It also explains why a drop in temperature 
is felt when a cloud passes across the face of the sun. The infra-red and 
heat waves are reflected back into space or absorbed by the cloud and can- 
not reach the earth. Since heavy fogs are simply clouds at rest on the 
ground, there does not seem to be much hope for the so-called fog cameras. 
'The type of atmospheric haze and light mist penetrable by photographi- 
cally available infra-red light hardly offers a serious menace to navigation. 

The penetrating power of infra-red light is selective. Some 
woods such as certain pines, sycamore, balsa and beech transmit 
infra-red freely through layers up to ^ inch. Other woods of the 
same thickness, such as teak, oak and walnut transmit little or no 
infra-red light. Bubber is a material that is a good transmitter of 
infra-red. 

Human skin transmits infra-red light to such an extent that 
certain limited medical applications have been found for this type 
of photography. Subsurface details that are invisible to the eye 
sometimes can be seen in an infra-red photograph. This fact makes 
infra-red portraiture disappointing, since the subject always appears 
unnatural. A man's clean-shaven face often photographs as though 
heavily bearded with stubble, and the natural facial contours are 
changed in appearance. 

Infra-red photography is very effectively being employed in the 
field of medical research. Remarkably clear images of subcutaneous 
structures of blood vessels appear clearly when photographed upon 

39Q 



Infra-Red 

infra-red film either through a filter placed upon a lens or with filters 
placed upon the light source. Very interesting photographs have been 
made of the development of varicose veins long before they were ap- 
parent to the naked eye. In the field of dermatology the application 
of infra-red photography should be of particularly great interest : cer- 
tain skin diseases result in a crust-like coating of the skin which 
does not permit an observation of the condition of tissues beneath the 
crust. Photographs on infra-red film would reveal the condition of 
tissues and cells beneath that crust with comparative simplicity. 

Infra-red portraiture sometimes can be applied to people with 
unusual skin defects which may actually disappear in the photograph. 
Deeply pigmented skin often appears white when taken upon infra- 
red film. 

In the field of criminology infra-red photography repeatedly has 
proved its ability to differentiate between pigments which were vis- 
ually the same in altered documents or forgeries. There also have 
been cases where paintings photographed by infra-red light revealed 
the presence of lower layers of paint constituting a different picture. 
Extremely interesting results had been obtained by the use of infra- 
red photography for revealing detail in old documents, which were 
either stained or deliberately deleted by censors with black inks. 
The same applies to faded inks, fabrics, records or parchment, wood 
and leather. One of the many available methods of examining and 
testing paintings of old masters consists of photographing those 
paintings on 'infra-red film, which will reveal the slightest traces of 
lower layers of paint. It is sometimes possible to read a letter in a 
sealed envelope by photographing it on infra-red film through the 
envelope from both sides and subsequently arranging the different 
aspects for legibility. 

In photomicrography interesting experiments have shown that 
infra-red light is capable of revealing hidden details of structure. 
This application is a recent one and offers considerable possibilities 
for experimentation. It depends on the property of infra-red rays to 
penetrate certain substances while being reflected by others,, quite at 
variance with the action of visible light. It is successfully employed 
in rendering invisible details of cell structures beneath the outer cov- 
ering of insects 7 bodies which is composed of a substance known as 
chitin. It is frequently found that a black or dark colored beetle 
or insect just as easily can be trans-illuminated with the aid of infra- 
red rays as a wing of a grasshopper with ordinary light. 

391 



Infra-red photographs through a miser oscope are not by any 
means easy nor simple because of the extremely small depth of focus 
available at such great magnifications. The infra-red rays focus in 
a different plane from that of visible light, and it is almost im- 
possible to make the two foci coincide. One has to take several ex- 
posures with different settings of the indicator of the micrometric 
adjustment of the microscope and after developing and examining 
the film determine which is the correct setting for a given exposure. 

Celestial photographs by the aid of infra-red have shown details 
of planets which otherwise were veiled by the planets' own atmos- 
phere, and have depicted stars beyond some of the nebulae. Here, 
again, the exceptional penetrating power of the rays is of advantage. 

One of the most popular applications of infra-red photography 
was developed in the Hollywood studios for securing night scenes 
and moonlight effects in broad daylight. As previously mentioned, 
blue skies are rendered black when photographed on infra-red film. 
Thus, if a photograph be taken on a clear, cloudless day, the land- 
scape would show a black sky. Considerable experimentation must 
precede any definite application of infra-red film to such effects. 

Exposure and Filters 

The standard exposure with the Leica and the films mentioned 
in this article should be from 1/1.0 to 1/20 at f :3.5, when using a 
filter of a density approximately a Wratten No. 25 (cherry red). 




Fig 1 . 288 California Sunshine 



John P. Gaty 



Hektor 50mm lens, 1/20 second at f :2.5, DuPont Infra-D film. F Filter. 
(Note reflection into shadows of upper part of house from roof below) 



392 



Infra-Red 

These exposures are for a bright, clear day in full sunlight. It is 
impossible to. set up a standard for a cloudy day, since experiments 
have shown that the infra-red light intensity seems to have little 
relation to the intensity of the visible light, as measured by an ordi- 
nary photometer. It may be proportionally more or less, perhaps 
depending on the wetness or particle size of the water vapor in the 
clouds. The only method of determining proper exposures under 
artificial lighting is by experimenting with the light source used. 












Pig. 289 California Landscape 



'^^^^0:^J^^^''{^ 



John P. Gaty 



Summar 50mm lens. 1/20 second at f :2.2, PuPont Infra-D film, Wratten 
F filter (Clouds are not printed in nor retouched. Infra-Red always 
renders clouds unusually well) 

Under-exposures should be avoided at all times. It is best to always 
give a full exposure and thus provide a margin of safety for low 
density development. The resulting negative will show less grain 
and will possess better shadow detail, although the shadows must 
depend for their illumination upon reflective surfaces. 

Combinations of gelatine filters can be used for selecting the 
longer wave lengths of infra-red and the exclusion of most of the 
extreme visible red. Such combinations could be a No.; 29 (F) 
Wratten gelatine plus either a No. 45H, a No. 46, or any of the C 
series of blue Wratten gelatines. Study of the absorption curves 
in the Wratten filter book will suggest other combinations. 

A very interesting special application of infra-red to landscape photo- 
graphy is to enlarge the photograph and tone the enlargement blue. If 
properly composed and toned, the photograph will then show white clouds 
against a deep blue sky, white trees and grass, and various gray tones for 
buildings and pavements. The addition of oil coloring to the trees and 

393 




California Church 



John P. Gaty 

Summar 50mm lens, 1/20 second at f;2.3, DuPont Infra-D film, Wratten F filter r 
shadow detail, aided by reflection from sidewalk) 



394 



Infra-Red 

grass and other parts of the picture will produce a surprisingly good imi- 
tation of a natural color photograph. The light tones of the foliage and 
buildings allow the colors to stand out with a brilliance never found on 
an ordinary oil tinted photograph where the colors must be laid over fairly 
dark gray areas. The sky is natural and the clouds possess all the detail 
that they should, and not the unnatural indefinite appearance found in the 
usual tinted photograph. The shadows must be selected carefully in the 
composition and if not too deep, their bluish tone will add naturalness to 
the result. The stunt is well worth trying. 

Hypersensitizing the Film 

If the film is too slow for action photographs it can be speeded up by 
hypersensitizing either by borax or ammonia. An increase of 100% in 
speed can be expected. 

Borax Formula 

0.5 gram sodium chloride 
At 12 C. or 

2 to 3 grams borax 
50 K: 

1000 cc water (preferably distilled) 

Immerse 2 to 6 minutes, don't rinse, 
soak in methyl alcohol 1 minute, dry as 
quickly as possible after removing sur- 
face fluid. 

Ammonia Formula 

2 cc Ammonia (0.91 sp. gravity) 

At 10-12 C. ft A1 _ . 

275 cc Alcohol 

725 cc water (preferably distilled) 

Immerse 2 minutes, don't rinse, dry as 
quickly as possible after removing sur- 
face fluid. 

Above treatment must be done in complete darkness. 

After hypersensitizing, the film should be used as soon as possible. If nec- 
essary, it can be kept a few days in an ice box without deterioration. Before 
it is loaded in the camera, the film should be allowed to warm up to room 
temperature so that condensation of moisture on its surface may be 
eliminated. 

It should be stated at this time that some of the effects obtain- 
able with infra-red filters are not confined to film specially sensitized 
to infra-red rays such as were mentioned before. Any good pan- 
chromatic (red sensitive) film will in a greater or lesser degree enable 
the application of a red filter and sometimes will yield results com- 
parable to those confined to pure infra-red photography. 

The field of infra-red photography lies open, with boundless pos- 
sibilities for original experimentation. There are chances to do serious 
investigation as well as to produce interesting and striking photo- 
graphs. They constitute a challenge to the inquisitive and original 
photographer. 

395 



Fig. 291 Phases of Total 
Eclipse of the Sun 

Photos by Lincoln K. Davis 




With 24-inch lens on Leica Camera. 
Partial phases taken through E. K. 
neutral filter, exposure f:32, 1/200 
second 



Taken at Truro, Mass., 
August 31, 1932 






LINCOLN K. DAVIS CHAPTER 23 



The remarkable versatility of the Leica makes possible many uses 
for which it was not particularly designed, and its employment in work 
to which other cameras are not adapted, or are at a disadvantage on 
account of weight, size, construction, etc. The combination of a focal 
plane shutter and a readily demountable lens in a camera using a 
small film invites the use of various lenses, especially those of long 
focal length, as these features together offer certain advantages with 
such lenses. 

During the summer of 1932 I became interested in photographing 
the total eclipse of the sun which came in August of that year. Here 
was a fine opportunity to try the Leica with a long focus objective. 
The standard 50 mm. Elmar gives an image of the sun which is prac- 
tically microscopic, and even with a film of very fine grain, really good 
enlargements are impossible. Therefore, a long focus lens is essential 
in order to obtain an image big enough to enlarge successfully, with- 
out too much graininess or loss of detail. 

Hunting around, I came across just the lens I was looking for 
in the form of the objective of a thirty-power collapsible telescope. 
Its focal length turned out to be 24 inches, full aperture f :13, and it 
gave a very sharp image, covering the Leica frame without appre- 
ciable marginal loss of definition. The sun's image was about a fifth 
of an inch in diameter, not very large, to be sure, but plenty big 
enough to allow enlarging to fill a five-by-seven print. By means of a 
mailing tube and two pieces of brass tubing fitting it snugly, one 
threaded for the lens and slideable for focusing, and the other threaded 
to fit the lens flange of the Leica, a compact and light telephoto outfit 
was made, well adapted to the taking of the eclipse, as the results 
proved. A wire frame type finder was attached to the tube, and 
the latter fastened to a wood base having a tripod socket. The inside 
of the tube was painted a dead black. 

397 




Fig, 292 Leiea Mounted on Tube with 24 Inch lens for Long 
Distance Pictures 

The partial phases of the eclipse were exposed through a neu- 
tral filter haying a factor of about 32,000 times, time 1/200 second, 
with a cardboard stop to close the lens opening to f :32. Five 
exposures of the total phase were taken, ranging from % second to 
5 seconds, at f :13. The accompanying cut is taken from the 2 second 
negative. Perutz Leica film was used. The ease and speed of opera- 
tion of the Leica was never more appreciated than during totality, 
which lasted only 61 seconds, for I was able to take five time 
exposures, and yet have left a half minute to look at this most im- 
pressive of all spectacles. All of the negatives were extremely sharp 
and enlarged readily eight or ten diameters, and even a twenty- 
diameter enlargement was quite good. , An astronomer acquaintance 
of mine, who had himself obtained some excellent photographs, asked 
me if the eight-times enlargements I showed him were contact prints ! 

My camera is also well suited for long-range terrestrial pho- 
tography, producing as it does an image twelve times as large as that 
of the usual 50mm lens of the Leica,, and its total weight of only 
three pounds means that it may be held readily in the hands and 
aimed like a rifle. For the usual work, however, a tripod is almost 
essential, unless the lighting conditions permit a high shutter speed, 
as every movement of the camera is magnified likewise twelve times. 
Precise focusing is also very important with long focal lengths, as 
the depth of focus is extremely limited, even at small stops. For 
example, the 24-inch lens, stopped down to f :32, has no more depth 
than a 6-inch lens working at f :2. A focusing scale is therefore not 
satisfactory for anything much inside of infinity focus, unless dis- 
tances are known accurately, so a sliding ground glass adapter for 

398 



Astronomical 

the Leica, with a magnifier, is really necessary for the best results. 
The one that I use is home-made, but it does the work. 

Photographing Through a Telescope 

Shortly after the eclipse I tried some pictures of the full moon, 
and did get a few fairly good ones, using an exposure of 1/20 sec- 
ond, stop f :13. However, the image was hardly big enough to show 
much detail in the enlargements, and I realized that if I was to ob- 
tain good results on the moon, I would need a still longer focal length, 
which meant a telescope. Having heard that telescope making was 
not beyond the capabilities of the average person who likes to make 
things, I got a copy of the excellent book on the subject published 




Fig. 293 Start of America's Cup Race, Fig. 294 Boat three-quarters of a mile 

September 22, 1934. "'Rainbow" at left, away. Taken with the telescope 

"Endeavour" at right, photographed from 
a distance of 5000 feet. Taken with 24" 
lens, 1/100 second at f:13 

by the Scientific American, and during the following winter built 
a 6 inch of the reflector type. This has a focal length of 50 inches, 
and thus produces an image twenty-five times as large as does the 
Blmar. The Leica may be substituted for the eyepiece, as shown, or 
by means of a special enlarging camera with a long bellows draw, 
which uses the Elmar to enlarge the primary image, much the same as 
in taking enlarged photographs of small objects, the equivalent focal 

399 



length, may be extended to as much as thirty feet. A ten-diameter 
enlargement of a negative taken with the maximum magnification can 
thus give an image equal in size to that made by a lens of three hun- 
dred feet focal length. Practically, such a high power can seldom be 
used, principally on account of unsteadiness in the atmosphere during 
the necessary exposure of several seconds, when taking either the moon 
or a landscape. However, there is usually no difficulty from this 
source when supplementary magnification is not used, that is, when 
the camera is placed at the primary focus of 50 inches, for the ex- 
posure then may be instantaneous. 

The boat shown in the accompanying photograph was three-quarters 
of a mile away, the camera being- at the 50 inches focus, exposure 1/200 
second, stop f :8.3. Notice that the distant shore, three miles away, is badly 
out of focus, showing how limited is the depth of field at this focal length 
and aperture, in spite of the distance of the object. 

The series of three pictures of the same distant house gives a good 
idea of what can be done with the telescope. The first was taken with the 
2 inch Elmar, the second with the 50 inch mirror of the telescope, and the 
third with the 50 inch mirror plus a seven-times magnification, using the 
Elmar as described above. The magnification represented is, respectively, 
one, twenty-five, and one hundred and seventy-five times. The first two were 
taken at 1/100 second and are very sharp; the third required an exposure 
of about a half -second, and shows the slight blurring caused by wavering 
of the air during even this short exposure. 

It may at first seem strange that a simple two-element achromatic 
lens, or, in the case of the mirror, a single optical surface, can produce 
an image equal in definition to that made by a highly corrected pho- 
tographic objective having four or more elements. In fact, such a 




Fig. 295 View taken with Elmar 50mm f :3.5 Lens 
400 



Astronomical 




Fig. 296 Same view as Fig. 295. 
Taken with telescope of 50 inches 
focal length 



Fig. 297 Same view as Fig. 298 
taken with 50 inch telescope and 
the 50mm Elmar lens to magnify 
primary image 7 times 



lens or mirror, if good enough for astronomical use, is capable of an 
image sharpness which surpasses that of the best lenses intended for 
photography. However, there is a catch, and it is this : an astro- 
nomical objective, either lens or mirror, is required to create an image 
of exquisite sharpness, but only over a very narrow angle. "When 
using a high-power eyepiece, this angle may be as little as eight or 
ten minutes of arc, but the definition must be such that the Image 
can be magnified fifty or more times without "breaking down' 7 . Thus 
it does not matter if the image is rather bad at a few degrees from 
the optical axis, provided that the sharpness is satisfactory on or 
very close to the center line. 

On the other hand, a good photographic objective must cover an 
angle of upwards of forty-five degrees, with a sharpness such that the 
limit of definition is set by the emulsion used and not by the lens. 
This means that some of the central sharpness has to be sacrificed in 
order that the margins of the field may be covered with tolerable 
sharpness. So while the axial definition of an astronomical lens or 
mirror is superior to that of a camera lens, it is equally inferior a 

401 



few degrees from the center. Therefore, when the required sharp 
field subtends. a small angle at the lens, or stated another way, is 
small in diameter compared with the focal length of the objective, the 
sharpness of the central image becomes the important consideration, 
and a lack of definition at a large angle to the optical axis does not 
matter. This is why the Leica, with its small film, works so well with 
a simple achromatic lens or with a mirror having a focal length of 
two feet or more, so that only that part of the image on and near the 
optical axis is used, where the definition is at its best. Of course, a 
larger camera could be used, but the great advantage of the Leica 




Fig. 298 Leica Mounted on Eyepiece of the Telescope 
is the fact that the focal length of the objective used with it may be 
many times the diagonal of the film, to give a high magnification and 
at the same time good definition, without the outfit becoming too large 
and cumbersome to be practical. 

If a telescope from which the lens may be borrowed is not at 
hand, such a lens may be obtained from a dealer in telescopes and op- 
tical supplies, at a price ranging from five dollars upwards, depend- 
ing on the quality. A lens which is only fairly good, judged by astro- 
nomical standards, will be found to give excellent results when used 
in the way described above, so it need not be expensive. The best 
and least costly way to obtain a fine objective for telephoto use is to 
make a telescope mirror. A six-inch is not hard to make, and need 
not be elaborately mounted in order to permit interesting experiments 
with photography, as well as observing many wonders in the heavens. 
But telescope making is a story in itself. 

402 



Astronomical 




Fig. 299 Moon... Feb. 11, 1935 



F. W. Schlesinger 



Leica on Telescope, Focal length, 147 inches, Perutz Neo-Persenso, K2 filter, 
10 seconds at f :15. 



Mr. Schlesinger writes about this photograph as follows: 

We have two telescopes here (The Franklin Institute of the State of Pennsylvania, 
Philadelphia) in the Astronomical Section of the Museum: a 10 inch Zeiss Refractor and & 
24 inch Reflector by Fecher of Pittsburgh. We have been doing some astronomical photog- 
raphy with them, and I have tried some with the Leica, especially with the Refractor. The 
focal length of this instrument is 147 inches, and I have attached the camera so that the 
image is formed on the film without any eyepiece or camera lens intervening. Planetary 
images are too small, while the image of the moon is just barely too large for the frame 
of the camera. The reflector would be more satisfactory since it can be used at focal 
lengths of either 125 inches or 350 inches. I have been trying the Miero-Ibso attachment 
on the Refractor with fair results on the moon, and am sending you some prints of "lunar 
landscapes". Some of these prints are made with a lOx Eyepiece, Pan Film, and a K2 Filter. 
The / value of the telescope is 14.7, exposures ran from 5 to 20 seconds. 

As soon as the Reflector is available. I expect to get some really fine pictures with this 
attachment, since this instrument has an f value of 4.5 and is, of course, perfectly achro- 
matic, so that I can dispense with the filter. This will permit exposures from 1/10 of a 
second up. A shorter exposure is of great advantage in getting a sharp image, since it 
cuts down the motion of the image due to "bad seeing" or the unsteadiness of the 
atmosphere. 



403 



PART III 



THE LEICA IN SPECIALIZED FIELDS 




N. T. G. Girl 



Rudolf H. Hoffmann 



404 




RUDOLF H. HOFFMANN 



Hoffmann by Dmitri 



CHAPTER 24 



CANDID PHOTOGRAPHY WITH A LEICA 



Although Mr. Webster defines the word candid as : sincere, frank, 
impartial, fair, aboveboard, innocent, honest, truthful, unbiased, and 
a lot more, this short word in the vocabulary of a camera man has 
come to mean something else. The term is associated with photo- 
graphs representing a record of what the eye of an unobserved observer 
has 'observed. It is assumed that the camera is used so inconspicuously 
that it is in a position to record something that is intended to be ac- 
tually off the record. Such is the pure and simple meaning of candid 
photography. 

In a sense, candid pictures are perhaps the oldest style of pho- 
tography, since the camera was invented before the airbrush and 

405 



before the professional retoucher learned to transform his picture so 
that the subject would look like someone else. 

From the above interpretation of candid photography it is ob- 
vious that the candid camera must have certain distinctive features 
to do this work. It must be very small, must have a very fast and 
sharp lens, a highly sensitive film and plenty of it, and must permit 
change of film in rapid succession. 

I use a Leica camera because it meets these requirements and be- 
cause I want pictures that do not look like the average photograph. 
Now don't misunderstand me when I say, not to look like a photo- 
graph : I do not mean that I expect the picture to look like an etching 
or a painting. I am thinking mainly about the subtle and elusive 
part of the record; I am thinking of that quick expression, that fleet- 
ing something in a person's action and expression which, though 
constantly changing, makes them what we know them to be. To catch 
the person's character, personality, to grasp that intangible lifelike 
likeness which is ever so abundantly present in a person in action and 
so conspicuously missing in the same person seated in the studio facing 
a camera. That is what I mean by candid photography. 

A great many of my assignments consist of getting photographs 
of prominent stars of the radio, screen and stage worlds. Most of my 
clients are editors of well known national magazines and advertising 
managers. They are business men, and true to form they always look 
for something new for their public. Their files are bursting with 
hundreds of pictures of these stars, but most of them look more or 
less alike. Eeason : they were all taken according to one patent formu- 
la, "Look this way, please, smile, hold it, click. . .Thank you, that's 
all." And the photograph is just that. For this reason, these busi- 
ness men recognize the value of pictures of these same stars showing 
them as human beings rather than as dummies, showing them as the 
public sees them rather than as they themselves or their photographers 
would like them to appear. Candid photography requires an appre- 
ciation of art and composition. Proceeding with the subject in the 
manner diametrically opposite to the patent formula mentioned above, 
the candid camera man does not direct the action or behavior of a 
subject, but permits the person to be himself, and observing a most 
characteristic or revealing pose, full of expression and personality, 
snaps it there and then. 

We come into the room, or studio, or stage, where the artist is at 
work. He or she may know or may not know that a photograph is to 

406 




Horror 



Rudolf Hoffmann 
407 



be taken. We observe the available lighting, we select the proper 
lens, set it at the proper lens aperture, set the shutter speed, and if 
necessary ask the artist to take no notice of us. Then we look through 
the view finder, move into position which we think is most advan- 
tageous for obtaining interesting, story-telling composition. It may 
be that such a vantage point is the so-called worm's eye view, which 
will make us crawl on the floor. Then we focus, watching once again 
through the view finder for the fleeting expression, for that dramatic 
action, for that glamourous action ... Click !... But not yet "Thank 
you" that's only one shot. We wind the shutter. . .Click. . .Another 
expression, wind. . .Click. . .Wind. . .Click, click, click. . .We move to 
another place seeking a different composition, different lighting, we 
see our subject in profile. . .Click, click, click. . .We wait. . .Click. . . 
Someone in the room tells a joke. . .Our subject laughs naturally. . . 
Click, click... He lights a cigarette ... Click, click... He is getting 
serious. . .Click, click click. . .Now he turns towards us and may ask, 
"are you ready to take my picture?" Click. "Thank you", we say, 
"we have thirty pictures of you now!" 

If you are going to take candid photographs of people, you 
should study your subjects before you tell them that you specialize in 
this type of work. There are many persons who do not want a candid 
photograph taken of themselves. Some time ago I was asked to get 
candid photographs of a very famous actress who was getting along 
in years. When she found out that I was going to take candid photo- 
graphs of her she stamped her foot and said, "I won't stand for it. 
I hate that nasty little camera, it tells the truth about me, all pictures 
of me must be retouched before my public sees them." Another 
actress threatened to cancel her contract because her publicity agent 
had released some candid camera shots of her without showing her 
the photographs first. 

Yes, the candid camera does tell the truth, truth that sometimes 
hurts, but in most cases the editors of big circulation magazines and 
newspapers would rather have a candid picture than a stiff, posed, 
retouched photograph. The truth of it is that nearly every one likes 
to see a candid photograph of the other fellow but not one of him- 
self. In other words we, ourselves, like to look like some other 
person. If we have a wart on our nose, or a harelip or deep wrinkles, 
puffy eyes, big stomachs, piggy eyes or horse ears, we expect the pho- 
tographer to remove these things that nature has given us and sub- 
stitute something else with his pencil or air brush. 

408 



Selfconsciousness and the Candid Camera Photographer 

Above all a cameraman who wants to get good candid shots must 
rid himself of all selfconsciousness, all fear and stage-fright. Such 
lack of selfconsciousness grows out of practice and experience which is 
the prerequisite of everything one is supposed to do well. Though the 
candid cameraman frequently attracts attention this should not in- 
terfere with his aims. His position, his location and movements 
should be governed entirely by the picture he is after. His ability 
to move around quickly, inconspicuously, alertly following his sub- 




Fig. 302 Kompa Sisters 

Summar 50mm lens, f:3.5, 1/500, Dupont Superior film. 



Willard D. Morgan 



ject, plays frequently as important a role in his assignment as his 
equipment. Never was a familiar expression as true and well takep. 
as in this type of photographic work: "It's not the camera it's the 
nut behind the button that gets the picture". 

And though frequently the difficulties of getting some of the 
candid shots are great, handicaps being placed in the cameraman ? s 
way seemingly by everybody, that cameraman will win and get the 
picture, whose personality and personal charm will win the hearts of 
those around him. Though the audience, the subjects, the managers, 

409 



Gloria Swanson 




Sia; 



Oliver Hardy 



410 



Rudolf H. Hoffmann 



(left) Marlene Dietrich 




the stage-hands, the directors all may feel that the cameraman is a 
nuisance they will smile at him and give him a helping hand if he 
will win them with a smile, with a joke, with his ingenuity and a 
general amiability. But. never will he get his picture with arrogance, 
impertinence and impudence. Remember: "The maid that smiles is 
half won ! ? ' Then smile at them -and make them smile ! 

A great deal of my work is done in broadcasting studios, taking 
candid photographs of famous actors, actresses, public men and 
women and people who are naturally nervous, irritable, temperamental 




H. W. Zieler at Meeting of. "Circle of Confusion" 



Harold Harvey 



and naturally don't like to have candid pictures taken. My assign- 
ments call for from six to ten photographs that can be reproduced 
in newspapers and magazines. I have to get them as quickly as pos- 
sible because in the minds of my subjects I am a nuisance. Each 
shot must be a . masterpiece because my client does not care to what 
trouble or embarrassment I must go to get the picture. Everything is 
done in a hurry and to all appearances I am always in the way. I 
am upsetting things and everybody. Now and then I may get the 
use of additional lights, more often I am not allowed to make any 

412 



Candid. 




Fig. 305 Senators David Walsh and James J. Davis at Senate Inquiry 
into the "Kickback Kacket". Photograph by Thos. D. McAvoy, Summar 
50mm lens, 1/20 second at f :2.2, DuPont Superior film 

changes whatever, for those changes annoy and distract the artists 
at the microphone. As a result of these experiences I frequently 
simply sit down in the studio in as inconspicuous a place as possible 
and start taking pictures before the artist knows that I am there. 
Sometimes I go into the control room and get my pictures while sit- 
ting behind the plate glass screen which separates the control room 
from the microphone. This is probably the most desirable way of 
photographing my temperamental subjects without their being aware 
of my presence at all. 

Candid Photographs in Industry 

One of the most fertile fields for interesting candid pictures is 
offered by industrial work. Insides of mills, factories, constructions, 
oil fields, marine life, ship building, places where men are working 
with heavy machinery, where men and women are doing things. There 
is plenty of action, plenty of sincerity and little self-consciousness. 
No matter how big or small, no matter how familiar or strange the 
product, the processes of its manufacture, its making from raw mate- 
rials, its molding and shaping, and finishing and wrapping, all these 
stages are filled with interest and glamour to the onlooker. "Wheels 
and machinery, conveyors in their everlasting movement in a certain 
direction, monstrous cranes moving heavy objects, the rhythmical 
movements of men, all of this will fascinate, and it will fascinate 

413 



other people too, if your pictures will tell the story the way you 
saw it. -In this type of work you will often depend on whatever 
light is available, whether it be daylight or artificial light. You 
must place yourself in the most advantageous position to get the most 
out of available illumination. You must try several angles through 
your view finder. Avoid getting too many things in your picture. If 
the object is too large, take several pictures rather than crowd every- 
thing into one. 

One must have fast lenses and fast film emulsions to get such 
pictures. But do not attempt to stop machinery in action in your 
pictures. For that matter, whirling wheels and other parts of ma- 
chines will look much better that way and much more natural. Per- 
suade the men at work to pay no attention to you but to proceed 
with their work as if you were not around. Otherwise your pictures 
will look posed and defeat their purpose. 

Candid camera photography is not confined to the various types 
of work described. Hunting with a candid camera is as full of 
thrills as hunting with a rifle. It differs from the latter in that your 
trophies are alive. Every one is looking for a thrill in life; some turn 
to golf, some to hunting, others to fishing, Teddy Roosevelt went to 
Africa with a big game rifle. Martin and Osa Johnson went to the 
same place with a camera. "We can't all go to Africa with a camera 




Fig. 306 Pierre and Lament DuPont at the Senate Munitions Hearing. 

Photograph by Thos. D. McAvoy, Summar 50mm lens at f :2.2, DuPont 
Superior film 

414 



Candid 




Fig. 307 Wrestlers 



Charles H. Fink 



but with the candid variety in hand lots of us are getting plenty of 
thrills right in our own home recording interesting things going on 
about us. 

The truer to life our pictures, the greater thrill we get out of 
them. And it seems that the candid camera par excellence is the 
small camera, such as the Leica camera, because it can so easily be- 
come a part of you, your third eye. 

Candid shots are seldom taken with a tripod or with time ex- 
posure, for one must move about with the subject or squat down on 
the floor, lie on one's back, climb up on the piano, sometimes even 
hang from the chandelier, if one wants to get candid pictures. And 
how can you hang on to a railing while carrying a tripod, looking 
through a ground glass, slip in your film pack, snap the shutter, and 
get a picture besides? 

Many a professional or amateur photographer has gained fame 
and acclaim because of some unusual candid photographs secured in 
the tense atmosphere of a famous trial. Cameras are officially not 
admitted to courtrooms of some trials, the judge having the final 
word in the matter. Still some people take the chance, holding their 
little camera in the folds of their sleeve, or under their coat, they 
get the picture they want. And some of them are priceless, indeed. 
Though you may not know the principals of the affair from the pic- 
ture, nowhere else is it possible to secure such a magnificent record 
of human emotions displayed on faces as in the courtroom. 

415 




L 



Fig. 308 Pugs 



Ivan Dmitri 




Fig. 309 Jim Londos, world's champion wrestler with head lock on Dick 
Steele (Pete Sauer) at the Auditorium, Memphis, Tenn. on December 23, 
1934, Charlie Pentrop, referee. Photo by Joseph J. Steinmetz. 

Summar 50mm lens, 1/20 second at f:2, Agfa Superpan film 
416 



Candid 




Fig. 310 Backstage Burlesque 

Fenno Jacobs 



Fig. 311 Life, as advertised 



Fenno Jacobs 



Famous congressional investigations with important personalities 
on the stand or among the audience, with their well-known features 
but looking so vastly different in this atmosphere of tension and sus- 
pense than when they face newspaper cameras coming down the gang- 
plank of an Atlantic liner after a pleasant trip abroad. . . Mob 
scenes, showing strikes, riots, great conflagrations all such pictures 
are filled with drama, life and such wealth of emotions, that almost 
no title is necessary to clarify their meaning. Photographing such 
great turmoils of humanity requires presence of mind, coolness and 
complete control of one's emotions as well as one's equipment. That's 
why such photographs are rare and that is why they are considered 
priceless. 

Human curiosity is boundless. Events that take place in a cer- 
tain spot excite interest and curiosity throughout the world. Only a 
few people can see some dramatic or tragic event. But millions would 
like to see it. The candid camera frequently performs that remark- 
able service to millions by bringing the event to those far away, who 
would have liked to be there. 

417 



Equipment 

It being a prerequisite that your candid camera be portable ?> unob- 
trusive and as light as possible, it may not be amiss to suggest equipment 
which I found most expedient for this type of work. 

A Model F Leica with slow shutter speeds is a very important asset. 
However, those that have older models like D, E, or C, can very easily 
add this feature without actually converting the camera to a Model F, by 
acquiring the Slow Timing Device, which is very small, compact and effi- 
,cient. The slow shutter speeds are important because as long as one has 
to depend on available illumination the difference between % of a second 
and 1/20 of a second may mean the difference between having a picture 
and not having it. 

The optics of your camera must be the best. There are three lenses 
available for this type of work, any one of which will yield excellent re- 
sults. These lenses are the Summar 50mm f :2, the Hektor 73mm f :1.9, and 
the Xenon, f :1.5. For those who wish to limit their investment, the Sum- 
mar 50mm and the Hektor 73mm should be the choice. I use the Hektor 
73mm lens for candid camera work indoors, where I want to obtain maxi- 
mum detail and definition. I also find that this lens gives me a better 
perspective than any of the other fast lenses. I stop it down to about f :2, 
which eliminates some of the softness of this particular lens. This is im- 
portant for purposes pertaining to good composition. 

In cases where I 
want to obtain a view 
of as large a portion 
of the stage as pos- 
sible, or when I want 
to include a great 
number of people 



Fig. 312 "The world 
is large and filled with 
many things. . ." 



Fenno Jacobs 




418 



Candid 

in the picture I use the Summar f :2 lens, which in this instance is being 
used, in a sense, as a wide angle lens. 

Your exposures will range from I/SO down to Vs of a second for the 
average stage lighting and only in exceptional cases should a % of a sec- 
ond be attempted, unless one can rest the camera securely to avoid move- 
ment. 

When using the 50mm lenses no other equipment is necessary except 
a lens shade. When the 73mm lens is used, a suitable view finder will be 
required to compensate for the smaller field of vision obtainable with that 
lens. For those who do not wear glasses the Vidom Universal View Finder 
is probably the best. For those wearing glasses the direct vision view 
finder (sport finder) will be found more practical. 

The Angle View Finder and the Reflecting View Finder will be 
found helpful in many instances permitting less conspicuous work or work 
with a camera at waistline level respectively when such may be required. 

All above accessories are small and can easily be kept in your pockets 
without making you look or feel weighed down. The only additional requi- 
site will be a good supply of fresh film. 

For candid camera work you will do best by using any of the super- 
sensitive panchromatic films which are extremely sensitive to both arti- 
ficial light and daylight. 

The use of a good and dependable exposure meter is very much to be 
recommended. It is true that for most interior candid camera work you 
will find little if any opportunity to get a reading with your meter. The 
work is too fast to permit it, and you will be safe by giving it all you 
have got without fearing over-exposure. 

For outdoor candid shots you may use an exposure meter very ad- 
vantageously and you may use lenses of slower speed. 

Whatever yon do : when you are out for candid photographs, have 
as little equipment with you as possible, but never be left without some 
part of equipment which is essential to get the shot. And, let the slogan 
"get the picture" be your guide. 



419 




420 



PHOTOGRAPHY 



GLENN H. PICKET! CHAPTER 25 



Photography of actual stage performances is coming more and 
more into prominence, both in the commercial field and among those 
theatregoers who delight in recording important bits of action in 
their favorite plays. The Leica has made this phase of photography 
very simple and practical. Under the rather broad heading of stage 
photography may be classed a number of subdivisions such as dra- 
matic productions, musical comedies, operas, movie house stage shows, 
burlesque shows, dance recitals, and concerts. 

It used to be necessary to specially pose the actors, in most cases 
using far more light than is actually used during performances, in 
order to procure suitable photographs for publicity. Now it is not 
only possible, but far more advantageous, to procure actual per- 
formance shots which are far superior to posed pictures, with none 
other than the regular stage lighting. In the commercial field a 
great percentage of the magazines are now using such photo- 
graphs. The Stage, Vanity Fair, Town and Country, as well as 
the rotogravure sections of newspapers throughout the country are 
using actual performance pictures. Thus a Leica user interested 
in stage productions may very well turn a hobby into a profitable 
side-line, if not a full-time profession. In fact, there are a num- 
ber of commercial photographers in New York and other cities 
who now use the Leica camera in furnishing pictures to magazines 
and newspapers. The producers and the actors comprise a commer- 
cial field in themselves. They are always in the market for good 
photographs, particularly the actors, and constitute a fertile field 
for an ambitious Leica worker. 

A very recent and fast growing use of the miniature camera in 
stage photography is that of the producers or directors themselves 
using the camera to obtain shots of dramatic bits to serve as object 
lessons for the actors. Shots are taken at rehearsals, prints made 
and studied by the actors as a means of correcting posture, facial 
expression, or grouping, before the opening night. Whether it is 
this branch of stage photography you are interested in, whether you 

421 



are a lover of the theatre and require only a picture record for your 
own files, or whether you desire to commercialize in this phase of 
photography, the following pointers may prove of special benefit to 
you. 

Lenses For Theatre Photography 

The ideal lens for the purpose of theatre photography is the 
Summar f :2. This lens, due to its wide aperture, its excellent color 
correction (especially for red rays), its needle-sharp definition at 
wide open aperture, and the absence of flare, is perhaps the best 
of all miniature camera lenses for the purpose. However, very 
good work may be done with the Elmar f :3.5 under favorable light- 
ing conditions, and also with the Hector f :1.9. The latter lens has 
one advantage in its longer focal length, permitting larger images to 
be included on the negative from a given distance. 

Very few if any accessories are needed for stage photography. 
In fact, carrying a lot of equipment into a theatre defeats the ad- 
vantage of the small size of the Leica camera and the ability to 
procure photographs without attracting a great deal of attention 
from those around you. One accessory that has been found valuable 
is the sport view finder. With its use the stage action can be viewed 
in natural size and the camera kept in shooting position during a 
long stretch of action. This view finder shows the subject right side 
up and permits following the action much more easily than with 
the Universal view finder. 

Film and Hypersensitizing 

The proper film for such work is, of course, the supersensitive 
panchromatic type. Any of the various makes are suitable. If 
higher film speed is required than that of supersensitive panchro- 
matic, hypersensitizing is suggested. An interesting experiment is as 
follows: in the dark room wind a strip of supersensitive panchromatic 
film on the reel of either the Correx or Eeelo tank and place in the 
bottom of the tank a piece of blotting paper soaked in the strongest 
ammonia you can purchase. Place the reel in the tank and cover it, 
leaving the film in the ammonia vapors for about five minutes. Then 
take out and load the film immediately into a magazine. Film so 
treated will show an increase in speed of from two to four times; that 
is, requiring one-half to one-quarter the exposure necessary for super- 
sensitive panchromatic film. However, such hyper sensitized film must 
be used as soon as possible after treatment and developed as soon as 
possible after exposure, for it very rapidly loses its speed whether 
used or not. 

422 



Stage 

Picture Positions In the Theatre 

The best position in the theatre from which to take stage photo- 
graphs depends largely upon the size and layout of the theatre and 
upon the type of pictures wanted. In musical comedies, revues, etc., 
where a large part of the illumination is front lighting, it is usually 
best to sit at one side of the theatre rather than in the center, to 
prevent a flat lighting effect. The important thing to remember is 
to sit close enough to the stage so that none of the negative area is 
wasted. This precludes the necessity of extreme enlargement to bring 
up the bit of action wanted. Ensemble shots will, of course, require 
a seat further back than will close-ups of individual actors or small 
groups of actors. 

A broad general rule for photographing musical comedies is to 
choose a seat further back than that for photographing a dramatic 
production. In the latter case it is suggested that a seat be obtained 
just off the aisle, in the first, second or third row. If the pho- 
tography is for commercial purposes, especially for publicity, arrange- 
ments can sometimes be made with the manager of the theatre to 
choose the best vantage point in advance, and in some cases per- 
mission may be obtained to move around the side aisles during a 
performance. Another good arrangement is to occupy a box seat 
on the first balcony level, this giving an unobstructed view of almost 
the entire stage and better values of light and shade than would $, 
seat directly in front of the stage. 




Fig. 314 The Milky Way Lester-Pickett 

Summar 50mm lens, 1/30 second at f:2.i, DuPont Superior 
Film 

423 



In photographing dance recitals or ballet dance groups, of course, it is 
important to look down on the stage to at least a slight degree rather than 
to shoot from below, and consequently this means choosing a seat either in 
the balcony or a box. This is to avoid cutting off the feet of the perform- 
ers in the picture. 

fudging Exposures 

The greatest problem for an inexperienced stage photographer 
is judging the light intensities, and information on this point is best 
gained by practice. Exposure meters are practically worthless in 
this work as they give only an average reading of the light and dark 
areas and include too wide an angle, so that if any reading can be 
had at all, nine times out of ten any exposure made according to that 
reading would be considerably overexposed. Most stage lighting is 
contrasty, and while the average meter reading would be very low, 
the brilliantly lighted parts of the stage action would read very high 
if that part alone were measured. 

It has been found that the ratio of the most poorly lighted 
scenes to that of the most brilliantly lighted is about one to 
fifty, actual shots taken in New York City theatres varying from 
about one-quarter to one two-hundredth of a second with a lens 
aperture of f :2. Because of the frequent use of shutter speeds in 
the order of 1/20, 1/8, 1/4, etc., the Leica Model F camera with 
its automatic slow shutter to one second is much more valuable for 
this work than the older models. However, with practice, the shutter 
speeds slower than 1/20 can be guessed fairly accurately when using 
the shutter set on "bulb 77 . Learning to judge the proper exposure 
is not very difficult, requiring but little experience because of the 
wide latitude of present-day film emulsions. 

It has been found in New York City theatres that the most 
brilliantly lighted stage productions are the large movie-house stage 
shows, some of them being so brilliant that 1/200 of a second at 
f :2 was not short enough to prevent overexposure of spot-lighted 
faces. Next in order of brilliancy come the musical comedies (espe- 
cially during the performance of featured stars in spot light), dance 
recitals, the opera ; and probably the least brilliantly lighted are the 
straight dramatic productions in which usually there is but very 
little more light than will be found in the average lighting of the 
home. Of course there are exceptions in each of these cases. As a 
general rule, the size of the theatre governs to some extent the 
amount of light used on the stage. The larger the house, the brighter 
the lighting. This is so that those farthest from the stage may have 
less difficulty in observing facial expression. 

424 



Stage 




Fig. 315 Frances Langford and Albertina Rasche 
Girls in a scene from "The Pure in Heart" 

Lester- Picket! 

Summar 50mm lens, 1/8 second at f: 2, DuPont Superior film 

After shooting one or two rolls of film, a pretty fail idea of the 
varying light conditions will be formed. It has been found to be 
a good plan, when using the Summar lens, to leave its aperture 
wide open. This leaves only the shutter speed to adjust during the 
variations in light conditions, it being easier to adjust in the dark- 
ness of a theatre than the aperture ring. If it is desired to feature 
in the picture the highly spot-lighted stars at the expense of the 
other players or objects on the stage not so brilliantly lighted, by 
all means use a rather fast shutter speed. This prevents over- 
exposure of faces under the brilliant lights a very common fault in 
artificial light photography. However, in ensemble numbers in a 
musical comedy, for instance, if it is desired to preserve detail in 
the less brilliantly lighted portions, give plenty of exposure and take 
care of the over-exposed negatives in development, about which more 
will be said later. 

A good procedure in focusing is to keep the camera focused on the 
principals of the play. If the background or other members of the cast are 

425 



slightly out of focus this will merely enhance rather than lower the pictorial , 
value of the picture. However, at the average shooting distance of thirty 
feet, the actual depth of focus at f :2 will be from 22 to 40 feet which will 
take care of the average depth of the stage, and sometimes even its width 
(when shooting from the side" or from a box). 
Technique of Slow Expostares 

It may be thought that at the slower shutter speeds considerable 
movement will be evidenced in the finished picture. While true to 
a certain extent, this can be prevented by carefully watching for 
slight pauses in the action. There are usually times when the pose 
is held momentarily and even shutter speeds of % or ^4 of a second 
can be used with a minimum of blurring in the picture. It is this 
fact which makes performance photographs of a stage production far 
more valuable than the posed pictures taken in the customary man- 
ner and under favorable ligiit conditions. Fortunately those scenes 
in which the greatest amount of action takes place are usually the 
more brilliantly lighted, and fast shutter speed can be used. When 
shooting at the slower shutter speeds (that is from 1/20 to 1/4 of 
a second) there will be little chance of moving the camera if the elbows 
are placed on the arm rests. 

Experience has taught that plenty of film should be used. 
Despite the best of luck and a good deal of experience, important 




Fig. 316 Roxyettes Eudolf H. Hoffmann 

Hektor 73mm lens, 1/60 second at f :2.2, DuPont Superior film 



426 



Stage 




Fig. 317 



Black and White Henry M. Lester 

Summar 50mm lens, 1/60 second at f :2.2, E. K. Super-X film 



scenes will pass so quickly that the most desirable shots will be 
missed. Therefore a good plan is to take at least three loaded film 
magazines to the theatre and when a dramatic episode occurs, take 
a great many shots thereby raising the percentage of good pictures. 
Aim to use one roll of film for each act. For instance, in a three-act 
play, change the magazines during intermissions. If, however, you 
are able to attend the show once without taking pictures, to estab- 
lish in your mind those scenes which you wish to preserve and then 
attend with the camera and one roll of film, you are enabled to choose 
the important parts and be prepared for them when they occur. 

Developing the Theatre Negative 

Now as to proper manipulation of the film after the exposures 
are made. The present day tendency in development is to work for 
as fine a grain as possible regardless of what such developers do to 
the film speed which is considerable. Fineness of grain and high 
film speed are generally not compatible. The very popular Para- 
phenylene Diamine actually reduces the film speed to about one- 
half its rating when developed with a normal developer. This 
shows up particularly in the shadow portions of the picture which 
are usually very important in a stage shot, inasmuch as they are very 
poorly lighted in the majority of cases. If these shadow details are 

427 



lost, fineness of grain is of no consequence due to lack of detail in the 
finished picture. By choosing a position close enough to the stage 
and thus minimizing the extent to which the picture must be enlarged, 
the grain problem does not enter seriously into consideration. There- 
fore, it is suggested that a good, normal developer be used, such as the 
Eastman D-76 or its later development, the Buffered D-76; Dr. Sease 
No. 3 Formula, in which the film speed is upheld by the use of Glycine 
along with the Paraphenylene Diamine; or the double development 
method, first with metol then with Paraphenylene Diamine. These are 
all normal developers and uphold the film speed very well. The 
reader is referred to another portion of this book for the above 
formulas. 

Overdevelopment is particularly to be avoided because in the attempt 
to maintain shadow detail, very frequently it is necessary to use a slower 
shutter speed, thus overexposing 1 the highlights. Both from this standpoint 
and from that of fineness of grain, it has been found that a tendency to 
underdevelop or shorten the normal development time results in better 
pictures. This is especially so if a developer in which metol is a constituent 
is used, as this chemical flashes up the shadow detail very quickly and it is 
with prolonged development that overexposed highlights are blocked up. 

Careful handling of the film throughout the entire process cannot be 
too strongly emphasized. The negatives obtained in stage photography, 
especially if they are to be used commercially, are sometimes required to 
produce a great many paper prints and scratched and dirty negatives are of 
course to be avoided. It is suggested that a special hardening bath be used 
between development and fixing. This not only reduces the danger of 
scratching the film but also helps to prevent reticulation. More information 
on this phase can be found in the chapter on development. 

Human Interest Photos 

While you are at the theatre there are scores of interesting shots 
other than those upon the stage. For instance, the dressing rooms of 
the stars, if permission to enter them can be obtained, offer many 
excellent candid shots that are very much in demand by modern maga- 
zines. Snapshots (unposed) of noted persons attending the theatre, 
taken in the lobby either before the show or during intermission, are 
very interesting and sometimes salable. Carry your camera with you 
to the lobby during intermissions and watch for prominent people or 
interesting groups gathered there for a cigarette and a breath of 
air. There are always good shots at this time. Take a few views also 
of the exterior of * the theatre with its display of brilliant lights and 
patrons alighting from their limousines. All of these shots add mate- 
rially to the value of your photographic story of the show whether 
for your own use or for publication. 

428 



Stage 

In the writer's opinion, no other branch of photography is more 
Interesting than actual performance photography of stage produc- 
tions, and it is highly recommended to those Leica users who are look- 
ing for new thrills and accomplishments with this versatile camera. 
Whether you are located in metropolitan areas where there is a wealth 
of musical and dramatic productions to choose from or whether you 
reside in the smaller localities with only an occasional stage show at 
the local movie house, a better chance to experience genuine pleasure 
in the field of photography could hardly present itself. 




Pig. 318 Ethel Waters 



Rudolf H. Hoffmann 



429 




Shadow Dance 

Hektor 73mm lens, 1/40 second at f :1.9, Agfa Superpan film 



Gilbert Morgan 



430 




Fig. 320 Wallace Beery in Viva Villa 



James Wong Howe 



THE LEICA CAMERA IN THE 

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS 



GILBERT MORGAN 



CHAPTER 26 



During the past few years the changes in the motion picture 
industry have been rapid and radical. Over night silent pictures 
began talking and black and white movies burst into colors. Motion 
picture photo-montage was continually being perfected. Among these 
dramatic changes appeared the Leica camera which found immediate 
acceptance by the camera men and directors. Here was a miniature 
camera which could make record pictures, film and filter tests, also 
replace the heavy and cumbersome still cameras in many instances 
at a great saving in time and money. In this brief chapter I can 
only give a general survey of the various applications of the Leica 
in the motion picture industry. 

The camera department of a studio saves much time and money 
by testing new film emulsions and new types of film with the Leica 

431 



instead of with the motion picture cameras. By using the Leica with 
a lens similar to that of the motion picture camera, and with the 
same set of filters, a true test can easily be made on a five foot strip 
of film which with a motion picture "camera might well have been a 
hundred or two hundred feet long. The advantages of the Leica over 
the motion picture camera in such tests are unquestionably due to 




Fig. 321 Dancers Victor Haveman 

Summar 50mm lens, 1/200 second at f :2.2, DuPont Superior film 

the compactness and adaptability of the small camera together with 
the saving in operating costs. With the motion picture camera, film 
testing is a longer and more involved process. There are the incon- 
veniences of setting up the large camera for film and light tests when 
a small camera will do the same work on a short roll of film which 
shows the consecutive test exposures. With the motion picture camera 
the separate shots will be about ten feet apart, 

Location Scouting 

For the cameramen who have been out making location shots, 
in the mountains, at the beach or in the tropics, naturally the light 
and color conditions are different than they would be in more 

432 



Leica in Hollywood 



Fig. 322 Joe E. Brown, 
Warner Bros, star, poses 
for a Leica Picture by 
Prank McHugh, while 
James Cagney and Otis 
Harlan look on. All 
wearing costumes used in 
"'A Midsummer Night's 
Dream" picture directed 
by Max Reinhardt. Photo 
submitted by Carl 
Schaefer. 




familiar surroundings. Since the developing laboratories are apt to 
be from two days to six months away, the results are always doubtful 
until the negatives have been developed and reported upon. Because 
this condition exists, many of the cameramen have made it a practice 
to take their Leicas and Correx or Eeelo developing tanks with them 
wherever they go. They are thus able to complete their exposure tests 
with their Leicas and be certain of the results in a period of about 
twenty minutes. In this way, many thousands of feet of film are 
saved, and it is not necessary to travel back to the same locations for 
retakes, due to exposure and filter difficulties. 

James "Wong Howe used the Leica extensively testing for angle 
and perspective shots as well as filter shots while in Mexico City 
filming Viva Villa. Through the use of the Leica he was able to study 
the characteristics of the country and of the people and to incor- 
porate some of his findings in the motion picture. After seeing his 
Leica negatives, one wished that more of the picturesque exterior 
shots, so typical of Mexico, had been included in Viva Villa. 

Arabia was the scene of Felix Schoedsaeks' recent location trip. 
While there he made many reference pictures along with the filming 
of backgrounds for an R. K. 0. picture which deals with the Arabian 
desert and the camel caravans. Approximately 5000 Arabs and 3000 
camels were used. Since part of the picture was taken from an air- 
plane, the small size of the Leica for use in taking still pictures was 
hardly to be considered extra baggage after the motion picture 



433 




Fig. 323 Photos by Gilbert Morgan 

A. Glenn Kershner, Suramar lens 1/60 
f :3.2 

B. Clarence Slifer and Felix Shoedsack 

C. Leslie Howard "between the acts 

D. Walt Disney, creator of Three Littl* 
Pigs, etc. 



camera and accessories had been loaded into the plane. A number 
of these Leiea pictures were reproduced along with an article in 
Travel Magazine. 

The Leica has been on motion picture expeditions with such 
cameramen as Guy Wilkie in India, Glen Kershner on his trip to 
Labrador with MacMillan, as well as in Tahiti with Universal Pic- 
tures, Paul Ivano with Josef von Sternberg in the "West Indies, 
Alvin Wyckoff with the Seven Seas Co., in the Hawaiian Islands, 
Karl Straus with Paramount in Honolulu and with many other first 
cameramen who are traveling places and photographing pictures for 
the screen. 



434 



Leiccs in Hollywood 




Fig. 324 King Kong Gilbert Morgan 

Illustrating the use of a miniature set in Hollywood Studios 

When the Leica made its first appearance in Hollywood, Jackson 
Rose introduced it to the studio location departments as a means 
of making it possible to have more photos of the prospective locations 
that were to be decided upon. Furthermore, by the making of film 
strip positives and viewing the still pictures on a screen, a director 
and his staff can soon make a definite decision for filming the script 
before them. 

Technical Reference Photos 

Many times a man is sent out with a Leica to take various techni- 
cal photos of a steel mill, a powder factory, construction company, 
types of houses in the various foreign countries, boats, natives or 
anything in the world that might be called for in a motion picture. 
These photos are brought back to Hollywood and are used for refer- 
ence work in designing costumes, building the Chinese junks or 
reconstructing parts. of the factories and steel mills. Many and more 
detailed photographs first taken by the Leica aid in obtaining more 
realistic surroundings in motion pictures. 

In the process and trick department many of the stills that are 
impossible to take with the large cameras are made with the Leica 
because of the similarity of the focal length of its lens with that of 
the motion picture camera. The miniature sets of cities, buildings 
and airplanes are made to appear real on the screen on the 35mm 

435 



film. If they had -been photographed on an 8 x 10 plate, they would 
look so distorted that the public would probably say "fake" from the 
start. We don't mind being fooled providing the technical work is 
carried on well and is unobserved by the eye. 

At present, tests are being carried on to enlarge ths Leica nega- 
tive on a 314 x 4 lantern slide plate in order to project the plate up 
to approximately eighteen feet on a transparent screen. This is pro- 
jected from the rear while the actors and actresses do their parts in. 
front of the screen .and the motion picture camera records the action 
together with the Leica scene that is projected on the screen. When 
the composite is viewed on the movie screen it may look as though 
you were seeing your favorite film star in darkest Africa engaged in 
breath-taking experiences, when in reality he is safe on one of the 
trick department's sound stages doing his stuff. 

Make-up and Candid Photos 

To show just what can be expected on the screen, the make-up 
departments use the camera to test the different types of face powders 
under the incandescent as well as in daylight. With trick make-up 
it is very necessary to be able to tell beforehand how the different 
colors will register on the film. 

During the past few years, the candid variety of still pictures 
have been very much in demand by the leading magazines and news- 
papers of the country. The result of this demand has caused the 
publicity departments of the studios to look about and have more of 
this type of photo made by the still men. The Leica has been chosen 
for this type of work because of the ease in obtaining the picture 
under all the different conditions which may arise. Exterior action 




Pig. 325 At Be 
Long's Make-Up 
Studio 

Gilbert Morgan 



436 




Racing in California 

Telyt 200rnm lens, f:4.5, 1/500, Agfa Superpan Film. 



Gilbert Morgan 



photos are taken with the Leica with excellent results. Many of the 
candid photos taken of John Barrymore and Carole Lombard during 
the filming of one of their recent pictures were used by the Vanity 
Fair Magazine in their candid sketches of the picture people. 

The motion picture fans are tiring of the same old posed photos 
of their favorite actor or actress, and now they want to see them as 
they really are, caught in the act of laughing, talking, eating, dancing 
or walking. In other words, they want to see their actors real, life- 
like and above all, natural and human. 

Finally the actors and actresses of stage and screen are using 
the Leica for pleasure as well as for obtaining pictures for their own 
professional use. After all every user of the Leica should really 
give credit to the motion picture industry and the motion picture 
film manufacturers for the marvelous technical work they have done 
in perfecting the film we use in our cameras today. "We now have 
available slow and fast films for every photographic purpose, a selec- 
tion in the 35mm film size which is greater than that of any other 
camera. The future will bring many new innovations in faster films, 
fine grain emulsions, as well as improved color films. 

437 







Sunlit Water 



John P. Gaty 



Altitude 1600 feet, Elmar 90mm lens, 1/200 second at f :4, No. 2 Leitz Filter, DuPont Spe- 
cial Panchromatic Film 



438 



PHOTOGRAPHY 



JOHN P. GATY CHAPTER 27 



Aerial photography is one of the most fascinating of all the 
many and varied branches of the art. It permits the capture 
of scenes of grandeur and beauty observed only by the airman, 
and their preservation to the end that they may delight his friends 
and acquaintances. "Whether or not those who view the result are 
airminded, it will be found that aerial photographs possess interest 
for almost everyone. To the timid, they offer a glimpse of the 
aerial world denied them by their timidity. Others will look upon 
them with longing and recall memories of similar scenes witnessed 
for some brief moment in the past; or will project their imaginations 
forward to the day when they also will leave the earth below and 
take to the aerial heights. 

This universal interest is heightened if the photographer selects 
his subjects with an eye to the dramatic and impressive effects 
that are recurrently produced by the forces of the atmosphere. 
With Nature's moods constantly changing, and with the vast ex- 
panses of far flung vistas of land, sea, mountains, and sky as his 
subject matter, it would be a dull photographer indeed who did 
not respond with his best efforts. The resulting print may carry 
the menace and threat of the towering black and silver ramparts 
of a thunderstorm as it sweeps down on the diminutive homes of 
a city, or it may render the light and gay mood of a cloud feathered 
summer sky above a peaceful countryside. The opportunities for 
expression exist in abundant measure. 

The aerial photographer soon discovers an interesting peculiar- 
ity about his work, in that his photographs always show more 
details than his eye can grasp at the moment of exposure. He thus 
finds out many interesting facts about apparently familiar terri- 
tory. On cross country trips by air, a series of photographs will 
record more than the unaided memory. Before the human eye 
can possibly scan an entire vista for small details and compare the 
relationship of all objects to each other, the airplane has moved 
on to an entirely new location. But the camera possesses the ability 

439 



to record -every tiling within its field of coverage instantly and pre- 
serve it for leisured study. Even local areas reveal surprising facts 
to those who are apparently perfectly familiar with them, when 
photographed from the air. 

The Leica camera possesses an important advantage for aerial 
use in that a single turn of the winding knob sets the shutter and 
simultaneously changes the film. This feature is very desirable: 
especially when a quick series of exposures must be made while 
flying over an objective. All professional and military aerial cameras 
of the highest class are equipped with similar winding arrange- 
ments for hand operation, even when their principal function is that 
of fully automatic electric operation. 

Aerial Compared to Ground Photography 

Successful and interesting air views demand a somewhat dif- 
ferent technique from that required for ground pictorial photog- 
raphy. Less opportunity is presented for study of the subject and 
careful selection of a camera location with reference to the objects 
to be photographed. The ground photographer can select his view- 
point and putter around while weighing the balance of his coin- 
position in the finder or ground glass, and after several changes and 




Fig:. 329 A Summer Storm over the Catskills John P. Gaty 

Altitude 1200 feet, Elmar 50mm lens, 1/200 second at f:4, No. 2 Leitz Filter, DuPont 
Special Panchromatic film 

440 



Aerial 




Fig. 330 Sky Writers Clarence Slifer 

Elmar 90mm lens, 1/500 second at f :4.5. DuPont Superior film 

prolonged cogitation decide not to take the picture at all! The 
aerial photographer actually must anticipate his composition and 
expose it at the split second that it is best. There is no time for 
prolonged decisions. At a speed of one hundred miles or more 
per hour, the opportunity is almost fantastically short. 

Another advantage possessed by the ground photographer is 
the presence of foreground objects of appropriate nature to aid in 
balancing the composition. The aerial photographer usually is 
deprived of these, because the only near objects ordinarily are the 
parts comprising the structure of his own airplane. It is most 
unusual to find such things an aid to composition, for they are 
seldom in sharp focus and almost always angular and intrusive 
into the frame line. Even if they happened to add to the composi- 
tion pattern, there is the unfavorable factor of great separation 
of image planes between the structural objects and the nearest 
objects on the grounds. There is no possibility of gradually lead- 
ing the observer's eye into the distance by a succession of gradu- 
ally removed planes, hence his reaction to the abrupt mental 
jump from near object to the ground is unpleasant. This effect 
is decreased* if the airplane is flying at low altitudes or just over 
a cloudbank. Every rule has its exceptions and in certain cases 
some advantage may be gained from including part of the airplane 

441 



In the view. For the ordinary picture the photographer must form 
his composition from patterns on the ground and in the sky, using 
large masses for the high altitude views; and buildings, fields, roads, 
rivers, or what not for the low altitude views. 
Leica As a Profitable Aerial Camera 

Those who wish to put their aerial photography on a self- 
supporting or profitable basis must remember that quality is the 
touchstone of success in this field. While there is a certain limited 
market for conventional stereotyped airviews, lacking composition 
and originality, the sales effort necessary in the disposal of this 
type of product is at least disheartening. Those photographers who 
possess imagination and good judgment will find a ready market 
for their air views, providing that the technical details of develop- 
ing and enlarging are given the same careful consideration as their 
camera work. 

Scientific, topographic, and mapping aerial photography are 
highly specialized arts which require long training and intricate 
cameras and apparatus. The only type of aerial photography to 
be considered here is "oblique photography". In aerial parlance, 
an "oblique" photograph is one made by a camera pointing to- 




Fig. 331 Fire on the Ridges John P. Gaty 

Altitude 5500 feet, Ehnar 50mm lens, 1/200 second at f :4, No. 2 Leitz Filter, DuPont 
Special Panchromatic film. In this case aerial haze proved desirable; its presence helped 
to produce the separation of perspective between the ridges 

442 



Aerial 

wards the ground, at some angle substantially less than a right 
angle to the horizontal plane. Photographs made in this manner 
are often termed "air views : \ They satisfy the greatest part of the 
market demand available to the independent aerial photographer. 
Their viewpoint is readily understood by the layman, while that 
of the vertical photograph is often confusing to the uninitiated. 

The best market for air views is to be found among owners 
of estates, farms, and homes. These properties usually constitute 
one of the most important interests in the lives of the owners. An 
aerial photograph showing in an attractive manner the carefully 
planned details of an estate is a very desirable and tempting thing 
to the owner. It represents a new means of explaining to others 
his methods and plans for developing the estate, and actually is 
the sole method by which the entire property can be visualized at 
once. The same considerations apply to the farmer, except that 
his interest has more of a business nature and his planning is more 
utilitarian than esthetic. Both classes share the feeling of pride 
of possession and accomplishment. For this reason they are par- 
ticularly receptive to approach by the aerial photographer. 

Contacts with home owners lead naturally to industrial aerial 
photographic opportunities. By carefully building up his clientele, 
the enterprising photographer will receive offers of contracts to 
photograph factories, colleges or institutions, resorts, real estate 
developments, and other subjects. Local newspaper editors should 
be shown sample photographs of scenes of interest in the neigh- 
borhood. If striking or unusual treatment is evident it is likely 
that a sale will be made. The editor should be advised that future 
work will be submitted for his inspection. 

Starting Your Own Aerial Photo Business 

"When starting in business, the aerial photographer first should 
make a ground survey of likely subjects. Careful study must be 
given to each to determine the favorable photographic angles and 
the type of lighting that will be most helpful. As the position of 
the sun changes in the sky the lighting will change from side to 
side or from back to front, and the angle of lighting will vary. 
After noting all pertinent photographic facts the photographer 
should find out something about the owner, for future reference. 
Out of these first subjects, he should select a few in the same, 
vicinity and take his Leica into the air and photograph them, at 
the time of day previously selected. Several trips should be made, 
if necessary, to get the proper lighting. The next step 5s to develop 

443 



the films and carefully make enlargements of the good frames. 
These enlargements constitute the samples that are to be shown to 
prospects and no effort should be spared to make them perfect. 
If some of the negatives are blurred it is best to reject them and 
try again. A group should be made up for each owner and sub- 
mitted to him for inspection. A fair price should be set on the 
prints and cheerfully maintained in the face of smaller offers. 
The owner realizes that the photographer has no other market for 
these samples and naturally attempts to secure them at a low 
figure. However, enough sales ordinarily will be made at the 
selected pric6 to cover the initial ccists incurred in setting up a 
book of samples. 




Fig. 332 Nightfall 



John P. Gaty 



Taken 40 minutes after sunset, midsummer. Altitude 2000 feet, Summar 
50mm lens, 1/20 second at f :2.3, DuPont Superior film 

444 



Aerial 

Further sales should be made on a contingency basis. The 
owners of properties selected as subjects should be approached and 
shown the book of samples depicting the properties of their neigh- 
bors. Unique or interesting features of the property of the ' 'pros- 
pect '*' should be discussed and commented upon with regard to 
their appearance from the air. The photographer should offer to 
make air views of the property for an agreed price, to be paid 
only if the owner is satisfied after inspection of the finished prints. 
If he is not fully pleased with the results it is fully understood that 
he owes the photographer nothing, incurs no future obligation, and 
obtains no pictures. The photographer rarely loses a sale made on 
this basis, as the owner is filled with anticipation for the air views* 
and usually has made up his mind to pay for them at the agreed 
price. Each photographer must determine for himself what his 
costs are and how high he can profitably set his prices. A price 
schedule in the lower-middle range would be as follows : 

Local photographs (one customer) 

2 different air views '. $20.00 

4 " " " $30.00 

6 " " " $35.00 

Reprints of any air view $ 2.50 each. 

These prices are based on economical flying costs and short distances 
from the base to the objectives. The costs of long flights should be added 
to the usual prices set up to cover local customers. Once established, the 
price structure must be rigidly maintained to all customers in the same 
vicinity. 

Customers should be followed up occasionally, as they may have 
shown their air views to friends who wish similar work done, or they 
may wish air views made of seasonal crops or vegetation.. ..'Sometimes 
they require new views with a change of season. A satisfied customer 
is always acting as a salesman for the photographer, and may often 
produce considerable business of an unexpected nature. 

Many Leica owners may wish to make aerial photographs to pre- 
sent to their friends as gifts during the holiday season. Such air 
views are a source of pleasure to both the photographer and the re- 
cipient. General aerial scenes of a striking nature are prized by 
almost everyone, and views showing the homes of the photographer's 
friends are greatly appreciated by the owners. Enlargements in- 
tended for this purpose should be finished with the same degree of 
care accorded to those which are intended for sale. It is usually best 
to mount them attractively or to print them with, wide borders. 



445 



Making the Preliminary Ground Survey 

In order to obtain the finest aerial pictures of homes, estates, or 
buildings, a ground survey should be made prior to the day chosen 
for the photographic hop. The subject should be studied for the most 
promising photographic angles and their relation to the light direction 
at various times of the day. If the building has an industrial signifi- 
cance its function and usefulness should be studied, together with its 
placement with regard to related subjects. For instance, a resort 
hotel ordinarily would be near numerous places of recreation such as 
golf courses, beaches, mountains, or other places for guests to amuse 
themselves. A factory would be near transportation facilities, such 
as railroads, harbors, or rivers. The photographer should ask him- 
self the question, "What is the purpose of this place and how can it 
be shown to best -advantage in an aerial photograph ? ' ' The back- 
ground objects should be observed carefully, as some may be objec- 
tionable and some desirable. The air view will disclose them, and 
camera angles may have to be selected that will include only the desir- 
able features. The problem sometimes becomes complicated if favor- 




Fig. 333 A Country Estate 

Altitude 500 feet. Elmar 90mm lens, 1/200 second at f:4, No. 2 
Special Panchromatic film 



John P. Gaty 

Leifcz Filter, DuPont 



446 



Aerial 

able lighting, purpose, and background are in mutual conflict. A 
compromise must be made in such cases, and the intelligence and 
ingenuity of the photographer are given a thorough test. 

Background objects are important in the photography of homes 
and estates, in the same manner. Transmission lines, railroads, cheap 
developments, and other industrial manifestations have a habit of 
cropping up in the distance when the aerial photographer is studying 
the camera angles of a sumptuous estate sequestered from the world 
by a private forest. Unfortunately, sometimes, the camera "sees" 
over the top of the sheltering trees and registers objects which the 
owner would dislike including in a picture of his home. Conversely, 
there may be a rugged mountain near, or a pretty lake, and these 
would be desirable objects to show in the photograph of the estate. 

Controlling Perspective by Lens Selection 

Fortunately for the photographer faced with these problems of 
what to show and what not to show, what to emphasize and what to 
subdue, the Leica is equipped with a full battery of lenses. Eanging 
from the 35 mm. lens with its wide field of 69 degrees to the 135 mm. 
lens with its narrow field of 18 degrees, they provide a flexible instru- 
ment in the hands of the capable photographer. By properly select- 
ing an appropriate lens and the proper position with regard to the 
principal object of interest, great liberties may be taken with the 
apparent perspective in the finished enlargement. Background ob- 
jects or foreground objects may be moved into apparently near or 
distant positions at the pleasure of the photographer. Such effects 
are not magical. They depend on simple laws of perspective. "When 
a near viewpoint is adopted and a wide angle lens utilized, the result- 
ing photograph will show a rapidly vanishing perspective and the 
background objects will be subordinated. If a distant viewpoint is 
selected and the same principal object of interest photographed with 
a long focus lens the photograph will show a slowly vanishing per- 
spective and the background objects will be apparently much nearer 
to the principal object. Relative distances of various objects in a 
photograph can be judged only by their apparent relative sizes. 

The real secret of the change in perspective lies in the position 
of the camera with respect to the various objects depicted, and not 
in the lenses. A choice of lenses is necessary in order to preserve the 
sharpness of the distant views. The long focus lenses produce larger 
images and fill the frame with the view desired. This may be en- 
larged to the desired size without running into the difficulties from 
negative graininess sure to be experienced when a small portion of the 

447 



center of the frame is selected as the basis of a sizeable enlargement. 
Aerial photography demands clean cut definition of the highest order, 
and attempts by the photographer to secure this in large prints made 
from small portions of the negatives are doomed to failure. This 
high type of definition is essential because almost all details are ex- 
ceedingly small and the eye of the observer seeks natural and well 
known shapes, such as the windows of houses in the distance. If 
these are not reasonably sharp the reaction is unfavorable and the 
enlargement is condemned as being blurred. 

If a photographer attempted to make a 35mm Elmar lens do 
the work of a 135mm Elmar or Hektor lens he would have to take 
the same position and altitude for either lens and would find that the 
35mm lens had imaged the selected view on but 1/16 part of the 
area of the normal frame. The remainder of the picture would be 
composed of sky and objects in which he had no interest. If ,he 
attempted to enlarge the small area showing the desired view he 
would start under a 4 to 1 handicap against sharpness as compared 
to that obtainable with the 135mm lens in a similar size print. On 
the other hand, it obviously would be impossible to use a long focus 
lens for a purpose requiring' a short focus lens, for the angular cover- 
age would be insufficient to include the desired objects, at the selected 

' s * 1 



l|!r 

pte 




Fig, 334 North Beach Airport, New York City John P. Gaty 

Wide Angle View, 1/3 mile to Airport; 6 2/3 miles to distant Manhattan buildings. Alti- 
tude 1000 feet, Elmar 35mm lens, 1/200 second at f :4, No. 3 Leitz Filter, DuPont Superior 
film. 

448 



Aerial 




North Beach Air- 
port, New York 
City 

John P. Gaty 

Telephoto View. 
Camera 7 miles from 
Airport and 13 1/3 
miles from Empire 
State Building. City 
smoke prevented better 
contrast and definition. 
Altitude 2000 feet. 
Special 200mm Experi- 
mental Lens, 1/60 sec- 
ond at f:6.3, No. 3 
Leitz Filter, DuPcmt 
Superior film 



distance from the principal object of interest. The presence of aerial 
haze in the atmosphere might absolutely prevent increasing the dis- 
tance to a point where the long focus lens would coyer the desired 
view, even if the convergence of the perspective were unimportant. 
Many times, when aerial haze is dense, close-up photographs can be 
made successfully under conditions that would prohibit making "long 
shots". In all cases a proper lens hood should "be Used with each lens, 
whether the air is clear or otherwise, and whether the view is far 
or near. 

The two lenses that are most useful for aerial use with the Leica are 
the 50mm Elmar and the 90mm Elmar. With these two as a nucleus the 
beginner can work to earn money that will enable him to purchase further 
equipment. In order of their usefulness, other lenses would be the 35mm 
Elmar, the 135mm Elmar or Hektor, the 50mm Summar, and the 73mm 
Hektor. The first two are useful because of their widely differing angles of 
coverage, and the correspondingly large degree of control that they permit 
the photographer to exercise over the apparent perspective shown in his 
prints. The latter two lenses are useful because of their large apertures, 



449 




450 



Aerial 

which permit aerial photographs to be taken under unfavorable light condi- 
tions. These maximum apertures must be used with discretion, since over- 
exposures may be produced under ordinary lighting conditions. Their use 
is not recommended except for unusual lighting and for certain combinations 
of slow films and dense filters. 

The use of the various lenses will depend on just what result is 
desired in the print. If subordination of background seems advisable 
the short focus lenses such as the 35mm and 50mm Blmars should 
be used, in connection with a relatively close position to the principal 
object at the moment of exposure. Similarly, these lenses will increase 
the apparent size of a given area of land, due to the rapidly converg- 
ing perspective. Long focus lenses such as the 90mm Elmar or the 
135mm Elmar or Hektor will produce the effect of bringing mutu- 
ally distant objects to an apparent relative juxtaposition, if the posi- 
tion of the camera at the moment of exposure is correctly distant 
from the principal object of interest. 

Filters for Aerial Photography 

Light niters are almost universally used in aerial photography, 
because the distances commonly intervening between the majority of 




Fig. 337 Diving 



John L. Davenport 



Composite Photograph. One airplane photograph repeated three times upon a cloud 
photograph 

451 



the objects In the view and the camera are great enough to cause 
dispersion of the shorter wave lengths of light by the aerial haze. 
This dispersion results in a general veiling of the details of distant 
objects and the production of "flat" ' negatives lacking brilliance and 
contrast. Yellow or red filters are used to eliminate the action of the 
shorter wave lengths of light on the film and thus remove the veiling 
effect of the aerial haze. Leica filters numbers 1, 2, and 3, remove 
varying percentages of the shorter wave lengths of light, the restric- 
tion increasing with an increase in the number. Sometimes a portion 
of the shorter wave lengths is desirable for the purpose of aiding the 
longer wave lengths in making a correct exposure under unfavorable 
light conditions. In certain cases aerial haze is advantageous in the 
extreme background. Such examples require the use of a number 1 
filter. For the great majority of cases Leica filter number 2 will be 
the correct one to use, and this filter is recommended as the first 
choice. Leica filter number 3 allows slightly better penetration of 
aerial haze and sometimes will be found useful. A red filter similar 
to the Wratten 25 (light red) may solve some problems beyond the 
scope of the yellow filters, and is useful also for infrared photography. 

Filters ior Different Visibilities 

In order to give a readily understandable general rule for the use of 
filters the following table shows the correct filter for use for different visi- 
bilities expressed in miles. The table is intended for use with supersensitive 
type panchromatic film only. 

Filter for long shots 

Filter for Close-ups (intermediate and 

Visibility (up to 2000 feet) long distance) 

Unlimited no filter No. 1 or No. 2 

10 miles No. 1 No. 2 or No. 3 

5 miles No. 2 or No. 3 No. 3 or Eed (No. 4) 

3 miles No. 3 or Eed (No. 4) Eed, (useful to 1 mi.) 

The proper use of filters often becomes a compromise between 
unfavorable light conditions, permissible exposure time, and atmos- 
pheric haze. The table shows the least dense filters which may 
be used under the tabulated conditions. In any ease a more dense 
filter may be used if the light conditions or air conditions permit 
the slower exposures necessary. Slower exposures are permissible 
In smooth air than are practical when the air conditions are turbu- 
lent. The use of longer exposures than 1/200 second in turbulent 
and bumpy air usually results in blurred pictures, especially when 
long focus lenses are used. 

"When conditions are favorable and the air Is free from atmos- 
pheric haze, the minimum density filter should be used in order to 

452 



Aerial 

increase the shutter speed. Tins is especially true .in cases where 
a cloudless sky shows in the background. The use of a dense 
filter will render a clear horizon as a rather depressing shade of 
gray in the print. This may have to be dodged out in the enlarge- 
ment. The proper use of filters, therefore, is influenced by the 
condition of the sky if any of it shows in the composition. A 
further factor is the direction of lighting. Haze is much more 
apparent when, looking or photographing against the direction from 
which the light falls. In photographs taken against the light, add 
one to each number of the filters recommended in the table, and 
consider the red filter as number 4. 

A Standard Lelca Aerial Exposure 

Exposure speeds will depend on a great number of factors. In 
order to avoid confusion, the standard Leica exposure for aerial 
photography should be 1/200 second, with a diaphragm aperture of 
f :4, and a number 2 filter, when the camera is loaded with super- 
sensitive type panchromatic film. Ninety percent of all aerial photo- 
graphs can be made safely with these factors, because film latitude 
will compensate for the minor variations experienced in lighting. 

Superpanchromatic type film is used exclusively in profes- 
sional aerial photography. Long experience has shown it to be 
far superior to any other type of film. Its sensitivity to the longer 
wave lengths of light permits its use in conjunction with all types 
of filters that are helpful in aerial photography without the neces- 
sity of greatly increasing the length of the exposures. Modern 
superpanchromatic emulsions are fine grained and capable of rend- 
ering excellent definition. In order to realize their full potentiali- 
ties, the photographer must take every precaution during the de- 
veloping, fixing, washing, and drying of the negatives. Ample 
information on the processes of fine grain developing is available 
elsewhere in this volume. The rules laid down must be carefully 
observed at every step. Aerial photography with small negatives 
will never be successful if the photographer is slipshod and careless 
in his darkroom technique. The requirements of fine detail in the 
enlargements cannot be satisfied with grainy negatives. 

Certain panchromatic films possess inherently finer grain than 
the superpanchromatic type, but their use involves the employment 
of slower shutter speeds. Such films are DuPont Micropan, and 
Eastman Panatomic. They are suitable mainly for aerial photog- 
raphy from cabin type airplanes, because the longer exposures re- 
quired often produce blurred negatives if the camera is subjected to 

453 



the. eddies of the propeller slipstream. The factors for these films with 
various filters will be found in other parts o this volume. Such 
factors should be applied to the standard conditions outlined above 
in connection with supersensitive type panchromatic film. Dia- 
phragm changes can be made to compensate for decreased film 
sensitivity, in cases where high aperture lenses are used. This 
practice is not recommended, since the "fast" lenses were not de- 
signed for this type of work and are subjected to an unfair test 
by the exceedingly high requirements for detail. The extreme 
apertures of the "fast" lenses should be reserved for emergency 
use in overcoming otherwise unconquerable light conditions. 

Infra Red Photography 

Infra red sensitive film, such as DuPont Infra D 7 provides an 
interesting experimental medium. Very unusual photographs of 



Fig. 838 Interior of 
Transport Air Liner 
John P. Gaty 



Air travellers may photo- 
graph their fellow voyagers 
if they wish. Elmar SSmrn 
lens, 1/20 second at f :3.5 f 
DuPont Superior, film 
Aboard Douglas TWA 
Transport 




454 



Aerial 

clouds and atmospheric effects can be secured with this material, 
and great penetration of atmospheric haze can be obtained by its 
use. Certain difficulties must be overcome by the photographer 111 
order to secure presentable aerial views from these infra red sensi- 
tive materials. The filter must transmit only red light, and the 
exposure must not be shorter than 1/20 second at a lens aperture 
of f :3.5. This long exposure usually is productive of vibratory 
blur in the negatives, and great care is necessary to prevent camera 
movement during exposure. When the air is rough and turbulent 
the photographer's task is almost hopeless. The infra red films 
are apparently readily subject to large grain formation in develop- 
ment, and every safeguard must be adopted in the darkroom to 
produce fine grained negatives. When using this material the 
Elmar series of lenses should be set to 100 feet on the focusing 
scale, the Hektor series to approximately 200 feet, while the Summar 
lens has a special focusing mark for infra red film. These adjust- 
ments are necessary to correct for the difference between the panchro- 
matic and infra red focus of the lenses. 

Infra red sensitive material offers a very interesting field for 
unusual photographic effects, but before its full potentialities can 
be realized the photographer must give considerable study to the 
effects produced in the prints. He is unable to visualize the re- 
sponse of the film to various light conditions, and the reflection 
coefficients of various natural objects and surfaces to infra red 
light in any other way. One especially interesting experiment is 
to use infra red film in connection with filters passing the higher 
ultra violet spectrum and the infra red spectrum together, but 
cutting out all of the visible spectrum to which the film is sensi- 
tive. Wratten gelatines can be used for this purpose, and the 
combination of Quinoline Yellow No. 17, and Eose Bengal No. 30 
will do the trick. If less ultra violet is desired a No. 49 or No. 
49a may be added to the first two, although these cut out the 
shorter infra red rays also. The use of No. 17 and No. 35 is also 
recommended. The exposure with the first and last combinations 
should be 3/20 to 1/30 at f :3.5, and that of the combinations with 
the No. 49 filters, 1/20 at f :2.0. 

This deliberate selection of the extreme opposite ends of the 
spectrum implies that the photographer has great faith in the color 
corrections of his lens, arid undoubtedly would cause a lens designer 
to have a severe headache if he could know about it. The 35mm 
Elmar will work satisfactorily under this unfair handicap, which is 

455 



a great tribute to its design and construction. The print repro- 
duced herewith (Fig. 339) was made, with this lens and a No.; 17 
and No. 35 Wratten filter used together. It shows a very unusual 




Fig. 339 Coastline 



John P. Gaty 



This photograph was made by invisible light only: ultra-violet and infra-red. Note 
the absence of the usual infra-red effect of white foliage. Compare this with that 
shown in Fig. 340, which was taken with infra-red light only. The distance in this 
picture is limited to the foothills shown in Fig. 340. 

Altitude 1000 feet, Elmar 35mm lens, 1/100 second at f:3.5, Wratten Filters No. 17 
and No. 35 used together, DuPont Infra-D Film, hypersensitized 



456 



Aerial 




Fig. 340 Distance John P. Gaty 

This photograph includes part of the view shown in Fig. 339. The long focus lens brought 
out the reasonable size of the snowcapped mountains. The large mountain is 70 miles 
away, while the smaller mountain is more than 100 miles distant. 

Altitude 1000 feet, Elmar 135mm lens, 1/30 second at f:4.5, Wratten Filter No.' 88A, 
DuPont Infra-D film, hypersensitized 



457 



balance of atmospheric effects. Near the horizon the sky tone 
shades off to the palest possible gray, yet the clouds are rendered 
in bold relief near the zenith. A panchromatic film would show the 
horizon as a much darker gray if a sufficiently dense filter were 
used to correct the upper sky to a comparable tone. It is also 
evident that the usual brilliant and unnatural rendering of green 
foliage by infra red light is completely absent. 

Use of Orthochromatic Film 

Orthochromatic film of certain types, such as Perutz, possesses 
excellent inherently fine grain. This film should be used in aerial 
photography only for elose-up shots on clear days. The use of any 
sort of yellow filter slows the speed down considerably and has a 
tendency to destroy the definition. This destruction of definition is 
not due to poor filter surfaces but to a peculiarity of the ortho- 
chromatic emulsion. The blue and red portions of the visible 
spectrum are capable of rendering excellent definition but the inter- 
mediate portion, including the green and yellow, shows only ap- 
proximately half the resolving power. Orthochromatic films when 
used with yellow filters are forced to work with this unsatisfactory 
portion of the spectrum and therefore produce inferior definition. 
When this effect is added to the slow shutter speed conditions it 
is natural that orthochromatie film should produce disappointing 
results in aerial photography with the Leica. 

Preventing Vibration During Exposure 

The most important part of the technique of handling a Leica 
in the air is the avoidance of camera movement during exposure. 
Such movement may be derived from three sources: 1. Motor 
vibration is transmitted to all parts of the structure of the airplane, 
and if the camera is allowed to touch or rest upon any part of the 
fuselage vibratory blur will show in the negatives. 2. The slip- 
stream from the propeller is filled with gusty vortices and these 
transmit intermittent energy to the camera when it is exposed to 
the blast. 3. The third source of movement is derived from the 
motion of the airplane itself. Smooth motion along its path rarely 
affects the sharpness of the negatives except at very low altitudes, 
and even under these conditions compensation may be obtained by 
swinging the camera with the principal object of interest as the 
airplane passes by it. This motion should be a slow gradual swing 
controlled by maintaining the object fixed in its chosen loca- 
tion in the field of the viewfinder. It should continue before and 
after the exposure. The great source of difficulty from motion 

458 



Aerial 

results from turbulent and bumpy air. The airplane rocks and bucks 
and sometimes it is impossible to keep the object located in the 
viewfinder for more than a second. If the photographer can register 
a view between bumps, all is well. If not, he will find a series of 
blurred negatives as the result of a photographic hop. "When the 
wind is high and the air bumpy, it is better to postpone aerial 
photography. Certain air conditions make an airplane no more 
suitable for photography than would be the rear seat of a roller 
coaster car in full career. In any case the greatest effort should be 
made at all times to protect the camera from all sorts of motion 
during exposure, by cushioning it with the hands, and protecting it 
from the slipstream of the propeller, as well as by attempting to 
anticipate whatever bumps may be encountered. 

An Eveready carrying case or the use of a special neck strap for the 
Leica provides insurance against its accidental loss over the side of the air- 
plane. Even when several different lenses are carried and a larger case is 
used the Eveready case will be found convenient. An ample supply of extra 
film spools should be carried with the different types of film intended for 
use during- the flight. The ends of the leaders should be marked in pencil 
with the name of the film so that no mistake will be made when the camera 
is hurriedly reloaded. In this connection, of course, the new 250, exposure 
Leica will hardly require reloading during a flight. Sometimes when the 
film suddenly comes to an end, just as the airplane is circling over its objec- 
tive, the large Leica is ardently desired. 

Photographing From Transport Air Liners 

Aerial photography from transport air liners offers some unique 
problems. The windows are made of shatterproof glass that is far 
from optically flat, and usually are incapable of being opened. The 
irregular surface of the glass has a tendency to "soften" the image 
on the film, and the interior surface reflects light from the windows 
on the opposite side of the cabin. In order to overcome these handi- 
caps the photographer should select a short focus lens and hold the 
camera as close to the window as possible, without actually touch- 
ing the glass with the lens mount. This practice will reduce the 
abberations due to the uneven glass and to some extent shield out 
the interior reflections. By placing the body close behind the 
camera or by holding up a coat, the remainder of the reflections 
may be eliminated. Usually the rear and front seats are the best 
locations for photography from air liners, since the view is least 
obstructed at these points. 
Your Personal Airplane 

In selecting a personal airplane for aerial photography the vari- 
ous open photographic angles should be considered carefully. High 
wing cabin monoplanes are usually the best for all around use. They 

459 



have the greatest number of camera angles, the photographer and 
camera are fully sheltered from the slipstream of the propeller, and 
they are comfortable in cold weather. However, any airplane may be 
used if it possesses sufficient open spaces between the structural parts 
to permit an unobstructed field for the shortest focus lens to be em- 
ployed. "When such spaces are barely sufficient, more care must be 
used by the pilot in manoeuvering the airplane into the proper posi- 
tion to take a desired view, since in effect the airplane, and not the 
camera, must carefully be lined up with the object. Some airplanes 
have open spaces only at the two rear quarters between the lower 
wing and the tail surfaces. Such "ships" must be flown past the 
object before the exposure can be made. The photographer is in much 
the same case as the Woople Bird who always flew backwards be- 
cause he wasn't interested in where he was going, but only in where 
he had been. 

The photographer must possess a ready means of communication 
with the pilot at all times. In double cockpit open airplanes Gosport 
voice tubes and helmets may be used, or a system of hand signals 
arranged. Such signals must be worked out carefully before the 
flight so that there is no possibility of confusion. The photographer's 
wish for a change in altitude, direction, or position must be under- 
stood instantly by the pilot. Cabin type airplanes usually are so 
arranged that the photographer can converse readily with the pilot 
at all times. In cases where the pilot is also the photographer some 
"ships" will prove very unsatisfactory while others are fairly con- 
venient. In any case it will be found that serious aerial photography 
is performed in a better manner when two individuals co-operate 
to do it. 

Airplanes may be tested for their camera angles on the ground 
by the use of the Universal finder. This should be used to check the 
open photographic angles from the seats or spaces available for the 
photographer. Horizontal angles alone must not be considered. The 
viewfinder axis should be depressed downward to 45 degrees or more, 
and raised upward slightly in order to check all possibilities. At the 
same time the change in attitude of the airplane after the tail is 
raised in flight should be considered. 

Aerial Photos At Low Altitudes 

When using a personal airplane, the enthusiastic photographer 
often will be tempted to fly at extremely low altitudes to secure some 
detailed views of his objective. Unless these are isolated farm houses 
surrounded by fields suitable for forced landings, such practices must 

460 



Aerial 

be considered hazardous. If the pilot attempts low altitude flying 
over populated areas, some aggrieved citizen is almost certain to re- 
port him to the Department of Commerce, with resulting trouble for 
the pilot. If the photographs are important and require, low flying, 
a written application should be made to the local Department of 
Commerce Inspector, specifying the location, the date of the proposed 
trip, and other details. A waiver of the rules will be issued at the 
discretion of the Inspector, and subsequent trouble avoided. 

Aerial photography is surprisingly easy to accomplish, but in 
order to obtain full satisfaction the photographer must be uncompro- 
mising in his attitude of watchfulness and care. 

1. The camera must be held properly. 

2. The film and filter correct for the conditions and subject. 

3. The developing handled in the most precise manner. 

4. The enlarging done on paper adapted to the contrast values of 
the film. 

5. The proper lens should be employed, at the correct distance, to fill 
the frame with the desired view. 

6. Last, but by no means least important, showmanship should be 
used in preparing the prints. They should be mounted, or printed 
on paper large enough to provide a wide border around the ex- 
posed area. Careful spotting and retouching of blemishes must 
be done to eliminate signs of dust marks and scratches. 

If such a course is faithfully followed the photographer will be 
rewarded with a collection of prints which will be a great satisfaction 
to himself and a source of pleasure to his friends, and perhaps the 
means to an interesting income. They will provide a permanent 
testimonial to his patience, skill, and artistic accomplishments. Best 
of all, they will serve as a reminder of many interesting and happy 
hours. 



461 




Fig. 341 A Fighting Man of the Delta Division, Papua, New Guinea, 
photo by John W. Vandercook 




Fig:. 342 Skull Collection and Native Carvings. Interior of a Head 
Hunters House, Swamp Country of New Guinea. Flashlight photo by 
John W. Vandercook 



462 



IN THE TROPICS 
Notes on Special Film Handling 

JOHN W. VANDERCOOK CHAPTER 28 



Several years of photographic work under difficult tropical con- 
ditions ... a 600-mile trek across the Central African Highlands in 
the middle of the rainy season . . . 400 miles by dugout canoe in the 
humid swamplands of southern New Guinea . . , and the highly 
variable conditions encountered in the uplands of Fiji and the Solo- 
mon Islands, have satisfied me of the singular advantages of the 
Leica camera, and the Leiea method in general, for hot-country work. 

One virtue which the Leica possesses is : It is the only camera 
I know of that when in use is sufficiently sealed to guard the film 
inside from moisture. Practically no humidity, I find, penetrates 
the closed camera. If the film has been cared for properly before 
and after use satisfactory results are certain. Nothing can happen 
to it while it is in use. 

My own methods of caring for film under tropical conditions 
methods which have proven completely successful are these. 

I purchase all the film I need before leaving home. Even the less 
durable grades of super-speed pan will, I know from experience, last 
at least a year, if one takes care. And, so far as the tropics are con- 
cerned, I distrust the mails. 

Some travelers order film to be sent out to them at various stages 
of their voyaging. The idea seems reasonable. Fresh film, straight 
from the factory, it should be fine. It is, unless it happens on the 
way to have had a long trip through tropical waters in the mail room 
of an average steamer. I have been in those mail rooms. They are 
usually amidships near the engines; near the equator their normal 
temperature is often well above 120. And somewhere, in the midst 
of it, someone's film is simmering. For the same reason I allow no 
cases containing film to be taken to the baggage room. They stay 
with me in the cabin. 

Film should be carried in a steel African uniform box. Boxes 
made in England for use in Africa and well worth the high price one 
pays for them boxes guaranteed airtight and watertight. I have 
one which is large enough to hold, except for the cameras themselves, 

463 



all of a rather extensive photographic equipment. It is roughly the 
size of an ordinary suitcase. And one should improve it in one 
particular which the makers overlooked. African uniform boxes are 
painted black when one gets them. Mine is now painted with a white 
enamel. When, as it often is, the box is being carried in the sunlight 
on the top of an African's head or a South Sea Islander's shoulders, 
the difference in the interior temperatures between a black box and 
a white one is decidedly perceptible. And very important. 

All films, besides being kept in an airtight case, should be addi- 
tionally protected in the usual way, by being packed in tins sealed 
with a twice-around wrapping of adhesive tape. There is no need 
to take any further means of preserving them until after they are 
exposed. 

Then, in hot climates and under conditions of high humidity, 
it is inevitable that negative films, even in a very brief space of time, 
will absorb a certain amount of moisture. 

Single quarter-plate film packs which I have used have absorbed, 
by actual measurement, more than a teaspoonful of water. This 
absorbed moisture, however, can be and must be removed by a very 
simple means. 

A Simple Dehydrating Method 

After a film is exposed return it to its tin, but seal in with it 
several dried squares of calcium-chloride saturated blotting paper. 
This chemical has the admirable characteristic of drawing extra- 
ordinary quantities of moisture out of anything with which it comes 
in contact. 

The calcium-chloride blotters are prepared quite simply. Pur- 
chase a few ounces of pure Calcium Chloride, obtainable at any 
chemical supply house, and dissolve it in a small cooking pot full of 
water. Into this solution place forty or fifty 2 by 3 inch, or any 
other size which is convenient, bits of ordinary white blotting paper 
of a good grade, and simmer slowly over the fire until all the water 
has been boiled out of the pot. The blotting paper oblongs will be 
found to be sticky and still wet. Being careful not to scorch them, 
dry these in an oven. The moisture in them, it will be found, is 
driven off very slowly and the operation takes a suprisingly long time 
but it is worth it. Thick asbestos paper could also be used for this 
purpose. 

When the blotters are comparatively crisp and dry, seal them 
quickly into an absolutely airtight container. They will then keep 
indefinitely. 

464 



In the Tropics 

When an exposed film is returned to its sealed tin, put two or 
three of these pieces of blotter in with it, and after several days, 
take them out and replace them with fresh dry pieces. The old ones 
will be found to be almost incredibly saturated, but they may be 
dried out and used again an indefinite number of times. Eepeat 
this process until, after an interval, it is found that .the blotters are 
no longer absorbing any moisture. If another dry bit is put in for 
good luck the exposed film will in all probability remain in perfect 
condition in any tropical climate for from six months to a year and 
when at last it is taken out for development it will be found to be 
bone dry. 

Developing the Film 

Development is of course extremely difficult in the tropics. There 
is usually inadequate water, and that is warm. But, if Calcium 
Chloride is used, there is no reason to hurry. It is, I have proven 
to my own satisfaction, far less hazardous to wait for good develop- 
ing conditions than to attempt bad ones. 

Large negatives, of course, can be developed at high temperatures 
with the assistance of special hardeners and the results, if one is 
more than usually skilful in technique, will be perfectly satisfactory. 

But Leica films, I am convinced, must be developed at low 
temperatures and only at low temperatures. No matter how efficient 
the hardener used, irreparable damage will have been done to the 




Fig. 343 John W. Vandercook Stops for Refreshments in New Guinea 

465 



grain of the film In the first minute or two of development In a warm 
solution. Wait for ice. Wait, if necessary, for months. It will be 
worth it. 

When at last ice is obtainable, keep all solutions below 65. If 
still in a warm climate, start the development at 60 or even lower, 
and leave a thermometer in the solution during the whole period of 
development. By the time the development is finished the tem- 
perature of the solution, do what one will, will have risen perilously. 
To time the development accurately, one must therefore strike an 
average. For example, if development has started with the solution 
at 60 and has then risen to 70, time as if for a temperature of 
65. Einsing water and hypo had best err on the side of coldness 
rather than warmness. The same rule holds for the washing water. 
Also it is as well to remember that the actual dissolving of a dry 
developer raises the water temperature. Allow accordingly. It goes 
without saying that if one is using ice, water is scarce. Leica film 
has no more useful characteristic than the small quantity of water 
it requires for thorough washing. If a Eeelo tank is used, fill it 
up, let it stand for a minute or two, then swish the water out of 
it with a vigorous rotary motion. If this is repeated six times the 
film will be quite clean. Eight changes are just so much safer 
if the tank is constantly handled, rotated and shaken, then completely 
emptied before the next bath is poured in. With practice (touch the 
film to your tongue), taste is an excellent indicator as to whether or 
not a film is free from hypo. (Water containing hypo has a charac- 
teristic sweetish taste.) 

Six quarts of water are sufficient for the development, fixing 
and washing of one Leica reel an economy of great importance in 
most tropical countries, 

Dry the film thoroughly with ultra-soft chamois or a very old 
and oft-washed bit of soft cotton material, and dry away from dust. 

Incidentally, patent hypo-removers, in my experience, are fatal 
to Leica negatives. They have a curious explosive effect upon the tex- 
ture of the negative which, though it would not be noticeable in the 
case of large pictures, produces extremely coarse grain. 

Another point. The wise traveller avoids carrying liquids. Take 
along a dry developer. With equal reason, avoid developers that are 
put up in fragile glass tubes. Those tubes, if travelling is hard, will 
break with amazing ease. 

And, most important point of all, a black cloth changing bag 
such as is made for motion picture use is the essence of pleasant 

466 



In the Tropics 

Lelca travelling. A changing bag frees one from the need of a dark 
room and all necessary Leica operations can be performed in one. 
I buy my negative film in 100-foot spools and cut and wind them in a 
changing bag. Film may be introduced into the Eeelo tank in a 
changing bag and if one is using film faster than one has an oppor- 
tunity to develop it, exposed films may be transferred from their 
cylinders to an empty 100 foot spool for storage and for Calcium 
Chloride dehydration in a changing bag. 

One final point. Some Leica users have difficulty in getting film 
' 'started 77 in the Eeelo tank the one which I personally prefer for 
tropical and changing bag use. Try this. Before attempting to get 
the film into the Eeelo spool, first unwind it completely from the film 
magazines. For one thing, the "far 77 end is already shaped to a point 
suitable for insertion in the Eeelo spool; for another, the weight of the 
cylinder, pulling at the film, tends to cause buckling. One works more 
smoothly with no impediment other than the film itself. 



EDITORS' NOTE: Elimination of atmospheric humidity (dehydra- 
tion) from photographic materials and equipment presents quite a prob- 
lem to photographic workers in the tropics. Primarily, but not exclusively 
for their benefit a new standard product known as "SILICA GEL" is 
recommended for this purpose. This is a manufactured material, hard and 
glassy, resembling in appearance the clear quartz granules. Silica Gel is 
highly porous and hygroscopic. Its pores are invisible but their capil- 
larity is quite remarkable. The material will absorb up to 50% of its 
own weight of water from saturated air. Being chemically and photo- 
graphically inert it is an ideal material for dehydration of photographic 
materials. It can be used over and over again: it is easily reactivated or 
regenerated by heating at a temperature of 300 F. (150 C.) for from 
three to four hours. This is easily accomplished by placing Silica Gel in 
an ordinary kitchen oven. 

Silica Gel can be obtained from The Davison Chemical Corporation, 
Silica Gel Division, Rouse Building, Baltimore, Maryland. 

Silica Gel should prove very popular among miniature camera workers 
for such odd tasks as dehumidification of films which stubbornly form New- 
ton rings in the enlarger. A Leica worker in West Africa reports that 
he made an airtight camera case containing two trays filled with Silica 
Gel. This arrangement not only dries out the film while it is in the cam- 
era, but also prevents formation of mould in the camera mechanism and 
between the lens elements, something which frequently puts the camera out 
of commission in that part of the world. 

467 



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468 



THE 



JOHN T. MOSS, Jr. CHAPTER 29 



In Chicago in May, 1934, the world's largest photomurals were 
presented to the public in the Ford Exhibit at "A Century of 
Progress". These photomurals, which were photographic enlarge- 
ments, formed a basic part of the wall itself and decorated a wall 
area twenty feet high by five hundred and eighty feet long. The 
individual pictures, of which there were thirty in number, were 
twenty feet high and ranged from eighteen to thirty feet in width. 
I had the interesting experience of being closely connected with the 
making and installation of this huge job of "pictorial wall papering". 
I have been asked many times to describe the procedure of making 
these enlargements, and knowing my interest in Leicas, quite often 
the broadside of questions concerning the photomurals would begin 
with, "Of course these enlargements were made from Leica nega- 
tives?" (Said with a gleam in the eye, which indicated a readiness 
to call me a liar if I answered in the affirmative.) The answer was 
obviously "no", but the idea of making photomurals from Leica nega- 
tives is by no means as absurd as it may sound. It can be done as 
accompanying illustrations show. 

Relation of Photomurals to the Architecture 

Photomurals are not just large photographs hung on the wall. 
The same principles apply to photomurals as do to painted murals. 
They should bear some relation to the wall space and surrounding 
architecture. There are, of course, many different types of rooms and 
if two extremes of the range of variation are selected, it may seem 
that the same principle could not possibly apply to both. After a 
close study of the two, however, it will be evident that the same foun- 
dation supports both types. Let us consider the treatment of a small 
room, two walls of which are paneled by moldings into three square 
panels each, each panel containing a four foot square photomural 
which is a complete scene within itself. Compare this to a long strip 
of wall space ten feet long and two feet high, above several doors on 
a flat wall. In the long narrow photomural a continuous scene may 
be used which is selected because it has certain accents in the pic- 

469 



torial composition which occur over the doors. Thus the picture itself 
relates directly to the architectural structure of the wall. In the 
paneled room, the type of decoration divides the wall into definitely 
formed spaces and the picture in each space can therefore be complete 
within itself. There is still no reason, however, why these three 
separate pictures cannot bear a relation to one another in mass, 
subject matter and general composition. 

A good general rule to follow in making a picture for a wall 
decoration is to select the wall space to be decorated first, and then 
decide on the photograph to fit the space. Too many people would 
be inclined to make an enlargement of some arbitrary dimension and 
then stand in the middle of a room and wonder on which wall It 
would look best. This is hanging a picture, not making a mural to 
fit a wall space. Areas of wall at the sides of windows or between 
doors are often hard to decorate in the customary manner, and yet 
they often lend themselves very well to the use of photomurals. If 
such a space is chosen, care should be used to relate the area covered 
by the enlargement directly to the wall as a whole. Establish the 
limits or breaks in the wall itself and make the top or bottom of the 
picture line up with the top of a door or a molding, limiting its width 
by some other definite line on the wall If this is not done the mural 
will not relate to the area of the wall, but will just be another picture 
"hung" at random on the wall. Elements or lines of the photograph 
itself can also be made to run parallel with, or line up with limiting 
masses or lines of the wall. When the mural is being planned these 
lines should be given careful consideration. 

In most cases it will be found that only a part of the negative 
will be used. When the enlargement is made, study the prpjected 
image in proportions of the chosen wall area. Mark off the unwanted 
parts and see which part of the picture fits best into the space. 
It is often wise, at first, to make small prints about five inches by 
seven inches and crop them to the proportions of the wall area 
which has been laid out at one-quarter full size (1 ft. to 3 in.). 
After the composition has been studied and arranged to the best 
advantage, mount these small prints upon heavy cardboard cut to 
the proportions of the wall space to be filled. This will allow you to 
see how all of the pictures will relate to each other when they are 
mounted in final size on the wall. 

With a little careful study a picture can usually be found that 
will tie in pretty well with the wall space selected or with the room 
itself, if more than one wall is to -be used. The relation nf thp rnptnvo 

470 



Photomurols 

to the decoration of the room can even "be carried as far as the furni- 
ture, if desired. If a high bookcase or cabinet is to be used in the 
center of the wall, the composition of the picture should relate to the 
point where the high mass of the piece of furniture breaks up into 
the picture. This is basically the same relation as mentioned before in 
the case of doors, and can be treated very effectively. If an unbroken 
wall space is to be used the photographs themselves can divide the 
room into panels and at the same time unify it as a whole. An 
example of this, on a large scale, is the photomural in the N. B. C. 
Studios in Radio City, New York. Here the photomural runs con- 
tinuously around a circular room, but is divided into sections by the 
subject matter and tone of the prints of the photographs. A dark 
print is used next to a lighter one, but care had been taken not to 
get so much contrast that the wall as a whole would not tie together. 
The mural thus portrays the separate elements of broadcasting, but 
at the same time provides the room with a unified wall decoration. 



Fig. 345 Photomu- 
ral by John T. 
Moss, Jr. Showing 
its Relation to 
Window and Wall. 




471 



Physical Limitations of Size 

The Leica user cannot expect to produce photomurals twenty 
feet high, by twenty-five feet wide. The manufacturing processes in- 
volved in the making of murals this size or even one half this size 
are beyond the physical capacity of most camera users. But what 
Leica user wants a photonraral that size ? It would be like having the 
Graf Zeppelin tied up in one's backyard. The Leica is a miniature 
camera, so scale down your photomurals accordingly. Even if you 
only make a mural three feet by four feet you will be making a greater 
enlargement in proportion to the Leica negative than the twenty-foot 
by twenty-five-foot enlargements, which were made from 8 x 10 
negatives, resulting in a magnification of about twenty-four diameters. 
This scaling down does not mean using an 8 x 10 foot print stuck on 
the wall as a photonraral, Two feet by three feet is a good size 10 
begin with. 

The large professionally made photomurals in most cases cannot 
be printed on one sheet of paper. The largest paper comes in rolls 
forty inches wide and several hundred feet long. This means that 
there must be one joint in the paper about every three feet. Very 
few photographers have the equipment to develop paper as large as 
three feet by ten feet thus making it necessary to use a horizontal 
as well as a vertical joint in most photographic murals. This does 
not harm the mural, however, if the matching of the tone values is 
carefully done. The average Leica user is probably limited to an 
eleven by fourteen inch sheet of paper, but this does not prevent him 
from making a mural to fit a larger space. If you are fortunate 
enough to have a tank that will take a piece of paper two by three 
feet or larger, by all means use it. It will eliminate much of the 
time required by matching. On the other hand, don ? t let your 
eleven by fourteen inch trays keep you from making a 4 x 5 foot 
mural, if you want one. 

Subject Matter 

Subject matter in photomurals is quite important. Just a large 
picture of little Junior sitting on the steps of the front porch will 
probably not make a good photomural Junior has his place, and a 
very important place in most cases, but he doesn't do so well enlarged 
to half life size looking at you from the wall of the den with Ms best 
grin. The picture selected should be good from the standpoint of 
composition and not just the snapshot variety. That picture of Aunt 
Sophie on the steps of the Capitol at Washington probably is a swell 
likeness of Aunt Sophie, and anyone could be sure that the location 

472 



Photomurals 

is Washington but, enlarge it to two by three feet and put it on the 
wall and the answer is : "So what ? ' J 

Pictorial subjects for murals should have beauty or action or 
both. If the action is good, it will show a grace of line and mass 
which will be appropriate to the composition in most cases. Land- 
scapes or general out-of-door scenes quite often lend themselves very 
well, if the object is just to fill a wall space with a pleasing picture 
without any particular purpose of telling a story. If, on the other 
hand, the siibject matter of the mural is to directly relate to the type 
of room in which it is used, then indoor as well as outdoor shots 
are suitable. 

It is taken for granted that most Leica users would make photo- 
murals for their own homes, or at least for rooms in which the char- 
acter of the picture would be governed by personal interests of the 
Leiea owners or their friends. If by chance you have the opportunity 
to decorate the walls of an office, a store, or a club by all means go 
to it. Industrial subjects are excellent for photomural work and he 
who can get a commission to portray the workings of a factory for 
the office wall of the president, for instance, has a job which is one 
of the most interesting. 

Game rooms are among the best rooms in the home to decorate 
with Leiea murals. On the walls can be shown shots of people using 
the ping pong table which is located in the room itself. Close-ups oJ. 
trick pool or billiard shots could be arranged into a very decorative 
design along the wall. 

The den, or library, is also an ideal place for photomurals. Golf, 
tennis, fishing, hunting or any of the outdoor hobbies of the Leica 
owner can be represented. The trips or tournaments of the summer 
months can be with you all the year round, and make an appropriate 
decoration for the walls. 

Hallways and entrance vestibules are good places to decorate. 
Because they are only connecting links or entrances to other rooms, 
they can be treated in a more abstract manner as to subject matter. 
Here is a good place for your favorite landscape, whether it be a 
shot of Morro Castle in Havana, or a lucky exposure of the snow 
capped peaks of the Eockies at sunset. If the hall is a long and 
narrow passage a series of shots could be worked together to show 
in resume* fashion an automobile trip through Canada, or the "West. 
Pick out the best shots and arrange them so they are in sequence, and 
bear a relation to each other in composition along the wall. 

One thought for a bar or drinking room is a series of Leiea close- 

473 



ups showing the mixing and ingredients of the popular drinks of the 
present day. If such shots are carefully illuminated during the 
photographing, the prints will work into a very decorative pattern of 
highlights and shadows. Your guests will know exactly what they are 
getting when they order their favorite drink. 

Another thought for the background of the bar itself is a shot 
of liquor bottles well arranged. "With some of the good displays in 
the present day liquor store windows at ones disposal, a shot like 
this ought not to be hard to find. 

If you are adept at facial expressions and wish to decorate the 
wall with a flavor of humor, get a long cable release and shoot your- 
self registering various states of emotional anticipation as you are 
about to indulge in your favorite mixture. 

Children's playrooms or nurseries are good fields to experiment 
with. Here the murals may be treated in an educational manner or 
as a record of the junior members of the family. Here is the appro- 
priate place for the children, but show them in action, if a record of 
children is the type of mural desired. Children on the beach or in 
camp offer many chances for good composition regardless of whether 
it is your own child or not. It is a good idea when arranging the 
pictures to forget that the children bear any relation to you, but keep 
only the composition of the space in mind. By doing so you will 
not be tempted to detract from the decorative quality of the wall by 
putting in a picture of your daughter, which may not fit in the 
scheme, simply because she wears your favorite expression in that 
shot. 

From the educational angle, pictures of the zoo might be arranged 
around the wall of a child's playroom and serve the same purpose as 
juvenile picture books. Modern toys lend themselves very well to 
photography. With a little imagination, a very decorative and amus- 
ing band of shots might be made using the child's own dolls and toys. 

Garden or floral shots can be very effectively used in decorating 
dining rooms walls. These might be used in the form of a continuous 
band, or if the dining room is divided into panels, such as are often 
found in Colonial houses, these panels can be filled with photomurals. 
In using floral shots, a more effective picture can be obtained by 
making close-up shots rather than general broad views of an entire 
garden. The close-up shows the beauty of the flower itself and is 
more interesting to the observer. When garden shots are taken for 
photomural purposes, get a group of flowers in the foreground of the 
picture to further enhance the beauty of the entire garden in the 

474 



Photomurals 

distance. As in any type of picture, this gives the photograph depth 
and prevents the picture from appearing flat and unreal. Beautiful 
landscapes are appropriate for the dining room. A panorama type 
of shot used as a continuous band or split up into panels would be 
very effective. 

Composing the Pliotomurai 

Remember that in all previously mentioned examples the entire wall 
space does not have to be covered with photographs. In most cases it is 
much better not to cover too much of the wall. By only using a single 
space at one end or side of the room, the photograph takes on much more 
importance and you do not get the effect of the room just being papered 
with pictures. Photomurals are not just wallpaper in the all-over sense 
of the word. Wallpaper designs have been made from photographs, but a 
mural requires an entirely different treatment. The larger the area one 
attempts to cover with the enlargement the more difficult the composition 
of the wall becomes, so it is well to start out on a small scale until one 
makes a few successful experiments. 

In figure 344 the space above the window is approximately six feet 
by one foot, and the subject matter was chosen both for its horizontal 
feeling and because of its local interest. Here the panel has been divided 
by a vertical picture strip on each side in order to separate the two 
scenes at each end. These two end scenes are located in the mural as 
they actually are in the New York skyline, but as they were taken about 
one-half minute apart, the clouds did not match with the clouds in the cen- 
tral panel. The shot of the elevated railroad tracks was therefore used in 
a purely abstract manner to separate the three views. The same shot 
was used on both sides, the negative being reversed on the right side in 
order to have the two diagonals of the pictures extending toward the 
center of the window. The horizontal feeling of the Venetian blinds of 
the window, broken by the two vertical tapes are thus repeated in the 
photograph by the horizontal clouds and skyline broken by the two ver- 
tical strips. 

Because of the shape of the space horizontal joints in the paper were 
not necessary. There are two vertical joints in the center picture, but 
by careful matching these do not show at all. There is a joint on each 
side of the two vertical panels, but because these are frankly used as 
separating inserts in the composition, the joints are not a problem of 
matching. The Leica mural thus ties in well with the end of the room and 
makes a very interesting panel above the window, as well as presenting 
a view of the New York harbor which cannot be seen from many places 
in the City. 

The above is just a simple example of what can be done in the living 
room. Innumerable variations of composition and subject matter are wait- 
ing for Leica users to make the most of. There are few rooms in the house 
which could not be made more attractive by the use of Leica murals. The 
bedroom, the bathroom, and even the kitchen, if the cook will allow it, all 
have their possibilities. A frieze of shots of truck gardens or cleverly 
arranged vegetables might make the kitchen a bit more unusual and deco- 
rative. As to the bathroom, if it has a tile wainscot six feet high, a narrow 
band of goldfish shots might be used just above it., Another possibility 
presents itself in a collection of shots of the surf taken while on a vacation 
at the shore. 

475 



In the case of the kitchen and bathroom shots, the photographic paper 
may be sprayed with a thin coat of colored or transparent lacquer in order 
to tone it in with the general color of the walls. Care should be taken in 
doing this, as too much color will obliterate the details of the photograph. 
But a thin coating will add rather than detract from the general effect. A 
cheap spray gun may be purchased for this purpose. Care should be taken 
to mask off the wall area directly adjoining the mural when spraying the 
lacquer. 

Grain and Viewing Distance 

One of the most important things in the making of satisfactory Leica 
murals is fine grain of your negatives. If your negatives contain as little 
obvious grain as possible the enlargements will be of the best. It might be 
the case, however, that a negative selected from your file which seems to 
fit perfectly in a certain wall space shows quite a bit of grain when enlarged 
to the required size. If the wall area is in a darkened hall^or^up high for 
instance, this grain will not be noticed, particularly if the viewing distance 
is great enough. A mural such as shown in figure 344 could contain more 
grain than one which was to be viewed close at hand. This mural is about 
nine feet above the fioor and in order to see it at the proper angle a person 
has to stand about six or eight feet away from it. At such a distance an 
average enlargement of grain would not detract from the mural. This does 
not mean that grain should be disregarded, and paraphenylene ^ diamine or 
some similar fine-grain development is recommended as it will give the best 
results when enlarged. It simply illustrates that you can use a negative 
with grain in certain instances. If negatives are made purposely for the 
mural, decide what effect you wish on the wall and keep that in mind during 
the taking of the picture, the development of the negative, and the printing 
of the enlargement. 

The actual making of Leica murals requires no more skill than it takes 
to make any eleven by fourteen inch enlargements, but it does require more 
patience. 

If the design on the wall is to have the effect of a pattern of blacks 
and whites, get contrast in the negative and make prints which bring out 
this quality. If the wall is to have a general tone carried out by the mural, 
make the negatives less contrasty and print all of the pictures with the 
same general tone of gray. Negatives which are made especially for photo- 
murals should be developed for a slightly shorter time than the average 
negative. It will be found that negatives which might be considered thin 
for a 5 x 7 inch print will produce a very satisfactory 20x30 inch enlarge- 
ment. This is particularly true if a paraphenylene diamine developer is 
used. 

Technical Photomural Procedure 

There are two ways of projecting when an enlargement of more 
than the average size is desired. The Valoy enlarger can be turned 
horizontally, and the image projected upon a wall or it can be used 
vertically in more or less the usual manner. 

If the horizontal method is used, the swivel extension arm is a 
very handy accessory. This allows the lamp housing to be swung 
at right angles to its normal vertical position, and fastened with a 
set screw. If, however, one does not own a swivel arm, the enlarging 

476 



Phofomurals 

stand may be used horizontally, but some method must be devised to 
support the free end of the tubular upright. Books or a box of the 
right height can be used, or a cradle of wood can be made with little 
effort. Thus the baseboard of the enlarger serves as one support and 
the books or box the other, the whole set-up taking the shape of an 
inverted letter "U". The enlarger housing must be moved around 
on its supporting arm until it is directly above the tubular support. 
In this position it can be moved forward and backward until the 
projected image on the wall or vertical screen is the desired size. 
Care must be taken to hold the enlarger housing with one hand when 
the other hand is used to move it along the tubular support, or It will 
swing down on one side or the other, upsetting the whole enlarger 
easel and possibly damaging the enlarger itself. Be sure that the 
tubular support is perfectly level, namely that the improvised support 
is the same height as the depth of the easel board which is fastened to 
the other end of the tube. If the tube is not level the projected 
image will be distorted. After the enlarger Is set up in this position, 
some sort of surface should be selected to receive the projected image, 
such as compo-board or sheet cork, to which the photographic paper 
can be fastened with thumbtacks. A large drawing board may also 
be used. This board or projection surface is also useful In focusing, 
as a sheet of white paper can be tacked to the surface and the enlarger 
focused sharply. The white paper should then be removed and 
replaced with the photographic paper when the print is made. This 
horizontal method is perfectly satisfactory and will give enlargements 
of great size, but because the enlarger is In an unusual position some 
Leica users might find it awkward to manage. 

The second method is one in which the enlarger remains in a 
vertical position. It can be placed upon a table of normal height 
(thirty inches), and raised to full height of the standard upright and 
it will enlarge the Leica negative to approximately two by three feet 
when turned around 180 from its normal position above the easel 
and projected upon the floor. The easel board should be weighted or 
clamped to the table to keep the enlarger from tipping over. This 
Is the method that was used to enlarge the sections of the mural in 
figure 344. 

A piece of white paper was placed on the floor for the purpose 
of focusing, and also to determine where the various dividing lines of 
the sectiorc of paper would occur on the image. The white paper 
had been marked off in rectangles the exact size of the various sections 
of the mural; and where the lines of these rectangles divided the 

477 



projected image were to be the divisions at which the sheets of print- 
ing paper had to be joined. The enlarger remained in one position so 
this method of plotting the position of each section of the mural in 
relation to the whole image was quite important in making sure the 
image matched perfectly at the edges of the sections. Only the sky- 
line part of the negative was used as there was more sky than neces- 
sary In the frame of the picture, for this composition. 

After test strips had been made to determine the tone value 
desired, the projection was then made on three eleven by fourteen 
inch sheets for the center picture starting at the left side. The image 
was overlapped about three-quarters of an inch on each piece of 
paper, so there would be a safety margin when the sections were 
mounted. Thus by having a slight bit of the same part of the image 
along each of the edges of two sections which are to be joined, it is 
easier to match the parts of the picture and there is no danger of 
leaving out a section of the picture in attempting to project just 
what is to finally appear on each section. The foreground was masked 
in each of the exposures in order to darken the sky and give the 
whole picture a general dark tone. The exposure was one and three- 
quarter minutes on the whole picture and then the sky was exposed 
for another one and one-quarter minutes, masking the foreground. 
A shorter exposure could have been made by using a photoflood bulb 
in the enlarger. The negatives of the end panels were then exposed 
in the same manner, the test strips having shown that the exposure 
was the same as the center panel. The two inserts were then exposed 
for a period of time that would give them a slightly darker tone than 
the center and end panels. This value was determined by a test 
strip and used to further emphasize the vertical breaks in the compo- 
sition. The prints were made on Eastman Vltava Projection Paper 
(02), but single weight paper is preferable as it will not curl at the 
edges as easily and pull away from the wall after it is mounted. 

The timing of the exposure and of the development is important, 
as even small variations will give a different tone of gray and thus 
show a line where the two pieces of paper are joined together. 

Care should be taken in the focusing of the image. This can be done 
at f :3 5 and then the lens should be stopped down to between f :4.5 and f :6.3 
as the spread of light is more uniform at this opening. Certain negatives 
may be found difficult to focus sharply when they are enlarged to 30 or 40 
diameters. One method of setting the focus is to remove the negative from 
the enlarger and place a small feather between the condenser and the frame 
which carries the negative. The lens should then be focused sharply on the 
finest part of the feather. The fine lines of the feather will be finer than 
any line on the negative, enlarged to this size, so if the feather outline is 

478 




479 




Photomural 
480 



Victor Haveman 



Photomurals 

sharp one can be sure that the negative will be, with that adjustment. 
Remove the feather and leave the enlarges set at that focus during the 
projection of the negatives. 

After the sections of paper were carefully developed and fixed they 
were allowed to dry in the usual manner. The edges of the dry prints were 
then skived or pared; that is, they were turned face down and the edges 
were thinned by tearing off a thickness of the paper about one-half inch 
along the edge. This bevels the edges of the paper and prevents the edges 
from peeling off along the joints after they are pasted to the wall. It also 
prevents a double thickness of paper at the joint, which would show. If the 
paper is beveled down as thin as possible without tearing the edge, the 
overlapping edges of the two sections will amount to the same thickness as 
a single sheet of paper. The edges can also be beveled by rubbing the back 
with sandpaper until the edge of the paper is almost as thin as tissue paper. 
Thin muslin was then applied to the wall (or mount) with vegetable glue 
thinned to a brushing consistency. The sections of photographic paper were 
then wetted and glued to the muslin surface (after it was thoroughly dried). 
The matched joints should overlap about one-half to three-quarters of an 
inch. If the edges have been thinned as described above there will be no 
double thickness of paper at these points. The various sections of paper 
should be carefully applied so that horizon lines or other parts of the image 
match perfectly. 

If you do not wish to apply the mural directly to the wall, it may be 
applied to masonite, or wall board. One-eighth inch thick masonite will 
carry quite a large mural without any extra bracing on the back of the 
panel itself. If the murals are mounted in this manner they may be changed 
from time to time without damaging the wall surface. The prints should 
be spotted very carefully as defects will show up on a mural and detract 
from the decorative effect of the wall. This spotting can be done with a 
brush and India ink, or on large enlargements a paper stump and charcoal 
pencil will often be effective. The charcoal pencil will work particularly 
well where even tones are desired to cover a large defect in the print. The 
pencil should be rubbed over the spot lightly leaving a series of lines. These 
lines should then be blended into an even tone by rubbing them with the 
paper stump, or a piece of cotton. 

The above mentioned examples are undoubtedly not all of the 
uses for Leica murals but they should serve as a start toward another 
service for this many-purpose camera. "Whatever the location of the 
Leica mural, relate it directly to the wall, don't "hang it". 



481 



INDEX 



Aerial photography 439 

ACCESSORIES, MISCELLANEOUS, 

(See also Equipment) 

Cable Release 42 

Critical Focuser 341 

Film magazines SO 

Filter mounts 94 

Front Lenses 42, 74 

Leicaflash 44 

Lens tester 4n 

Micro Adapter Ring 341 

Negative Viewer and Marker 181 

Rapid Winder 43 

Single exposure film holder 47 

Slow Timing Device 42 

Sunshades 41 

Trimming Guides 34, 35, 38 

Agfa reversal film development 126 

Agitation 122 

Astronomical photography 397 



Beginner's equipment 26 

Bleach (reverser) 127, 135, 269 

Candid photography 405 

Chromatone process 268 

Circle of confusion 55 

Cleaner for film , 130 

Cleaning lenses 78 

Clinical eye photography 379 

Color photography 103, 263 

Color correction 84, 89 

Color prints 268 

Contact printing- 160 

Contrast of film 98 

COPYING 187 

Auxiliary reproduction devices 216-219 

Belun 1:1 attachment 234 

Books, manuscripts 301 

Collapsible Reproduction Stand 215 

Developers 211, 212 

Exposures 209 

Extension Tubes 192, 195 

Films 106, 210, 211, 303 

Filters 214 

Focusing Magnifiers, 5x and 30x 203 

Focusing by measurement 204 

Formulas for computing tables. .. .200-202 
Fuldy Sliding Focusing Copy Attach- 
ment 189-192 

Illumination 207, 208, 298 

Stamps 213 

Tables of exposure, magnification, 
areas for use with copying equip- 
ment 195-199 

Vibration 203 

Correction lenses 42 



DARKROOM 137 

Darkroomette 138 

Model 139 

Plans, layouts 140 

Depth of focus 56, 59, 60 

Dehydrating film 364 

Density of prints 154 

DENTAL PHOTOGRAPHY 357 

Equipment 357, 358 

Exposures 365 



PAGE 

Focusing 361 

Records, keeping of 368 

Reflected images, photographing 363 

Transillumination of teeth 362 

DEVELOPERS. . .see also Formulas 

Caustic (Process) D-9 212 

Compromise fine grain 120 

Contrast D-ll 211 

Dr. Sease developers 119 

Fine grain 115-121 

Maximum energy 118 

Paper Developers ." 168 

Positive film 227-228 

Redevelopment 127, 136, 270 

Reversal 127, 1 35, 270 

Toning papers 179 

Universal Developer 169 

DEVELOPING PROCEDURES 

Fine grain 124 

Reversible Superpan 127 

Development of film 112-114 

Development of prints 168 

Diffraction pattern 54 

Direct copy film 134 

Dodging prints 90 

Drying film 124 

Drying prints 177 

Enlarged negatives 133-136 

Enlarging: and contact printing 145, 160 

Enlarging papers and printing 163 

ENLARGING' 

Black and white from Kodachrome. . 266 

Density of prints 154 

Development and formulas 163 

Fixing 175 

Short-stop , 174 

Universal developer 109 

Dodging and print control ISO 

Drying finished prints 177 

Embossing finished prints 183, 184 

Equipment enlargers 146-149 

Operating the equipment 149-153 

Exposure 171 

Table of exposure factors 172 

Ferrotyping 177, 178 

Hypo test 177 

Papers 163 

Choice of paper 104 

Fast, slow, and contact papers. ... 167 

Tone gradation 164, 166 

Photoflpod bulbs in the enlarger 158 

Reduction of negatives by projection. 159 

Spotting 180-182 

Toning 179 

Washing 176 

Entomology 309 

EQUIPMENT for 

Aerial photography 447 

Astronomical photography 398 

Beginners 26 

Candid photography 439 

Copying. . .see Copying 

Darkroom 137 

Dental photography 357, 358 

Developing 113, 114, 268 

Enlarging... Focomat, Valoy, Vamax, 

Vanos 146, 149 

Historical research photography 298 

Insect photography ,...312,825 

Making positives 223-227 



482 



Ophthalmic photography 373, 374 

Panorama photography 257-259 

Photomicrography G35, 339, 341 

Photomurals . . 469 

Projection. . .see Projecting Leica pic- 
tures 237 

Printing 

Eldia for film and paper 223-226 

Eldur for glass slides 226,227 

Laver combination printer 233, 234 

Stage photography 422 

Stereoscopic photography 250, 251 

Tropical photography 463 

Visual instruction photography 283 

EXPOSURE 

Copying close-up objects 209 

Dental photography 365 

During enlarging 171 

Film exposure 108 

Correct exposure 109 

Exposure meters 109, 110 

Normal exposure 108 

Table of exposure factors for enlarg- 
ing 171 

Tables used in copying 195-199 

Without exposure meter Ill 

For photoflash 112 

Extension tubes 192, 195 

Ferrotyping 178 

FILM 

Bulk 35 

Cleaner 130 

Color 103, 265 

Contrast 98 

Copy work, for 210,303 

Daylight loading 33 

Development 112 

Drying 124 

Exposure 108 

' Gamma 113,119 

Graininess 98 

Hypersensitizing .1 395, 422 

Infra-Red 104, 388 

Intensifying 131 

Kodachrome 263 

Latitude 100 

Loading 29 

Magazine 30 

Newton Rings 129 

Orthochromatic 102 

Panchromatic 101 

Position in camera 27 

Positive^ 103 

Presoaking 124 

Reticulation 128 

Reversible Superpan 104 

Processing 127 

Reducing 130 

Selection 98 

Sensitivity to color 98 

Speed of emulsion 98 

Speed ratings 101-105 

Storage and preservation 131, 307 

Trimming 34, 35, 38 

Washing 124 

What film to use 106, 107 

Winding 36 

Fine grain development 115-121 

FILTERS 

Aerial, for photography 451 

Copying, for 210 

Effect filters 93 

Effect upon film. 85-89 

Effect upon sharpness 83 

Factors 89 

Factor table 95 

Fog Filters 93 



PAGE 

Infra-Red 93, 94, 392 

Mounts 94 

Photomicrography, for 353 

Stero photography, for 251 

Tests i 88 

Ultraviolet 93 

Viewing filters j 90 

What filters to use 91, 94 

When to use filters 84,94 

Flashlight equipment 44 

Focal length 58 

Focusing by measurement 204 

Focusing, critical 203 

Focusing for dental work 361 

FORMULAS., .see also Developers 

Acid hardener stock solution 123 

Acid hardening fixing bath 123, 175 

Bleach for reversal 135 

Cleaner for film ISO 

Intensification 131 

Intensification, of Duf ay color 272 

Reducing 130 

Reversible Superpan 127 

Short-stop for film 122 

Short-stop for paper 174 

Toning 179 

Wash-off relief 271 

Front Lenses (supplementary) ........ 42, 74 

Gamrna 113, 119 

Graininess of film 98 

Hardener, Stock Solution 123 

Historical Research 295 

Hollywood and the Leica 431 

Hypersensitizing Film, 395, 422 

Hypo, acid hardening for film 123 

Hypo test 177 

ILLUMINATION for: 

Color photography 265 

Copying 207, 208, 298 

Eye photography 376,377 

Insect photography 1 . . 321 

Photomicrography 347, 352 

Teeth, transillumination 362 

Ultraviolet photography 323 

INFRA-RED PHOTOGRAPHY 387 

Aerial work 454 

Exposure 392 

Film 104, 388 

Filters 93, 392 

INSECT PHOTOGRAPHY 309 

Equipment 312, 325 

Illumination 321 

In the field 313 

Preparation of specimens 310, 318 

Intensification of negatives 131 

Iris Diaphragm , . 54 

Kodachrome 263 

Laboratory, the 142, 143 

Latitude of film 100 

Leica and auxiliary equipment 23 

LEICA CAMERA 

First model, 1914 37 

Models A, B, C, D, E 36,37 

Model F or G 26, 30, 31 

Model FF, 250 exposure 38 

Accessories., .see Accessories 

Beginner's equipment 26 

Cross section of Leica camera 32,33 

Equipment . . . see Accessories and 
Equipment 

Know your Leica 25 

How to make your first Leica pic- 
ture 27-29 

What to photograph 24 

Outside parts 30 

Single exposure camera 45 



483 



PAGE 

LENSES 49 

Aberrations : chromatic, spheric 51 

Angle of vision 50 

Care of lenses 78 

Circle of confusion 55 

Comparative fields covered 57 

Depth of focus 56-61 

Focal length 58 

Front lenses 42, 76-78 

Leica lenses 52-74 

Perspective 63 

Portrait 71-72 

Resolving power 50, 54 

Speed 68, 69, 70 

Standard 67-68 

Telephoto 73, 76 

Tester 45 

Wide Angle 66, 67 

Micro adapter ring 341 

Mirror reflex box 74 

Monochromatic filters (viewing) 90 

MONTAGES 150, 220, 116, 281, 407, 410, 468, 

479 
MOUNTING 

Finished enlargements 183-185 

Glass slides 231-233 

Panorama pictures 261 

Photomurals 480 

Negatives. . .see also Film 

Enlarged, by reversal 133 

Negative Viewer and Marker 131 

Newton rings 129 

Nooky close-up attachment 44 

OPHTHALMIC PHOTOGRAPHY 371 

Clinical eye photography 379 

Equipment 373, 374 

Flashlight exposures 377 

Illumination 376 

Placido disc 381 

Smoke box photography 383 

Orthochromatic film 102 

Panorama photography 257 

Panchromatic films 101 

Papers... see also Enlarging 163 

Papers . . . comparative speeds 174 

Parallax adjustment 40, 2ivi 

Perspective, control of 447 

Photoflash exposures 112 

Photomicrography 331 

Photomurals 469 

Placido disc in eye photography 383 

Positive film 10. 

POSITIVES FOR PROJECTION 221 

Developers "... 227, 228 

Eldia contact printer for film and 

paper 223-22.") 

Eldur printer for glass slides 226, 227 

Laver combination printer 233, 23 1 

Mounting glass slides 230, 231 

Presoaking of film 124 

PRINTING. . . 

Contact and enlarging paper 163 

Panorama pictures 261 

Positives for projection 221 

Stereo Pictures 25." 

PROJECTING LEICA PICTURES 237 

Equipment 237 

Accessories 241 

Condensers 240 

Udimo 100 238 

Udimo 250 , 240 

Udimo 400 , . 240 

Udimo 750 242 



PAGE 

Umena 100 and Umino 50 243-245 

Projection table 247 

Table of screen areas for various lenses 242 

Bangre finders 28, 31, 32, 37 

Built-in 28, 31,32 

Fokos, model E 37 

Rapid Winder 43 

Redevelopment 104, 136, 269 

Reducing pictures by projection 159 

Reduction of negatives 130 

Relative aperture 56, 61 

Research, historical 295 

Reticulation 128 

Reversal negatives, enlarged 133 

Reverser (bleach) 135 

Reversible Superpan 104 

Reversing formulas 126-127 

Sensitivity of film to color 98 

Separation negatives 267 

Shading prints 90 

Sharpness of image 54 

Short-stop for film 122 

Short-stop for paper 174 

Silica Gel (for dehydration) 467 

Single Exposure Leica 45 

Sliding Focusing Copy Attachment. .189, 339 

Slow Timing Device 42 

Smoke-box photography 383 

Spotting 180-182 

Stage photography 421 

STEREOSCOPIC PHOTOGRAPHY 249 

Kodachrome for stereo pictures 252 

Printing stereos on paper 255 

Stereo Slide Bar 253 

Using two cameras 254 

Storing film 131, 307 

Sunshades 41, 251 

TABLES 

Close-up copy work, exposure and 

magnification for use in 195-199 

Exposure factors for enlarging. , 172 

Film speed ratings, comparative 105 

Film to use, what 106, 107 

Filter factors 95 

Filters, effect on emulsions (graphs) .85-89 

For Nooky attachment 45 

Gamma for time-and-temperature de- 
velopment 119 

G'amma .7, time to reach 119 

Magnification for photomicrography... 351 

Photoflash exposures 112 

Projection tables showing screen areas 
with various lenses and projectors. 24 2, 247 

Sease fine grain developers 119 

Testing filters 88 

Three-color separations 266 

Toning prints 179 

Tropical photography 463 

Trimming guides 34, 35, 38 

Ultrapak 345 

VIEW FINDERS 28, 31 

Angle, Winko and Wintu 41 

Birect Vision, Rasuk 40 

Universal, Vidom 39 

Wide Angle, 35rnm 40 

VISUAL INSTRUCTION 275 

Educational use of pictures 279 

Agriculture, architecture 284, 290 

Biological sciences, geography 285, 287 

History, industrial arts 288, 289 

Washing film 124 

Washing papers 176 

Wash-off relief process 270 



484 






Advance News of LEICA Progress 

A magazine which offers the LEICA owner the latest news, 
hints, and formulas . . . also includes LEICA photos and feature arti- 
cles on various phases of LEICA Photography. Issued on the first 
of each month and sent free of charge to all REGISTERED LEICA 
camera owners in the United States, this magazine, the only one of 
its kind published in America is the AUTHORITY PUBLICATION in 
the miniature camera field. 

LEICA PHOTOGRAPHY MAGAZINE is published by E. Leitz, 
Inc., at 60 East I Oth Street, New York City. Edited by Augustus 
Wolfman. E. Leitz, Inc., are at all times glad to answer questions 
and make suggestions. 

The 20,000 copies of LEICA PHOTOGRAPHY printed each 
month find their way into every state in the Union and practically 
every country and continent of the world. 

Ten cents per copy at your local dealer, or $1.00 per year to 
non-owners of LEICA cameras in the United States. $2.00 per year 
to ALL subscribers in other countries. Free of charge to all LEICA 
owners in the United States who register the serial number of their 
LEICA with us. 



Send for a Specimen Copy 

E. LEITZ, INC. 

60 East 10th Street New York City 



485 




AGFA BROVIRA PAPER 
FOR BETTER ENLARGEMENTS if 



EICA veterans who have had long ex- 
perience with Agfa Brovira Paper 
consider it the ideal bromide for projec- 
tion prints. 

They appreciate Brovira's complete free- 
dom from the tendency toward grayish, 
flat results. Brovira retains all the sharp 
highlights and gives blacks that are rich 
and lustrous. And because of its excep- 
tional latitude in exposure and develop- 
ment, the character of the prints can be 
controlled most effectively. 



Make your next projection prints on Agfa 
Brovira Paper. You'll be delighted at the 
way it brings out all the fine detail, tone 
gradation and quality of your negatives. 
It comes in ten pleasing surfaces with 
varying degrees of contrast. 

AGFA ANSCO CORPORATION 
BINGHAMTON, N. Y. 







WHAT AGFA FILM MEANS 
TO THE LEICA USER 



EXAMINE the above contact print. Look closely 
and you'll see a little black dot on the road. 

Now look at the enlarged section. The black dot 
is an automobile . . . with fenders, bumper and 
headlamps plainly visible! That's the kind of 
enlargements you get from miniature negatives 
made on fine-grain Agfa Film! 

Agfa offers 5 films that give the Leica user a wide 
range of negative mediums covering every type 
of work. All come in the handy Agfa Leica 
cartridge for daylight loading. 

AGFA FINOPAN . . . fully panchromatic . . . 
extremely fine grain. For projection prints of 
unusual size. 

AGFA FINE-GRAIN PLENACHROME ... 

an all-around film. Fast, fine-grained, ortho- 
chromatic. Insures clear, sparkling negatives. 

AGFA FINE-GRAIN. SUPERPAN ... ex- 
tremely fast, panchromatic, fine-grain film for 



night pictures indoors or out, and for snapshots 
in early morning or late afternoon Ifght. 

AGFA INF RA -RED... this superior new film 
cuts through fog and haze and makes distant 
scenes clear and sharp. Also suitable for unusual 
work, such as copying old manuscripts. 

AGFA SUPERPAN REVERSIBLE ... anew 

fast panchromatic film. A valuable aid in project- 
ing films upon a screen. Developed by the re- 
versal process to a positive of beautiful projec- 
tion quality. 

Made by 

AGFA ANSCO CORPORATION 
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. 




AT THE CROSSROADS 



2 
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of you who live out of New York 
whether it be Maine or California. 

We take a more than commercial pride 
in our fine grain developing, printing 
and enlarging, enjoy swapping cameras 
and lenses and hope you will ask us 
to place you on our mailing list. 

HENRY HERBERT 
483 Fifth Avenue New York 



IN THE 



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PHOTO SUPPLY CO. 

3044 Greenmount Ave. 
BALTIMORE'S 

LEICA 

HEADQUARTERS 
Open Evenings 



Fine Grain 
DEVELOPING 

Guaranteed "Non-Fade" 

ENLARGEMENTS 

OA HOUR c, 

24 MAIL Service 



488 



MORGAN CAMERA 
SHOP 

IN 
HOLLYWOOD and PALM SPRINGS, California 

Agents for: 
Leitz, Zeiss, Agfa, Bell & Howell, Eastman Kodak 



We carry a complete line of miniature cameras and 
equipment to meet all your needs. Your problems 
are intelligently discussed and solved. Twenty-four 
hour mail order service on photo supplies and finishing. 

Deal with a firm that is dealing with the technicians 
and stars of Hollywood's motion picture colony. 

We have a large stock of solid colored optical g ass 
filters. 



MAIL ORDER SERVICE 

SUPERSOUP DEVELOPER 

COLOR FILM 

COPY ATTACHMENTS 

OPTICAL GLASS FILTERS 

CHEMICALS AND PAPERS 

16mm CAMERAS AND FILM 

SUPERPAN FILM 

FILM SHORT ENDS 2l/ 2 c. A FOOT 

EXPOSURE RECORD AND FILTER GUIDE 1 5c. 

SEND FOR MORGAN CAMERA NEWS IT'S FREE 



6305 SUNSET BLVD. HOLLYWOOD 

and PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA 

489 



Bring 'Em Back Alive.. Cavtettty, 



with a LEICAMETER! 




Get the action with your LEICA . . . but be sure of your exposure with 
the compact, easy-to-use LEICAMETER. See it at your LEICA dealer 
today, or write for literature. E.Leitz, Inc., 60 E. 10th St., New York, MY. 



LEICA SPECIALISTS 

at the 

GATEWAY TO THE CONTINENT 

NEW and USED LEICA and other Fine Grain Processing of the high- 

miniature Cameras - Lenses est ^ ali ^ ada P ted to the critical 

Accessories - Equipment. requirements of the Professional 

and Advanced Amateur 
Custom Made Enlargements 

Most Complete Assortment of 

PAPERS CHEMICALS DARKROOM EQUIPMENT, 
ENLARGERS LIGHTING EQUIPMENT, ETC. 

* 
All Makes of Film in Loading Packages or Bulk 

Whether in Person or by Mail You Will Like the Personal 
Service and Attention of 

GILLETTE CAMERA STORES, INC. 

117 Park Avenue (at 41st St.) At the Grand Central Terminal 
New York, N. Y. 



490 



CO., INC. 

77 



We are not cheap printers, we are 
equipped to do the better grade of 
printing. Our prices are not high 
our field covers house organs, folders, 
broadsides, booklets, catalogs, etc., 
especially halftone and color work. 



Ph 



one 



BEekman 3-9460 9461 



IMPORTANT 

To All Leica Photographers .... 

With the publication of this fourth printing (Second Edition 
Revised) of the LEICA MANUAL and of the LEICA PHOTO- 
GRAPHIC ANNUAL 1937 many Leica Photographers have had 
an opportunity to see their photographs published. During the 
coming months hundreds of new Leica Photographs will be 
examined for possible use in the LEICA PHOTOGRAPHIC 
ANNUAL 1938 and in the next edition of the LEICA MANUAL. 
We invite you to submit a few of your best photographs as 
promptly as possible. . . . 

Before sending your pictures make a careful study of all the photographs in 
the LEICA MANUAL and the LEICA PHOTOGRAPHIC ANNUAL. We want to 
include more good action shots, interesting documentary material, portraits, 
human interest angles and pictures with that unusual slant which is often hard 
to achieve but well worth the effort once obtained. Pictures from every section 
of the United States as well as from many foreign countries are wanted. If your 
pictures are accepted and published in one or both books you will obtain one 
or *both copies free upon publication. Your pictures should be sent to us 
unmounted and if possible in the 8 x 10 inch size. Send all letters and pictures 
directly to: 

MORGAN & LESTER 100 E. 42nd St., New York, N. Y., U. S. A. 



491 



FOR THE FIRST TIME .... 

A NEW BOOK OF EXCITING AND 

BEAUTIFUL MINIATURE 

CAMERA PHOTOS 

This new Leica Photo Annual brings you up io the minute on all that 
has happened in the progress of miniature photography during the 
past year. Its contents suggests hundreds of action shots, indoor 
pictures, scenics, candid photos. ... It tells you what to shoot, and 
how, not in words but in pictures which speak for themselves. 

MINIATURE CAMERA PHOTOGRAPHS AT THEIR BEST 

Many of the best pictures in the Traveling Leica Exhibitions are repro- 
duced for the first time in any book. The new reproduction process 
used in the Annual gives the pictures a gorgeous luminous quality. 
The new Leica Annual is not a technical handbook for professionals, 
but a live, intensely absorbing exhibition of photographic art. 160 of 
its 180 pages are devoted to pictures and its size, 8% x 11%, gives 
ample enlargement. Bound with spiral wire, it lies flat when open 
and is very convenient for holding. See it at your photographic or 
book store dealer. Once you've looked at this book, you won't be 
able to resist the temptation to own it. It will give you the best value 
you've ever had in things photographic. 

A WHO'S WHO IN LEICA PHOTOGRAPHY 

A new departure in photographic books is the elaborate Who's Who 
Department giving interesting details about each photographer and 
complete information about the actual taking of each photograph. 

THE MAKERS OF THE LEICA PHOTO ANNUAL 

Edited by Henry ML Lester 

Arranged by Barbara Morgan 

Published by The Galleon Press, Inc., N. Y. C. 

DISTRIBUTION 

This book is distributed by Morgan & Lester, (publishers of the Leica 
Manual), to their dealers in all principal countries of the World. If 
your local dealer does not carry the Leica Photo Annual write to us 
at once so that we can arrange to have a copy sent to you. For addi- 
tional information write directly to: 

MORGAN & LESTER .... 100 Easi 42nd Street, New York, N. Y. 

492 





THE u. S. A. 



Photographic 

Materials for Making 

Natural Color Prints or 

Transparencies 

Send for Circulars 



Watkins and Wynne Exposure 

Meters 

Johnson and Sons Metol 
Sinclair Bromoil Materials 

Trox Film Washer 

Foreground Ray Filter 

Mammoth Photo Supply Catalog 

Send for free copy of our monthly 

magazine, "SNAP SHOTS" 

GEORGE MURPHY, INC. 

57 East 9th Street, New York City 

The oldest photographic stock-house 

Established 1878 



A Mew Important Service 

DEVELOPING 

Here Is a new developing ser- 
vice offered by the Aimer Coe 
Laboratory that goes one step 
beyond any fine grain develop- 
ing heretofore available, making 
possible results previously ob- 
tained only by professionals and 
advanced amateurs in their own 
laboratories. Each roll of film is 
individually handled and given 
a special hardening treatment to 
minimize scratching. This ex- 
tra service has a small addi- 
tional charge over ordinary fine 
grain developing. Send for price 
list and free film mailing bags. 

Aimer Coe & Company 

105 N. Wabash 

78 E. Jackson CHICAGO 18 La Salle 
1645 Orringrton Are., Evariston 



A 

COMPLETE 
CAMERA SHOP 

Everything in Photography 
for the Beginner or the 
Advanced Amateur * Mini- 
iature and Candid Camera 
Specialists. 



KLEIN & 

I8S. I Of h Street, 
Philadelphia, Pa. 



A 

BETTER 

ENLARGER 

For Your 

Miniature 

Camera 




Specifications : 

2}i" x 2*4" 
or smaller 
negatives, a 
pair of 3%" 
condensors, 
9 cm F 4.5 

lens, p res- _ 

sure plate negative carrier, cupped 
trays to hold film, 34" pole at- 
tached to 15" x 18" baseboard, 
ruby paper masks, micro-focusing 
device, 6 masks for films. 

Price $80.00 

"Complete catalogue on request." 

MEDO 
PHOTOSUPPLY COUP. 

15 West 47th St. New York 



494 



illlil 






THE FILM YOU 
HAVE HEARD 
SO MUCH ABOUT 
AND HAVE BEEN 
LOOKING FOR 
IN DAYLIGHT 
LOADING 
MAGAZINES 






POffi 



PANCHROMIC 
Wfll CROPAN 

DU PONT FILM MANUFACTURING 
CORPORATION 



35 WEST 45TH STREET 

NEW YORK CITY 
PLANT. .. PARLIN. N. J. 



SMITH & ALLER, LTD. 

6656 . . . SANTA MONICA BLVD. 

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA 



DISTRIBUTED BY E. LEITZ INC.. 60 E. to ST.. NEW YORK CITY 



495 



DON'T RISK 
SCRATCHING 
YOUR PRIZE 
NEGATIVES 




PEERLESS-PAVELLE VAPORATE FILM TREATMENT 

Yet all delicate values 



Protects Miniature Films 
Against "Darkroom Damage" 



Your miniature films are protected 
from all ordinary forms of darkroom 
damage by our Peeriess-Pavelle Va- 
porate Film Treatment. Without coat- 
ing the film it is made tough, resistant 

PAVELLE LABORATORIES, INC. 
16 East 42nd Street New York, N. Y. 



fo scratches, 
are retained. 

Among other exclusive Pavelle services 
are . . . our Ultra-Fine Grain Process- 
ing, which produces flawless negatives 
. . . also our exceptionally skilled 
handling of Salon Prints. 
For full details about the Peeriess- 
Pavelle Vaporate Film Treatment, or 
other services write to 




SPEED-O-COPY 

The ground-glass focusing attachment for LE1CA and CONTAX 
For macro and micro 
photography, small 
object study, table- 
top photography, 
copying or photo- 
static work, color 
photography, views 
and portraits. 
Make 

SPEED - - COPY 
your next accessory. 

$25 

for either LEICA or 
CONTAX model. 

For sale by your dealer. 

Send for descriptive folder of these and other LEICA and CONTAX accessories*. 

MANUFACTURED BY 
D. PAUL SHULL, 240 S. UNION AVE., LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 




Ready to focus 



IT. S. Patent No. 
1,973,542 



Ready to photograph 

Great Britain Pat. No. 

435,652. 
German Patent Pending. 



496 



DEFENDER 

CWmatone 



The 

CHROMATONE 
Process 



For prints in 

Natural Colors 

(1) The negative: Three identical "shots" 
of a chosen subject taken, respectively, 
through blue, green and red filters. 

(2) A projection print from each on 
Chromatone Photo Print Paper (Col- 
lodion Stripping). 

(3) These toned in the complementary 
colors yellow, magenta, blue-green, 
with Chromatone Toners. 

(4) Superimposed in register on Chroma- 
tone Gelatin Backing Paper. 



A simple and satisfactory method of making real 
photographic prints in natural colors. 



Fit 




CHROMATONE OUTFIT 

Complete essentials for 8 

Chromatone prints. 

Price list of Outfit or 

Chromatone Units on request. 



There's an interesting book, 
"The Chromatone Process". 
25 cents, dealers or direct. 



DEFENDER 

PHOTO SUPPLY 
COMPANY, INC. 
ROCHESTER, N. Y. 



497 



A Line of 
DEVELOPING 

AGENTS 

that had its beginning 1 in the 
early days of photography 
nearly three-fourths of a cen- 
tury ago now chemically and 
physically perfected. 

Amidol 

Glycin 

PICTOL 

Hydroquinone 

Paraphenylene- 

Diamine Base 

and HydrocMoride 
See your photo-supply dealer or 
write 



CHEMICAL WORKS 

2d and Mallinckrodt Sts., 

St. Louis, Mo. 
72-74 Gold St., New York City 



Drop a line 



to 



i 



Leica Specialists ! Since Leica 

was first sold, your wants 

supplied. Exchanges made. 

Write in on any Leica 

problem. 

Bass Bargaingram the cri- 

terion of good value in 

rebuilt and used apparatus. 

Send for your copy 

it is free. 




Dept. LM 179 W. Madison St. 

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 
Camera Headquarters for Tourists 



NOW. . . 

WIPE YOUR FILMS WITH THE NEW 
BRUSH-TYPE "SCRATCHLESS" 

VISCOSE SPONGE 

Everyone today knows the excellent quali- 
ties of Viscose Sponges for wiping film 
without scratching. For the past few years 
they have been in wide use by amateur 
photographers everywhere. This scratchless 
feature is of the greatest importance to the 
developer of miniature films, where even a 
tiny scratch can do so much damage. 

Now ... the Viscose Sponge is handier than ever with its brush type 
handle easy to grip, easier to use. 

You'll find its two handy sizes convenient for many darkroom uses. 
SIMS A BRUSH . *5e SIZE B BRUSH . . MKIO 

WILtOUGHBYS 

World's Largest Exclusive Camera Supply House 
110 West 32nd Street New York 




498 



COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY 



with your 



OM AG 




TRICHROMATIC 
SEPARATION FILTERS 

The filters are fabricated from 
genuine solid-colored optical glass 
with precisely calibrated transmission char- 
acteristics for red, blue, and green. (Gelatine 
filters mounted In "A" glass optional at lower 
cost). The filters are interchangeable, permitting the utilization of 
the special holder with standard "ortho" or "panchro" filters for 
general photography. Tapered holder for standard sunshades. 
Complete with optical glass filters and precision mount In specially 

designed case (for Leica) $25.00 

Complete with gelatine filters in "A" glass and precision mount In 

specially designed case (for Leica) $22.50 




OM AG 



UNIVERSAL FILTER KIT 

. . . includes four solid-colored optical glass 
filters, ground and polished to precision plan- 
parallelity. The medium yellow filter is in- 
tended for orthochromatic emulsions, the 
medium green for panchromatic emulsions, 
light blue for photography under artificial 
fight, and the medium red for deep contrast 
in tonal values. The filters are calibrated for 
standard film, speeds, and factors. Available 
with Rhaco or Omag Universal mount. 

Complete for Leica $12.50 

Complete for Contax $15.00 

THE MODULATOR 

for Pictorial, Portrait, and Landscape Photography 

A precision-ground supplementary lens designed to render depth 
and body to a negative or enlargement without disturbing contrast 
or sharpness of detail. Available In three types-clear, medium 
yellow, and green. Creates a soft and pleasant diffusion In the 
negative. Write for additional information and prices. 

IMPORTERS 

CHESS -UNITED COMPANY 

Mohawk Building, Fifth Avenue and 21st Street, New York, N. Y. 

Distributors and Miniature Camera Specialists 

Philadelphia Miami Hollywood, Calif. 

Klein & Goodman Miami Photo Supply Co. Morgan Camera Shop 



499 



HUGO 




HIGH SPEED 
f/ 1. 5 and f/ 1. 9 




TELEPHOTO 

f/2.8, f/4 

and f/5.5 

Focal Lengths ici/~A 

4 to 1 2 inches FOR. LEICA 

Literature CAMERAS 
on Requesi 



HUGO MEYER t CO. 

245 W.55ST..HEW YORK 




PRINTING COMPANY, INC. 

77 Beekman Street, New York, N.Y. 



SPECIALISTS IN HALFTONE 
AND COLOR PRINTING 



Telephone, BEekman 3-9460 




Sparkling Negatives... 
Awful Prints? 



An old story . . . Now you can apply the precision of your exposure meter 
to control your enlarging. This important contribution to miniature photography 
is the new instrument, the Orelup Negative Integrator,* 

* Utilizes your Weston Exposure Meter or Leicameter to deter- 
mine exact time required for printing enlargements. 

* Indicates grade of paper required to obtain superior prints. 

* Determines the amount of fog in the negative . . . 

Gives other useful information about the quality of your miniature negatives. 
Time is saved . . . Test strips are not necessary . . . waste of paper is 
eliminated. p rke ( without exposure meter) $8.75 

See the Negative Integrator at your dealer ; or write for a free copy of Booklet. 
A distinct innovation in viewers . . . A simple attachment . . . a special 
diffusing glass . . . brilliant illumination brings out beautifully delicate gradations 
of the film. Price $1.00 extra. 

* Patent Applied For. 

116 Liberty Street n n ^An^liie Cable address: 
New York, N. Y. K. P, CAKdLLE Cargchem, New York 



500 



||i|i|i|i^ 

|f|if|pll^ 

QUINOLIN 




Concentrated 
Liquid Acid Hypo 

Simple to use. Merely add one part 
Fixo! to three parts water. Amateurs 
and professionals alike praise this 
liquid for the crystal-clear solution it 
gives. A special super-refining process 
also makes Fixol ideal for fine grain 
work and perfectly suited for minia- 
ture camera workers. Fixol is now 
supplied with a special hardening 
agent to harden the emulsion on the 
film in warm weather. 



For your convenience, we also 
manufacture a complete line of 
FR photofine dry chemicals of 
ihe highest purity and quality 
for every photographic purpose. 



Concentrated 
Liquid Developer 

for Enlargements and 
Contact Prints 

The rich, lustrous blacks . . . the sharp 
highlights ... the delicate tones in 
between ... all these are brought 
out with Quinolin. No flat, lifeless 
results, but a beautiful, attractive 
print that reflects clearly every detail 
of the exposed film. Equally effective 
for enlargements and contact prints. 
Also corrects over and under ex- 
posures. Easy to use; just mix with 
water. Quinolin may also be used for 
development of negatives of vest 
pocket or larger sizes. 




flXOL 




FINK-ROSELIEVE CO., Inc. 109 W. 64th St., New York 



SPINDLER & SAUPPE, INC. 

Western Distributors and Headquarters for 

San Francisco rwir A ^ os Angeles 

86 Third Street JblML.A. gll West 7th street 

All models of the camera and a full line of accessories 
and equipment, including the 




ALSO LEITZ MICROSCOPES AND PROJECTION APPARATUS 

Leica owners wishing to apply their cameras to new uses, particularly 
in connection with the microscopic or telescopic studies, are cordially 
invited to visit our show rooms where all the numerous Leica acces- 
sories can be inspected and demonstrated. 

We offer a real scientific service to all. 



A PIONEER LEICA SERVICE 

Offers you the following information . . . 

Ten years ago we bought our first Leica Camera and started making pictures, 

experimenting with new films and fine grain developers. Since that time we 

have been passing along our first-hand experiences through a good finishing 

service. 

In addition to fine grain developing, we are equipped to make natural color 

prints from your Dufaycolor or three-color separation negatives, film and 

glass positives of unusual brilliance and quality, panorama pictures on one 

continuous strip of paper without showing the picture divisions. We also do 

copying of photographs, printed material, and duplication of Dufaycolor. 

We have a Photomural and Photomontage service which will interest you. 

Write for additional information. 

Many customers leave their negatives with us and order prints as required. 

We furnish 2x3 in. enlargements for reference. . . . Let us fell you more 

abouf this convenient service 

Write for our latest price list, Mail orders promptly filled. 

EASTERN FILM LABORATORIES 

Established 1927 
20 West 22nd Street New York, N. Y. 

502 




SPEED ...... LIGHT ...... SHADE 



- may well be proud to 
own a LEICA for it stands out boldly 
as the leader of all miniature cameras. 



more POWER to you 

IN THE FIELD OR LABORATORY 

with the CAT'S EYE LEICA 



Leica attachments for photo- 
micrography range in price 
from $4.00 to $84.00 






Leica Dufaycolor Film 
30 natural color ex- 
posures for $3.00 



Micro fbso Affachmenf for fak- 
ing photographs through the 
microscope 




Whether you are gunning for intimate de- 
tails of outdoor life with the telephoto lens, 
or delving into the hidden secrets of micro- 
organic entities with photo micrographic at- 
tachments, the versatile Leica and its precision 
accessories assure you scientific accuracy. 

Now, with Dufaycolor film, you can get full 
color photographs without extra accessories. 

Get the complete story of this amazing 
camera and its 300 accessories by sending 
for illustrated FREE BOOKLETS. "Leica in 
Science", a 70-page book on the use of the 
Leica camera and photographic accessories, 
in macro and micro photography, will be of 
immense value and interest to everyone in 
scientific work. A copy of this book will be 
sent to you for the small sum of 25^. 

PRICES START AT $99. 

E. LEITZ, ING. * DEPARTMENT 6 
60 EAST 10th STREET NEW YORK CITY 




*(/mino Projector 

(Base length 6 inches) 

For Films and glass slides 



Sliding Focusing, Copy attach 
vents, Prices range 
from $12 to $30 



* For all miniature cameras 





*Focomat n/arger 
Focuses automatically 



New freedom in photography started by 



LEICA 



THE ORIGINAL 



MINIATURE CANDID CAMERA 

leica was invented in 1914 by Oskar Baraack. 

In 1923 a perfected Leica was put into production by 
'Ernst Leitz. 

In the twelve years that have passed, Leica has become 
worlg. famous. It has shown the way to a new kind of 
photography. Compact, fast, precise, versatile, this camera 
still leads the miniature camera field. 

And now the new Leica "1000" model G with f:2 Sum- 
mar lens. This modern marvel of photography has all the 
latest developments. It has the greatest range of shutter 
tepeeds of any miniature camera one full second to 1/1000 
of a second, with continuous speeds from one second to 1/20 
of a second. The new "1000" has a virtually silent shutter 
ideal for press or amateur candid shots. It has 13 interchange- 
~able lenses more than any other miniature camera. 



Model G with f:2 Summar Lens 

LEKA FIRSTS 

FIRST miniature camera . FIRST to have built-in automatic 
r range finder FIRST to have a focal plane shutter FIRST 
; to have interchangeable lenses ' FIRST to use movie film. 

FIRST to synchronize winding of film and setting of shutter. 

FIRST to take snapshots in full natural color. 

PRICES START AT $99 U.S. PAT. NO. 1,960,044 

'Write for illustrated booklets. Don't miss your copy of 
Leica Manual, a new 500 page book on all phases of Leica 
photography Four dollars at all Leica dealers. 

E. LEITZ INC DEPARTMENT 59 



60 EAST 10th STREET 



NEW YORK CITY 




CANDID 




Branch offices in CHICAGO, WASHINGTON, LOS ANGELES, SAN FRANCISCO 





C 2 
03 < 

5 m 



1 34 997