PHOTOGRAPHY
Developers And Developing Of Plates.
No light is perfectly safe or non-actinic, even that coming through a combined ruby and orange window or lamp. Therefore use great care in developing.
A light may be tested this way: Place a dry plate in the plate holder in total darkness, draw the slide sufficiently to expose one-half of the plate, and allow the light from the window or lamp, 12 to 18 inches distant, to fall on this exposed half for 3 or 4 minutes. Then develop the plate the usual length of time in total darkness. If the light is safe, there will be no darkening of the exposed part. If not safe, the remedy is obvious.
The developing room must be a perfectly dark room, save for the light from a ruby- or orange-colored window (or combination of these two colors). Have plenty of pure running water and good ventilation.
Plates should always be kept in a dry room. The dark room is seldom a safe place for storage, because it is apt to be damp.
Various developing agents give different results. Pyrogallic acid in combination with carbonate of sodium or carbonate of potassium gives strong, vigorous negatives. Eikonogen and metol yield soft, delicate negatives. Hydrochinon added to eikonogen or metol produces more contrast or greater strength.
It is essential to have a bottle of bromide of potassium solution, 10 per cent, in the dark room. (One ounce of bromide of potassium, water to 10 ounces.) Overtimed plates may be much improved by adding a few drops of bromide solution to the developer as soon as the overtimed condition is apparent (a plate is overtimed when the image appears almost immediately, and then blackens all over).
Undertimed plates should be taken out of the developer and placed in a tray of water where no light can reach them. If the detail in the shadows begins to appear after half an hour or so, the plate can be replaced in the developer and development brought to a finish.
Quick development, with strong solutions, means a lack of gradation or half-tones.
A developer too warm or containing too much alkali (carbonate of sodium or potassium) will yield flat, foggy negatives.
A developer too cold is retarded in its action, and causes thin negatives.
Uniform temperature is necessary for uniform results.
If development is continued too long, the negative will be too dense.
In warm weather, the developer should be diluted; in cold weather, it should be stronger. {524}
The negative should not be exposed to white light until fixation is complete.
The negative should be left fully 5 minutes longer in the fixing bath than is necessary to dissolve out the white bromide of silver.
In hot weather a chrome alum fixing bath should be used to prevent frilling.
Always use a fresh hypo or fixing bath. Hypo is cheap.
Plates and plate holders must be kept free from dust, or pinholes will result.
After the negative is fixed, an hour’s washing is none too much.
The plate should be dried quickly in warm weather else the film will become dense and coarse-grained.
Do not expect clean, faultless negatives to come out of dirty developing and fixing solutions and trays.
Pyro And Soda Developer.—
| I.— | Pure water | 30 ounces |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphite soda, crystals | 5 ounces | |
| Carbonate soda, crystals | 2 1/2 ounces | |
| II.— | Pure water | 24 ounces |
| Oxalic acid | 15 grains | |
| Pyrogallic acid | 1 ounce | |
| To develop, take of | ||
| Solution No. I. | 1 ounce | |
| Solution No. II. | 1/2 ounce | |
| Pure water | 3 ounces | |
More water may be used in warm weather and less in cool weather.
- If solution No. I is made by hydrometer
test, use equal parts of the following:
- Sulphite soda testing, 80°.
- Carbonate soda testing, 40°.
One ounce of this mixture will be equivalent to 1 ounce of solution No. I.
Pyro And Potassium Developer.—
| I.— | Pure water | 32 ounces |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphite soda, crystals | 8 ounces | |
| Carbonate potassium, dry | 1 ounce | |
| II.— | Pure water | 24 ounces |
| Oxalic acid | 15 ounces | |
| Pyrogallic acid | 1 ounce | |
| To develop, take of | ||
| Solution No. I. | 1 ounce | |
| Solution No. II. | 1/2 ounce | |
| Pure water | 3 ounces | |
When the plate is fully developed, if the lights are too thin, use less water in the developer; if too dense, use more water.
Pyro And Metol Developer.
| I.— | Pure water | 57 ounces |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphite soda, crystals | 2 1/2 ounces | |
| Metol | 1 ounce | |
| II.— | Pure water | 57 ounces |
| Sulphite soda, crystals | 2 1/2 ounces | |
| Pyrogallic acid | 1/4 ounce | |
| III.— | Pure water | 57 ounces |
| Carbonate potassium | 2 1/2 ounces | |
| To develop, take of | ||
| Pure water | 3 ounces | |
| Solution No. I. | 1 ounce | |
| Solution No. II. | 1 ounce | |
| Solution No. III. | 1 ounce | |
This developer may be used repeatedly by adding a little fresh developer as required.
Keep the used developer in a separate bottle.
Rodinal Developer.
Use repeatedly, adding fresh as required.
Bromo-hydrochinon Developer.
| I.— | Distilled or ice water | 25 ounces |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphite of soda, crystals | 3 ounces | |
| Hydrochinon | 1/2 ounce | |
| Bromide of potassium | 1/4 ounce | |
| Dissolve by warming, and let cool before use. | ||
| II.— | Water | 25 ounces |
| Carbonate of soda, crystals | 6 ounces | |
Mix Nos. I and II, equal parts, for use.
Eikonogen Hydrochinon Developer.—
| I.— | Distilled or pure well water | 32 ounces |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium sulphite, crystals | 4 ounces | |
| Eikonogen | 240 grains | |
| Hydrochinon | 60 grains | |
| II.— | Water | 32 ounces |
| Carbonate of potash | 4 ounces | |
| To develop, take | ||
| No. I. | 2 ounces | |
| No. II. | 1 ounce | |
| †Water | 1 ounce | |
† For double-coated plates use 5 ounces of water.
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By hydrometer:
| I.— | Sodium sulphite, solution to test 30 | 34 ounces |
|---|---|---|
| Eikonogen | 240 grains | |
| Hydrochinon | 60 grains | |
| II.— | Carbonate of potash solution to test 50 | |
| To develop, take | ||
| No. I. | 2 ounces | |
| No. II. | 1 ounce | |
| ‡Water | 1 ounce | |
‡ For double-coated plates use 5 ounces of water.
Hydrochinon Developer.—
| I.— | Hydrochinon | 1 ounce |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphite of soda, crystals | 5 ounces | |
| Bromide of potassium | 10 grains | |
| Water (ice or distilled) | 55 ounces | |
| II.— | Caustic potash | 180 grains |
| Water | 10 ounces |
To develop:
Take of I, 4 ounces; II, 1/2 ounce. After use pour into a separate bottle. This can be used repeatedly, and with uniformity of results, by the addition of 1 drachm of I and 10 drops of II to every 8 ounces of old developer.
In using this developer it is important to notice the temperature of the room, as a slight variation in this respect causes a very marked difference in the time it takes to develop, much more so than with pyro. The temperature of room should be from 70° to 75° F.
Metol Developer.—
| I.— | Water | 8 ounces |
|---|---|---|
| Metol | 100 grains | |
| Sulphite of soda, crystals | 1 ounce | |
| II.— | Water | 10 ounces |
| Potassium carbonate | 1 ounce |
Take equal parts of I and II and 6 parts of water. If more contrast is needed, take equal parts of I and II and 3 parts of water, with 5 drops to the ounce of a 1/10 solution of bromide of potassium.
Metol And Hydrochinon Developer.—
| I.— | Pure hot water | 80 ounces |
|---|---|---|
| Metol | 1 ounce | |
| Hydrochinon | 1/8 ounce | |
| Sulphite soda, crystals | 6 ounces | |
| II.— | Pure water | 80 ounces |
| Carbonate soda, crystals | 5 ounces | |
| To develop, take of | ||
| Pure water | 2 ounces | |
| Solution No. I | 1 ounce | |
| Solution No. II | 1 ounce | |
Metol-bicarbonate Developer.
| Metol | 1 ounce |
| In water | 60 ounces |
| Then add | |
| Sulphite of soda, crystals | 6 ounces |
| Bicarbonate of soda | 3 ounces |
| To prepare with hydrometer, mix | |
| Sulphite of soda solution, testing 75 | 30 ounces |
| Bicarbonate of soda solution, testing 50 | 30 ounces |
| Metol | 1 ounce |
| Dissolved in 12 ounces water. | |
Ferrous-oxalate Developer.
| I.— | Oxalate of potash | 8 ounces |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 30 ounces | |
| Citric acid | 60 grains | |
| Citrate of ammonia solution | 2 ounces | |
| II.— | Sulphate of iron | 4 ounces |
| Water | 32 ounces | |
| Sulphuric acid | 16 drops | |
| III.— | Citrate of ammonia solution saturated. | |
Dissolve 1 ounce citric acid in 5 ounces distilled water, add liquor ammonia until a slip of litmus paper just loses the red color, then add water to make the whole measure 8 ounces.
Add 1 ounce of II to 2 of I, and 1/2 ounce of water, and 3 to 6 drops of 10 per cent solution bromide potassium.
To develop, first rinse developing dish with water, lay film or plate down, and flow with sufficient developer to well cover. Careful attention must be given to its action, and when detail is just showing in the face, or half-tone lights in a view, pour off developer, and well wash the film before placing in the fixing bath.
Tolidol Developer.
| Water | 16 ounces |
| Tolidol | 24 grains |
| Sodium sulphite | 72 (144) grains |
| Sodium carbonate | 96 (240) grains |
The figures in parenthesis are for crystals. It will be seen that in every case {526} the weight of sulphite required in crystals is double that of dry sulphite, while the weight of carbonate crystals is 2 1/2 times as much as dry carbonate.
For tank development Dr. John M. Nicol recommends the standard formula diluted with 6 times the amount of water, and the addition of 1 drop of retarder to every ounce after dilution.
To obtain very strong negatives:
| Water | 16 ounces |
| Tolidol | 50 to 65 grains |
| Sodium sulphite | 80 (160) grains |
| Sodium carbonate | 120 (300) grains |
On some brands of plates the addition of a little retarder will be necessary.
If stock solutions are preferred, they may be made as follows:
| Solution A | |
|---|---|
| Water | 32 ounces |
| Tolidol | 1 ounce |
| Sodium sulphite | 1 (2) ounce |
| Solution B | |
| Water | 32 ounces |
| Sodium sulphite | 2 (4) ounces |
| Solution C | |
| Water | 32 ounces |
| Sodium carbonate | 4 (10) ounces |
If preferred, stock solutions B and C can be made by hydrometer, instead of by weight as above. The solutions will then show:
| Solution B | |
|---|---|
| Sodium sulphite | 40 |
| Solution C | |
| Sodium carbonate | 75 |
| Or if potassium carbonate is preferred instead of sodium: | |
| Solution C | |
| Potassium carbonate | 60 |
For standard formula for dry plates and films, mix
| Solution A | 1 part |
| Solution B | 1 part |
| Solution C | 1 part |
| Water | 7 parts |
For strong negatives (for aristo-platino):
| Solution A | 1 1/2 to 2 parts |
| Solution B | 1 part |
| Solution C | 1 part |
| Water | 4 to 4 1/2 parts |
For tank development:
| Solution A | 1 part |
| Solution B | 1 part |
| Solution C | 1 part |
| Water | 35 parts |
For developing paper:
| Solution A | 2 parts |
| Solution B | 2 parts |
| Solution C | 1 part |
The reading of the hydrometer for stock solutions is the same whether dried chemicals or crystals are used. No water is used.
Pyrocatechin-phosphate Developer.—
| Solution A | |
|---|---|
| Crystallized sulphite of soda | 386 grains |
| Pyrocatechin | 77 grains |
| Water | 8 ounces |
| Solution B | |
| Ordinary crystal phosphate of sodium | 725 grains |
| Caustic soda (purified in sticks) | 77 grains |
| Water | 8 ounces |
Mix 1 part of A with 1 part of B and from 1 to 3 parts of water. If the exposure is not absolutely normal we recommend to add to the above developer a few drops of a solution of bromide of potassium (1.10).
Pyrocatechin Developer
| Sulphite of soda crystallized | 25 1/2 drachms |
| Caustic soda (purified in sticks) | 3 1/2 drachms |
| Distilled water | 14 ounces |
| Pyrocatechin | 308 grains |
The pyrocatechin must not be added until the sulphite and caustic soda are entirely dissolved. For use the concentrated developer is to be diluted with from 10 to 20 times as much water. The normal proportion is 1 part of developer in 15 parts of water.
Vogel’s Pyrocatechin Combined Developer and Fixing Solution.—
| Sulphite of soda crystallized | 468 grains |
| Water | 2 5/8 ounces |
| Caustic potash (purified in sticks) | 108 grains |
| Pyrocatechin | 108 grains |
Mix for a formally fixing plate of 5 x 7 inches.
| Developer | 3 drachms |
| Fixing soda solution (1:5) | 5 1/2 drachms |
| Water | 1 ounce |
The process of developing and fixing with this solution is accomplished in a {527} few minutes. The picture first appears usually, strengthens very quickly, and shortly after the fixing is entirely done.
Ellon’s Pyrocatechin Developer.
Carbonate of potassium, 10 per cent solution (10 grams carbonate in 100 cubic centimeters of water).
For use take equal parts and add water as desired.
Imperial Standard Pyro Developer.—
| I.— | Metabisulphite of potassium | 120 grains |
|---|---|---|
| Pyrogallic acid | 55 grains | |
| Bromide of potassium | 20 grains | |
| Metol | 45 grains | |
| Water | 20 ounces | |
| II.— | Carbonate of soda | 4 ounces |
| Water | 20 ounces |
For use mix equal parts I and II.
Bardwell’s Pyro-acetone Developer.—
| Water | 4 ounces |
| Sulphite of sodium (saturated solution) | 4 drachms |
| Acetone | 2 drachms |
| Pyro | 10 grams |
Hauff’s Adurol Developer.
| Water | 10 ounces |
| Sulphide of sodium, crystals | 4 ounces |
| Carbonate of potassium | 3 ounces |
| Adurol | 1/2 ounce |
For studio work and snap shots take 1 part with 3 parts water.
For time exposures out-door take 1 part with 5 parts water.
Glycin Developer.—
| I.— | Hot water | 10 ounces |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphite of sodium, crystals | 1 1/4 ounces | |
| Carbonate of sodium | 1/4 ounce | |
| Glycin | 1/2 ounce | |
| Add to water in order given | ||
| II.— | Water | 10 ounces |
| Carbonate of potash | 1 1/4 ounces | |
For normal exposure take I, 1 ounce; II, 2 ounces; water, 1 ounce.
Imogen Developer.—
| I.— | Hot water | 9 ounces |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphite of sodium, crystals | 385 grains | |
| Imogen | 123 grains | |
| II.— | Hot water | 4 1/2 ounces |
| Carbonate of sodium | 2 ounces |
For use take 2 ounces of I and 1 ounce of II.
Diogen Developer.—
| Water | 9 ounces |
| Sulphite of sodium | 3 1/2 ounces |
| Diogen | 7 drachms |
| Carbonate of potassium | 4 1/2 ounces |
For normal exposure take 4 drachms of this solution; dilute with 2 ounces, 1 drachm of water, and add 2 drops bromide of potassium, 10 per cent solution.
Ortol Developer.
| I.— | Water | 1 ounce |
|---|---|---|
| Metabisulphite of potassium | 4 grains | |
| Ortol | 8 grains | |
| II.— | Water | 1 ounce |
| Sulphite of sodium | 48 grains | |
| Carbonate of potassium | 16 grains | |
| Carbonate of sodium | 32 grains |
For use take equal parts I and II, and an equal bulk of water.
Metacarbol Developer.—
| Metacarbol | 25 grains |
| Sulphite of soda, crystals | 100 grains |
| Caustic soda | 50 grains |
| Water | 10 ounces |
Dissolve the metacarbol in water, then add the sulphite, and when dissolved add the caustic soda and filter.
Developing Powders.
| By weight | ||
|---|---|---|
| I.— | Pyrogallol | 0.3 parts |
| Sodium bisulphite | 1.2 parts | |
| Sodium carbonate | 1.2 parts | |
| II.— | Eikonogen | 1.1 parts |
| Sodium sulphite | 2.4 parts | |
| Potassium carbonate | 1.5 parts | |
| III.— | Hydroquinone | 0.6 parts |
| Sodium sulphite | 3.4 parts | |
| Potassium bromide | 0.3 parts | |
| Sodium carbonate | 7.0 parts | |
These three formulas each yield one powder. The powders should be put up in oiled paper, and carefully inclosed, besides, in a wrapper of black paper. For use, one powder is dissolved in about 60 parts of distilled water.
Developing Papers.
Light.—The paper can be safely handled 8 feet from the source of light, {528} which may be Welsbach gas light, covered with post-office paper, incandescent light, ordinary gas light, kerosene light, or reduced daylight, the latter produced by covering a window with one or more thicknesses of orange post-office paper, as necessitated by strength of light.
Expose by holding the printing frame close to gas, lamp, or incandescent light, or to subdued daylight. Artificial light is recommended in preference to daylight because of uniformity, and it being in consequence easier to judge the proper length of time to expose.
Exposure.—The amount of exposure required varies with the strength of the light; it takes about the same time with an ordinary gas burner and an incandescent light; a Welsbach gas light requires only about one-half as much time as the ordinary gas burner, and a kerosene light of ordinary size about three times as much as an ordinary gas burner. If daylight is to be used the window should be covered with post-office paper, in which a sub-window about 1 foot square for making the exposure may be made. Cover this window first with a piece of white tissue paper, then with a piece of black cloth or post-office paper to exclude the white light when not wanted. Make exposure according to strength of light at from 1 to 2 feet away from the tissue paper. Keep the printing frame when artificial light is used constantly in motion during exposure.
Timing the Exposure.—The time necessary for exposing is regulated by density of negative and strength of light. The further away the negative is from the source of light at the time of exposure the weaker the light; hence, in order to secure uniformity in exposure it is desirable always to make the exposure at a given distance from the light used. With a negative of medium density exposed 1 foot from an ordinary gas burner, from 1 to 10 minutes’ exposure is required.
A test to ascertain the length of exposure should be made. Once the proper amount of exposure is ascertained with a given light, the amount of exposure required can be easily approximated by making subsequent exposures at the same distance from the same light; the only difference that it would then be necessary to make would be to allow for variation in density of different negatives.
Fixing.—Allow the prints to remain in the fixing solution 10 to 20 minutes, when they should be removed to a tray containing clear water.
Washing.—Wash 1 hour in running water, or in 10 or 12 changes of clear water, allowing prints to soak 2 to 3 minutes in each change.
Pyrocatechin Formula.—
| Solution A | |
|---|---|
| Pyrocatechin | 2 parts |
| Sulphite of soda, crystals | 2.5 parts |
| Water | 100 parts |
| Solution B | |
| Carbonate of soda | 10 parts |
| Water | 100 parts |
Before using mix 20 parts of Solution A, and 1/2 part of Solution B.
Metol Quinol.—
| Water | 10 ounces |
| Metol | 7 grains |
| Sodium sulphite, crystals, pure | 1/2 ounce |
| Hydroquinone | 30 grains |
| Sodium carbonate, dessicated (or 400 grains of crystallized carbonate). | 200 grains |
| Ten per cent bromide of potassium solution, about | 10 drops |
Amidol Formula.—
| Water | 4 ounces |
| Sodium sulphite, crystals, pure | 200 grains |
| Amidol, about | 20 grains |
| Ten per cent bromide of potassium solution, about | 5 drops |
If the blacks are greenish, add more amidol; if whites are grayish, add more bromide of potassium.
Hypo-acid Fixing Bath.—
| Hypo | 16 ounces |
| Water | 64 ounces |
| Then add the following hardening solution: | |
| Water | 5 ounces |
| Sodium sulphite, crystals | 1/2 ounce |
| Commercial acetic acid (containing 25 per cent pure acid) | 3 ounces |
| Powdered alum | 1/2 ounce |
Amidol Developer.—
| Amidol | 2 grains |
| Sodium sulphite | 30 grains |
| Potassium bromide | 1 grain |
| Water | 1 ounce |
{529}
With a fairly correct exposure this will be found to produce prints of a rich black tone, and of good quality. The whole secret of successful bromide printing lies in correctness of exposure. It is generally taken for granted that any poor, flat negative is good enough to yield a bromide print, but this is not so. A negative of good printing quality on printing-out paper will also yield a good print on bromide paper, but considerable care and skill are necessary to obtain a good result from a poor negative. The above developer will not keep in solution, and should be freshly prepared as required. The same formula will also be found useful for the development of lantern plates, but will only yield black-toned slides.
Platinum Papers:
General Instructions.
The paper is exposed to daylight, in the printing frame, for about one-third of the time necessary for ordinary silver paper.
The print is then immersed in the developer for about 30 seconds, then cleared in 3 acid baths containing 1 part of muriatic acid C. P. to 60 parts of water, washed for a short time in running water, the whole operation of printing, clearing, and washing being complete in about half an hour.
As a general rule all parts of the picture except the highest lights should be visible when the exposure is complete.
When examining the prints in the printing frames, care should be taken not to expose them unduly to light; for the degradation of the whites of the paper due to slight action of light is not visible until after development.
Ansco Platinum Paper.
Development.—Best results are obtained with the temperature of the developer from 60° to 80° F. Immerse the print in the developer with a quick sweeping motion to prevent air bells. Develop in artificial or weak daylight. The development of a print from a normal negative will require 40 seconds or more.
Formula for Developer.—
| Water | 50 ounces |
| Neutral oxalate of potash | 8 ounces |
| Potassium phosphate (monobasic) | 1 ounce |
Care must be used to obtain the monobasic potassium phosphate.
Immediately after prints are developed, place them face down in the first acid bath, composed of
| Muriatic acid, C. P. | 1 ounce |
| Water | 60 ounces |
After remaining in this bath for a period of about 5 minutes, transfer to the second acid bath of the same strength. The prints should pass through at least 3 and preferably 4 acid baths, to remove all traces of iron that may remain in the pores of the paper.
When thoroughly cleared, the print should be washed from 10 to 20 minutes in running water. If running water is not available, several changes of water in the tray will be necessary.
“Water Tone” Platinum Paper.
Print by direct light (sunlight preferred) until the shadows are clearly outlined in a deep canary color. At this stage the same detail will be observed in the half tones that the finished print will show. For developing, use plain water, heated to 120° F. (which will be as hot as they can bear).
The development will be practically instantaneous, and care must be taken to avoid air bubbles forming upon the surface of the prints. Place prints, after developing, directly into a clearing bath of muriatic acid, 1 drachm to 12 ounces of water, and let them remain in this bath about 10 minutes, when they are ready for the final washing of 15 minutes in running water, or 5 changes of about 3 minutes each. Lay out between blotters to dry, and mount by attaching the corners.
Bradley Platinum Paper.
A.—For black tones:
| Neutral oxalate potassium | 8 ounces |
| Potassium phosphate | 1 ounce |
| Water | 30 ounces |
B.—For sepia tones:
| Of above mixed solution | 8 ounces |
| Saturated bichloride mercury solution | 1 ounce |
| Citrate soda | 5 grains |
{530}
If deep red tones are desired add to B
| Nitrate uranium | 10 grains |
Then filter and use as a developer.
W. & C. Platinotype.
Development should be conducted in a feeble white light, similar to that used when cutting up the paper, or by gas light.
It may take place immediately after the print is exposed, or at the end of the day’s printing.
Develop by floating the print, exposed side downwards, on the developing solution.
Development may take 30 seconds or more.
During the hot summer days it is not advisable to unduly delay the development of exposed prints. If possible develop within 1 hour after printing.
Either porcelain or agate—preferably porcelain—dishes are necessary to hold the developing solution.
To clear the developed prints: These must be washed in a series of baths (not less than three) of a weak solution of muriatic acid C. P. This solution is made by mixing 1 part of acid in 60 parts of water.
As soon as the print has been removed from the developing dish it must be immersed face downwards in the first bath of this acid, contained in a porcelain dish, in which it should remain about 5 minutes; meanwhile other prints follow until all are developed. The prints must then be removed to a second acid bath for about 10 minutes; afterwards to the third bath for about 15 minutes. While the prints remain in these acid baths they should be moved so that the solution has free access to their surfaces, but care should be taken not to abrade them by undue friction.
Pure muriatic acid must be used.
If commercial muriatic acid be used, the prints will be discolored and turn yellow.
For each batch of prints fresh acid baths must be used.
After the prints have passed through the acid baths they should be well washed in three changes of water during about a half hour. It is advisable to add a pinch of washing soda to the second washing water to neutralize any acid remaining in the print. Do not use water that contains iron, as it tends to turn paper yellow. Soft water is the best for this purpose.
W. & C. Sepia Paper.
The “sepia” paper is more easily affected by faint light, and, therefore, increased care must be taken when printing.
To develop, add to each ounce of the developing solution 1 1/2 drachms of sepia solution supplied for this purpose, and proceed as described for black paper.
The solution must be heated to a temperature of 150° to 160° F., to obtain the greatest amount of brilliance and the warmest color, but very good results can be obtained by using a cooler developer.
Variations Of The Sepia Developer.
The Glycerine Process.
By this method of developing platinotype paper, many negatives which have been discarded on account of the dim, flat, non-contrasty results which they yield, in the hands of one possessing a little artistic skill, produce snappy, animated pictures. On the other hand, from the sharp and hard negative, soft, sketchy effects may be secured.
There are required for this process: Some glass jars; some soft brushes, varying from the fine spotter and the Japanese brush to the 1 1/2-inch duster, and several pieces of special blotting paper.
Manipulation.—Print the paper a trifle deeper than for the ordinary method of developing. Place the print face up on a piece of clean glass (should the print curl so that it is unmanageable, moisten the glass with glycerine), and, with the broad camel’s-hair brush, thinly coat the entire print with pure glycerine, blotting same off in 3 or 4 seconds; then recoat more thickly such portions as are desired especially restrained, or the details partly or entirely eliminated. Now brush or paint such portion of the print as is first desired with solution of 1 part glycerine and 4 parts normal developer, blotting the portion being developed from time to time to avoid developing too far. Full strength developer (without glycerine) is employed where a pronounced or deep shade is wanted.
When any part of the print has reached the full development desired, blot that portion carefully with the blotter and coat with pure glycerine.
A brown effect may be obtained by using saturated solution of mercury in the developer (1 part mercury to 8 parts developer). By the use of diluted mercury the “flesh tones” are produced in portraits, etc.
When print has reached complete development, place in hydrochloric (muriatic) acid and wash as usual.
Eastman’s Sepia Paper.
Short fixing gives red tones. Longer fixing produces a brown tone.
Development Of Platinum Prints.
The Carbon Process.
The paper used is coated on one surface with a mixture of gelatin and some pigment (the color of which depends upon the color the required print is to be), and then allowed to dry. When required for printing it is sensitized by floating upon a solution of bichromate of potassium, and then again drying, in the dark this time. The process is based upon the action of light upon this film of chromatized gelatin; wherever the light reaches, the gelatin is rendered insoluble, even in hot water.
The paper is exposed in the usual way. But as the appearance of the paper before and after printing is precisely the same, it is impossible to tell when it is printed by examining the print. This is usually accomplished by exposing a piece of gelatino-chloride paper under a negative of about the same density, and placing it alongside of the carbon print. When the gelatino-chloride paper is printed, the carbon will be finished. The paper is then removed from the printing frame and immersed in cold water, which removes a great deal of the bichromate of potassium, and also makes the print lie out flat. It is then floated on to what is known as a support, and pressed firmly upon it, face downwards, and allowed to remain for 5 or 10 minutes. Then the support, together with the print, is placed in hot water for a short time, and when the gelatin commences to ooze out at the edges the print is removed by stripping from the support, this process leaving the greater quantity of the gelatin and pigment {532} upon the support. The gelatin and pigment are then treated with hot water by running the hot water over the face of the support by means of a sponge. This removes the soluble gelatin, and leaves the gelatin, together with the pigment it contains, which was acted upon by light; this then constitutes the picture.
The reason for transferring the gelatin film is quite apparent, since the greater portion of the unacted-upon gelatin will be at the back of the film, and in order to get at it to remove it, it is necessary to transfer it to a support. In this condition the print can be dried and mounted, but on consideration it will be seen that the picture is in a reversed position, that is to say, that the right-hand side of the original has become the left, and vice versa.
If the picture be finished in this condition, it is said to have been done by the single transfer method. In some instances this reversal would be of no consequence, such as some portraits, but with views which are known this would never do. In order to remedy this state of affairs, the picture is transferred once more, by pressing, while wet, upon another support, and allowed to dry upon it; when separated, the picture remains upon the latter support, and is in its right position. This is what is known as the double transfer method. When the double transfer method is used, the first support consists of a specially prepared support, which has been waxed in order to prevent the pictures from adhering permanently to it; this is then known as a temporary support. The paper upon which the print is finally received is prepared with a coating of gelatin, and is known as the final support.
Lantern Slides.
The making of a good slide begins with the making of the negative, the operations in both cases being closely allied, and he who has mastered the first, which is the corner stone to all successful results in any branch of photography, may well be expected to be able to make a good lantern slide. A slide is judged not by what it appears to be when held in the hand, but by its appearance when magnified two to five thousand times on the screen, where a small defect in the slide will show up as a gross fault. Patience and cleanliness are absolutely necessary. The greatest caution should be observed to keep the lantern plates free from dust, both before and after exposure and development, for small pinholes and dust spots, hardly noticeable on the slide, assume huge proportions on the screen and detract materially from the slide’s beauty.
The high lights in a slide should, in rare cases only, be represented by clear glass, and the shadows should always be transparent, even in the deepest part. The balance between these extremes should be a delicate gradation of tone from one to the other. The contrast between the strongest high light and the deepest shadow should be enough to give brilliancy without hardness and delicacy or softness without being flat. This is controlled also, to some extent, by the subject summer sunshine requiring a more vigorous rendering than hazy autumn effects, and herein each individual must decide for himself what is most necessary to give the correct portrayal of the subject. It is a good idea to procure a slide, as near technically perfect as possible, from some slide-making friend, or dealer, to use it as a standard, and to make slide after slide from the same negative until a satisfactory result is reached.
A black tone of good quality is usually satisfactory for most slides, but it is very agreeable to see interspersed a variety of tone, and beautiful slides can be made, where the subject warrants, in blue, brown, purple, and even red and green, by varying the exposure and development and by using gold or uranium toning baths and other solutions for that purpose, the formulas and materials for which are easily obtainable from the magazines and from stock dealers, respectively.
It must be understood, however, that these toning solutions generally act as intensifiers, and that if toning is contemplated, it should be borne in mind at the time of developing the slide, so that it may not finally appear too dense. Toning will improve otherwise weak slides, but will not help under-exposed ones, as its tendency will be in such case to increase the contrast, which in such slides is already too great. Another method of getting a fine quality of slides is to make rather strong exposures to over-develop, and then to reduce with persulphate of ammonium.
The popular methods of making the exposure are: First, by contact in the printing frame, just as prints are made on velox or other developing paper, provided the subject on the negative is of the right size for a lantern slide; and the other and better method is the camera {533} method, by which the subject of any negative, large or small, or any part thereof, can be reduced or enlarged, and thus brought to the proper size desired for the slide. This is quite a knack, and should be considered and studied by the slide maker very carefully.
Hard and inflexible rules cannot be laid down in this relation. Portrait studies of bust or three-fourths figures or baby figures need not be made for a larger opening than 1 1/2 by 2 inches, and often appear to good advantage if made quite a bit smaller. Figure or group compositions, with considerable background or accessories, may, of course, have a larger opening to suit the particular circumstances. Monuments, tall buildings, and the like should have the benefit of the whole height of mat opening of 2 3/4 inches, and should be made of a size to fill it out properly, providing, however, for sufficient foreground and a proper sky line. Landscapes and marine views generally can be made to fill out the full length of mat opening, which, however, should not exceed 2 7/8 inches, and may be of any height to suit the subject, up to 2 3/4 inches.
The subject should be well centered on the plate and the part intended to be shown as the picture should be well within the size of the mat opening decided upon, so that with a slight variation of the placing of the mat no part of the picture will be cut off by the carrier in the stereopticon. The horizon line in a landscape, and more particularly in a marine view, should always be in proper position, either below or above the center line of the slide, as may suit the subject, but should never divide the picture in the middle and should not appear to be running either up or down hill. And the vertical lines in the pictures should not be leaning, but should run parallel with the side lines of the mat; this refers especially to the vertical lines in architecture, except, however, the Tower of Pisa and kindred subjects, which should in every case be shown with their natural inclinations.
As to time of exposure, very little can be said. That varies with the different makes of plates, with the quality of the light, and the nature and density of each individual negative. Therefore every one must be a judge unto himself and make as good a guess as he can for the first trial from each negative and gauge further exposures from the results thus obtained; but this much may be said, that a negative strong in contrast should be given a long exposure, close to the light, if artificial light is used, or in strong daylight, and developed with a weak or very much diluted developer to make a soft slide with full tone values. And a flat, weak negative will yield better results if exposed farther from the light or to a weaker light, and developed by a normal or more aggressive developer. Over exposure and under exposure show the same results in slide plates as in negative plates, and the treatment should be similar in both kinds of plates except that, perhaps, in cases of under exposure of slide plates, the better plan would be to cast them aside and make them over, as very little can be done with them. For getting bright and clear effects it is now well understood that better and more satisfactory results are obtained by backing the slide plates as well as by backing negative plates. This is accomplished by coating the back or glass side of the plate with the following mixture:
| Gum arabic | 1/2 ounce |
| Caramel | 1 ounce |
| Burnt sienna | 2 ounces |
| Alcohol | 2 ounces |
Mix and apply with small sponge or wad of absorbent cotton.
It should coat thin and smooth and dry hard enough so it will not rub off when handled. If the plates are put into a light-proof grooved box as fast as backed, they can be used about half an hour after being coated. Before developing, this backing should be removed; this is best done by first wetting the film side of the plate under the tap, which will prevent staining it, and then letting the water run on the backing, and, with a little rubbing, it will disappear in a few moments, when development may proceed. Other preparations for this purpose, ready for use, may be found at the stock houses. The mat should be carefully selected or cut of a size and shape to show up the subject to best advantage, and should cover everything not wanted in the picture. The opening should not exceed 2 3/4 x 2 7/8 inches in any case, and must not be ragged or fuzzy, but clean cut and symmetrical. The lines of the opening of square mats should be parallel with the outside lines of the plate. Oval, or round, or other variously shaped mats, should be used sparingly, and in special cases only where the nature of the subject will warrant their use.
Statuary shows up to best advantage when the background is blocked out. {534} This is easily done with a small camel’s-hair artist’s brush and opaque or india ink, in a retouching frame, a good eye and a steady hand being the only additional requirements. This treatment may also be applied to some flower studies and other botanical subjects.
Binding may be performed with the aid of a stationer’s spring clamp, such as is used for holding papers together, and can be purchased for 10 cents. Cut the binding strips the length of the sides and ends of the slide, and gum them on separately, rubbing them firmly in contact with the glass with a piece of cloth or an old handkerchief, which might be kept handy for that purpose, so that the binding may not loosen or peel off after the slides are handled but half a dozen times. Before storing the slides away for future use they should be properly labeled and named. The name label should be affixed on the right end of the face of the slide as you look at it in its proper position, and should contain the maker’s name and the title of the slide. The thumb label should be affixed to the lower left-hand corner of the face of the slide, and may show the number of the slide.
How To Utilize Waste Material.
Undoubtedly spoiled negatives form the greatest waste. The uses to which a ruined negative may be put are manifold. Cut down to 3 1/4 inches square and the films cleaned off, they make excellent cover glasses for lantern slides. Another use for them in the same popular branch of photography is the following: If, during development, you see that your negative is spoiled through uneven density, over exposure, or what not, expose it to the light and allow it to blacken all over. Now with sealing wax fasten a needle to a penholder, and by means of this little tool one can easily manufacture diagram slides from the darkened film (white lines on black ground).
Take a spoiled negative, dissolve out all the silver with a solution of potassium ferricyanide and hypo. Rinse, dry, rub with sandpaper, and you will have a splendid substitute for ground glass.
Remove the silver in a similar manner from another negative, but this time wash thoroughly. Squeegee down on this a print, and an opaline will be your reward. From such an opaline, by cementing on a few more glasses, a tasteful letter weight may soon be made. Another way in which very thin negatives may be used is this: Bleach them in bichloride of mercury, back them with black paper, and positives will result. Old negatives also make good trimming boards, the film preventing a rapid blunting of the knife, and they may be successfully used as mounting tables. Clean off the films, polish with French chalk, and squeegee your prints thereto. When dry they may be removed and will have a fine enameled, if hardly artistic, appearance. Many other uses for them may also be found if the amateur is at all ingenious.
Users of pyro, instead of throwing the old developer away, should keep some of it and allow it to oxidize. A thin negative, if immersed in this for a few minutes, will be stained a deep yellow all over, and its printing quality will be much improved.
Old hypo baths should be saved, and, when a sufficient quantity of silver is thought to be in solution, reduced to recover the metal.
Printing paper of any sort is another great source of waste, especially to the inexperienced photographer. Prints are too dark or not dark enough successfully to undergo the subsequent operations. Spoiled material of this kind, however, is not without its uses in photography. Those who swear by the “combined bath,” will find that scraps of printing-out paper, or any silver paper, are necessary to start the toning action.
Spoiled mat surface, printing-out paper, bromide paper, or platinotype should be allowed to blacken all over. Here we have a dead-black surface useful for many purposes. A leak in the bellows when out in the field may be repaired temporarily by moistening a piece of mat printing-out paper and sticking it on the leak; the gelatin will cause it to adhere. These papers may also be used to back plates, platinotypes, of course, requiring some adhesive mixture to make them stick.
In every photographer’s possession there will be found a small percentage of stained prints. Instead of throwing these away, they may often be turned to good account in the following manner: Take a large piece of cardboard, some mountant, and the prints. Now proceed to mount them tastefully so that the corners of some overlap, arranging in every case to hide the stain. If you have gone properly to work, you will have an artistic mosaic. Now wash round with india ink, or paint a border of leaves, and the whole thing will form a very neat “tit bit.”
Keep the stiff bits of cardboard {535} between which printing paper is packed. They are useful in many ways—from opaque cards in the dark slide to partitions between negatives in the storing boxes.
In reclaiming old gold solutions, all liquids containing gold, with the exception of baths of which cyanide forms a part, must be strongly acidulated with chlorhydric or sulphuric acid, if they are not already acid in their nature. They are afterwards diluted with a large proportion of ordinary water, and a solution of sulphate of ferroprotoxide (green vitriol) is poured in in excess. It is recognized that the filtered liquid no longer contains gold when the addition of a new quantity of ferric sulphate does not occasion any cloudiness. Gold precipitated in the form of a reddish or blackish powder is collected on a filter and dried in an oven with weights equal to its own of borax, saltpeter, and carbonate of potash. The mass is afterwards introduced gradually into a fireproof crucible and carried to a white-red heat in a furnace. When all the matter has been introduced, a stronger blast is given by closing the furnace, so that all the metal collects at the bottom of the crucible. On cooling, a gold ingot, chemically pure, will be obtained. This mode of reduction is also suitable for impure chloride of gold, and for the removal of gilding, but not for solutions containing cyanides, which never give up all the gold they contain; the best means of treating the latter consists in evaporating them to dryness in a cast-iron boiler, and in calcining the residue in an earthen crucible at the white red. A small quantity of borax or saltpeter may be added for facilitating the fusion, but it is not generally necessary. The gold separated collects at the bottom of the crucible. It is red, if saltpeter is employed; and green, if it is borax.
To reclaim silver place the old films, plates, paper, etc., in a porcelain dish, so arranged that they will burn readily. To facilitate combustion, a little kerosene or denatured alcohol poured over the contents will be found serviceable.
Before blowing off the burnt paper, place the residue in an agateware dish, the bottom of which is covered with a solution of saltpeter and water. Place the whole on the fire, and heat it until the silver is separated as a nitrate.
The solution being complete, add to the mass a little water and hydrochloric acid, when in a short time the serviceable silver chloride will be obtained. If the films should not give up their silver as freely as the plates, then add a little more hydrochloric acid or work them up separately. Silver reclaimed in this way is eminently suitable for silver-plating all sorts of objects.
Fixing And Clearing Baths:
The Acid Fixing And Clearing Bath.
Combined Alum And Hypo Bath.
Mix this solution with an equal bulk of freshly prepared hypo solution 1 in 5, and filter.
This bath will remain clear.
Clearing Solution
| Alum | 1 ounce avoirdupois |
| Citric acid | 1 ounce avoirdupois |
| Sulphate of iron, crystals | 3 ounces avoirdupois |
| Water | 1 imperial pint |
This should be freshly mixed.
Clearing Solution.—
| Saturated solution of alum | 20 ounces |
| Hydrochloric acid | 1 ounce |
Immerse negative after fixing and washing. Wash well after removal.
Reducer For Gelatin Dry-plate Negatives.—
| I.— | Saturated solution of ferricyanide of potassium | 1 part |
|---|---|---|
| Hyposulphite of sodium solution (1 in 10) | 10 parts | |
| II.— | Perchloride of iron | 30 grains |
| Citric acid | 60 grains | |
| Water | 1 pint |
Belitski’s Acid Ferric-Oxalate Reducer for Gelatin Plates.—
| Water | 7 ounces |
| Potassium ferric oxalate | 2 1/2 drachms |
| Crystallized neutral sulphite of sodium | 2 drachms |
| Powdered oxalic acid, from | 30 to 45 grains |
| Hyposulphite of soda | 1 1/2 ounces |
The solution must be made in this order, filtered, and be kept in tightly closed bottles; and as under the influence of light the ferric salt is reduced to {536} ferrous, the preparation must be kept in subdued light, in non-actinic glass bottles.
Orthochromatic Dry Plates—erythrosine Bath (Mallman And Scolik).
| Water | 200 cubic centimeters |
| Stronger ammonia | 2 cubic centimeters |
Soak a plate for 2 minutes.
Color bath:
| Erythrosine solution (1 in 1,000) | 25 cubic centimeters |
| Stronger ammonia (0.900) | 4 cubic centimeters |
| Water | 175 cubic centimeters |
The plate should not remain longer in the bath than 1 1/4 minutes.
Paper-sensitizing Processes:
Blueprint Paper.
| A.— | Potassium ferricyanide | 10 drachms |
|---|---|---|
| Distilled water | 4 ounces | |
| B.— | Iron ammonia citrate | 15 drachms |
| Distilled water | 4 ounces |
Mix when wanted for use, filter, and apply to the surface of the paper.
With this mixture no developer is required. The paper after exposure is simply washed in water to remove the unaltered iron salts. The print is improved by immersion in dilute hydrochloric acid, after which it must be again well washed in water.
II.—The following process, credited to Captain Abney, yields a photographic paper giving blue lines on a white ground:
| Common salt | 3 ounces |
| Ferric chloride | 8 ounces |
| Tartaric acid | 3 1/4 ounces |
| Acacia | 25 ounces |
| Water | 100 ounces |
Dissolve the acacia in half the water and dissolve the other ingredients in the other half; then mix.
The liquid is applied with a brush to strongly sized and well rolled paper in a subdued light. The coating should be as even as possible. The paper should be dried rapidly to prevent the solution sinking into its pores. When dry, the paper is ready for exposure.
In sunlight, 1 or 2 minutes is generally sufficient to give an image; while in a dull light as much as an hour is necessary.
To develop the print, it is floated immediately after leaving the printing frame upon a saturated solution of potassium ferrocyanide. None of the developing solution should be allowed to reach the back. The development is usually complete in less than a minute. The paper may be lifted off the solution when the face is wetted, the development proceeding with that which adheres to the print.
When the development is complete, the print is floated on clean water, and after 2 or 3 minutes is placed in a bath, made as follows:
| Sulphuric acid | 3 ounces |
| Hydrochloric acid | 8 ounces |
| Water | 100 ounces |
In about 10 minutes the acid will have removed all iron salts not turned into the blue compound. It is next thoroughly washed and dried. Blue spots may be removed by a 4 per cent solution of caustic potash.
The back of the tracing must be placed in contact with the sensitive surface.
III.—Dissolve 3 3/4 ounces of ammonia citrate of iron in 18 ounces of water, and put in a bottle. Then dissolve 2 5/8 ounces of red prussiate of potash in 18 ounces of water, and put in another bottle. When ready to prepare the paper, have the sheets piled one on top of the other, coating but one at a time. Darken the room, and light a ruby lamp. Now, mix thoroughly equal parts of both solutions and apply the mixture with a sponge in long parallel sweeps, keeping the application as even as possible. Hang the paper in the dark room to dry and keep it dark until used. Any of the mixture left from sensitizing the paper should be thrown away, as it deteriorates rapidly.
Often, in making blueprints by sunlight, the exposure is too long, and when the frame is opened the white lines of the print are faint or obscure. Usually these prints are relegated to the waste basket; but if, after being washed as usual, they are sponged with a weak solution of chloride of iron, their reclamation is almost certain. When the lines reappear, the print should be thoroughly rinsed in clear water.
Often a drawing, from which prints have already been made, requires changing. The blueprints then on hand are worthless, requiring more time to correct {537} than it would take to make a new print. An economical way of using the worthless prints is to cancel the drawing already thereon, sensitize the reverse side, and use the paper again.
How To Make Picture Postal Cards And Photographic Letter Heads.
The finished paper keeps several days. Print deep so as to obtain a strong picture and develop in the following bath:
| Distilled water | 3 1/2 fluidounces |
| Potassium oxalate (neutral) | 340 grains |
| Oxalic acid | 4 grains |
After developing the well-washed prints, fix them preferably in the following bath:
| Distilled water | 3 1/2 fluidounces |
| Sodium thiosulphate | 75 grains |
| Gold chloride solution (1 in 100) | 80 minims |
Any other good bath may be employed.
II.—Starch is dissolved in water and the solution is boiled until it forms a thin paste. Carmine powder is added, and the mixture is rapidly and assiduously stirred until it is homogeneous throughout. It is now poured through muslin and spread by means of a suitable pencil on the paper to be sensitized. Let dry, then float it, prepared side down on a solution of potassium chromate, 30 parts in 520 parts of distilled water, being careful to prevent any of the liquid from getting on the back or reverse side. Dry in the dark room, and preserve in darkness. When desired for use lay the negative on the face of the paper, and expose to the full sunlight for 5 or 6 minutes (or about an hour in diffused light). Washing in plenty of water completes the process.
A Simple Emulsion For Mat Or Printing-out Paper.
There will be required, in the first place, 2 half-gallon stoneware crocks with lids. The best shape to employ is a crock with the sides running straight, with no depressed ridge at the top. One of these crocks is for the preparation of the emulsion, the other to receive the emulsion when filtered. An enameled iron saucepan of about 2 gallons capacity will be required in which to stand the crock for preparing the emulsion, and also to remelt the emulsion after it has become set. The following is the formula for the emulsion, which must be prepared and mixed in the order given. Failure will be impossible if these details are scrupulously attended to.
Having procured 2 half-gallon stoneware crocks with lids, clean them out well with hot and cold water, and place into one of these the following:
| Distilled water | 10 ounces |
| Gelatin (Heinrich’s, hard) | 4 ounces |
Cut the gelatin into shreds with a clean pair of scissors. Press these shreds beneath the water with a clean strip of glass and allow to soak for 1 hour. Now proceed to melt the water-soaked gelatin by placing the crock into hot water in the enameled saucepan, the water standing about half way up on the outside of the crock. Bring the water to boiling point, and keep the gelatin occasionally stirred until it is completely dissolved. Then remove the crock to allow the contents to cool down to 120° F. Now prepare the following, which can be done while the gelatin is melting: {538}
| No. 1 | |
|---|---|
| Rochelle salts | 90 grains |
| Distilled water | 1 ounce |
| No. 2 | |
| Chloride of ammonia | 45 grains |
| Distilled water | 1 ounce |
| No. 3 | |
| Nitrate of silver, 1 ounce and | 75 grains |
| Citric acid (crushed crystals) | 95 grains |
| Distilled water | 10 ounces |
| No. 4 | |
| Powdered white alum | 90 grains |
| Distilled water (hot) | 5 ounces |
The latter solution may be made with boiling water. When these solutions are prepared, pour into the hot gelatin solution No. 1, stirring all the while with a clean glass rod. Then add No. 2. Rinse the vessel with a little distilled water, and add to the gelatin. Now, while stirring gradually, add No. 3, and lastly add No. 4, which may be very hot. This will cause a decided change in the color of the emulsion. Lastly add 2 ounces of pure alcohol (photographic). This must be added very gradually with vigorous stirring, because if added too quickly it will coagulate the gelatin and form insoluble lumps. The emulsion must, of course, be mixed under a light not stronger than an ordinary small gas-jet, or under a yellow light obtained by covering the windows with yellow paper. The cover may now be placed upon the crock, and the emulsion put aside for 2 or 3 days to ripen.
At the end of this time the contents of the crock, now formed into a stiff emulsion, may be remelted in hot water by placing the crock in the enameled saucepan over a gas stove. The emulsion may be broken up by cutting it with a clean bone or hard-rubber paper cutter to facilitate the melting. Stir the mixture occasionally until thoroughly dissolved, and add the following as soon as the emulsion has reached a temperature of about 150° F.:
| Distilled water | 4 ounces |
| Pure alcohol | 1 ounce |
The emulsion must now be filtered into the second crock. The filtering is best accomplished in the following manner: Take an ordinary plain-top kerosene lamp chimney, tie over the small end two thicknesses of washed cheese cloth. Invert the chimney and insert a tuft of absorbent cotton about the size of an ordinary egg. Press it carefully down upon the cheese cloth. Fix the chimney in the ring of a retort stand (or cut a hole about 3 inches in diameter in a wooden shelf), so that the crock may stand conveniently beneath. In the chimney place a strip of glass, resting upon the cotton, to prevent the cotton from lifting. Now pour in the hot emulsion and allow the whole of it to filter through the absorbent cotton. This accomplished, we are now ready for coating the paper, which is best done in the following manner:
Cut the paper into strips or sheets, say 12 inches wide and the full length of the sheet. This will be, let us suppose, 12 x 26 inches. Attach, by means of the well-known photographic clips, a strip of wood at each end of the paper upon the back. Three clips at each end will be required. Having a number of sheets thus prepared, the emulsion should be poured into a porcelain pan or tray, kept hot by standing within another tray containing hot water. The emulsion tray being, say, 11 x 14 size, the paper now is easily coated by holding the clipped ends in each hand, then holding the left end of the paper up, and the right-hand end lowered so that the curve of the paper just touches the emulsion. Then raise the right hand, at the same time lowering the left hand at the same rate. Then lower the right hand, lifting the left. Repeat this operation once more; then drain the excess of emulsion at one corner of the tray, say, the left-hand corner. Just as soon as the emulsion has drained, the coated sheet of paper may be hung up to dry, by the hooks attached to the clips, upon a piece of copper wire stretched from side to side of a spare closet or room that can be kept darkened until the paper is dry. In this way coat as much paper as may be required. When it is dry it may be rolled up tight or kept flat under pressure until needed.
If any emulsion remains it may be kept in a cool place for 2 weeks, and still be good for coating. Be sure to clean out all the vessels used before the emulsion sets, otherwise this will present a difficult task, since the emulsion sets into an almost insoluble condition.
This emulsion is so made that it does not require to be washed. If it is washed it will become spoiled. It is easy to make and easy to use. If it is desired that only small sheets of paper are to be coated, they may be floated on the emulsion, but in this case the paper must be damp, which is easily accomplished by {539} wetting a sheet of blotting paper, then covering this with two dry sheets of blotting paper. Place the sheets to be coated upon these, and place under pressure during the night. Next day they will be in good condition for floating.
When the coated paper is dry it may be printed and toned just the same as any other printing-out paper, with any toning bath, and fixed in hyposulphite of soda as usual. Toning may be carried to a rich blue black, or if not carried too far will remain a beautiful sepia color. After well washing and drying, it will be observed that the surface corresponds with that of a carbon print; if the paper has been of a somewhat absorbent character, the surface will be entirely mat, and will give an excellent tooth for coloring or finishing in sepia, black and white, etc.
How To Sensitize Photographic Printing Papers.
To prepare this form of paper, beat 15 ounces of fresh egg albumen with 5 ounces of distilled water, dissolve in it 300 grains of ammonium chloride, set aside for a time, and decant or filter. Suitable paper is coated with this solution by floating, and then dried. The paper is “sensitized” by floating it on a solution of silver nitrate in distilled water, about 80 grains to the ounce, with a drop of acetic acid. The paper is dried as before, and is then ready for printing. The sensitizing must, of course, be done in the dark room.
The reaction between the ammonium chloride present in the albumen coating produces a certain quantity of silver chloride, the purpose of which is shown above. Of course, variations in the proportions of this ingredient will give different degrees of softness to the picture.
II.—The bromide and chloride papers which are now popular consist of the ordinary photographic paper sensitized by means of a thin coating of bromide or chloride emulsion. In “Photographic Printing Methods,” by the Rev. W. H. Burbank, the following method is given for bromide paper:
| A.— | Gelatin (soft) | 42 1/2 grains |
|---|---|---|
| Bromide of potassium | 26 grains | |
| Distilled water | 1 ounce | |
| B.— | Nitrate of silver | 33 1/3 grains |
| Distilled water | 1 ounce |
Dissolve the bromide first, then add the gelatin and dissolve by gentle heat (95° to 100° F.). Bring the silver solution to the same temperature, and add in a small stream to the gelatin solution, stirring vigorously, of course in non-actinic light. Keep the mixed emulsion at a temperature of 105° F. for half an hour, or according to the degree of sensitiveness required, previously adding 1 drop of nitric acid to every 5 ounces of the emulsion. Allow it to set, squeeze through working canvas, and wash 2 hours in running water. In his own practice he manages the washing easily enough by breaking the emulsion up into an earthen jar filled with cold water, and placed in the dark room sink. A tall lamp chimney standing in the jar immediately under the tap conducts fresh water to the bottom of the jar, and keeps the finely divided emulsion in constant motion; a piece of muslin, laid over the top of the jar to prevent any of the emulsion running out, completes this simple, inexpensive, but efficient washing apparatus.
Next melt the emulsion and add one-tenth of the whole volume of glycerine and alcohol; the first to prevent troublesome cockling of the paper as it dries, the second to prevent air bubbles and hasten drying. Then filter.
With the emulsion the paper may be coated just as it comes from the stock dealer, plain, or, better still, given a substratum of insoluble gelatin, made as follows:
| Gelatin | 1 3/5 grains |
| Water | 1 ounce |
Dissolve and filter; then add 11 drops of a 1 in 50 filtered chrome alum solution. The paper is to be floated for half a minute on this solution, avoiding air bubbles, and then hung up to dry in a room free from dust. The purpose of this substratum is to secure additional brilliancy in the finished prints by keeping the emulsion isolated from the surface of the paper. The paper should now be cut to the size desired.
We do not know of these processes having been applied to postal cards, but unless there is some substance in the sizing of the card which would interfere, there is no reason why it should not be. Of course, however, a novice will not get the results by using it that an experienced hand would.
Ferro-prussiate Paper.
Two hundred and fifty parts, by weight, of powdered potassium bichromate are dissolved in water; the solution should be completely saturated; 10 parts of concentrated sulphuric acid, 10 parts of alcohol (962), and 30 parts of phosphoric acid, are added successively, and the whole stirred together. The solution is sponged over the paper. It is not necessary to have the room absolutely dark, or to work by a red light, still the light should be obscured. The drying of the paper, in the same place, takes about 10 minutes, after which the tracing to be reproduced and the paper are placed in a frame, as usual, and exposed to daylight. On a sunny day, an exposure of 35 seconds is enough; in cloudy weather, 60 to 70 seconds; on a very dark day, as much as 5 minutes.
After exposure, the paper is fixed by suspending it for 20 minutes upon a bar in a closed wooden box, on the bottom of which are laid some sheets of blotting paper, sprinkled with 40 drops of benzine and 20 of crude aniline oil. The vapors given off will develop the design. Several impressions may be taken at the same time.
For fixing, crude aniline oil is to be used (anilinum purum), not refined (purissimum), for the reason that the former alone contains the substances necessary for the operation. The reproduced design is placed in water for a few minutes, and hung up to dry.
Pigment Paper For Immediate Use.
| Ammonium bichromate | 75 grains |
| Water | 3 1/2 fluidounces |
| Sodium carbonate | 15 grains |
Mix 0.35 ounces of this solution with 0.7 ounces alcohol, and with a broad brush apply to surface of the pigment paper, as evenly as possible. Dry this paper as quickly as possible in a pasteboard box of suitable size, 15 minutes being usually long enough for the purpose. It may then be used at once.
Photographing On Silk.
| Sodium chloride | 4 parts |
| Arrowroot | 4 parts |
| Acetic acid | 15 parts |
| Distilled water | 100 parts |
Dissolve the arrowroot in the water by warming gently, then add the remaining ingredients. Dissolve 4 parts of tannin in 100 parts of distilled water and mix the solutions. Let the silk remain in the bath for 3 minutes, then hang it carefully on a cord stretched across the room to dry. The sensitizing mixture is as follows:
| Silver nitrate | 90 parts |
| Distilled water | 750 parts |
| Nitric acid | 1 part |
Dissolve. On the surface of this solution the silk is to be floated for 1 minute, then hung up till superficially dry, then pinned out carefully on a flat board until completely dry. This must, of course, be done in the dark room. Print, wash, and tone in the usual manner.
Toning Baths For Paper.
The chief complaints made against separate baths are (1) the possibility of double tones, and (2) that the prints sometimes turn yellow and remain so. Such obstacles may easily be removed by exercising a little care. Double tones may be prevented by soaking the prints in a 10 per cent solution of common salt before the preliminary washing, and by not touching the films with the fingers; and the second objection could not be raised provided fresh solution were used, with no excess of sulphocyanide, if this be the bath adopted.
A very satisfactory solution may be made as follows:
| Sodium phosphate | 20 grains |
| Gold chloride | 1 1/2 grains |
| Distilled (or boiled) water | 10 ounces |
This tones very quickly and evenly, and the print will be, when fixed, exactly the color it is when removed from the bath. Good chocolate tints may be obtained, turning to purple gray on prolonged immersion.
Next to this, as regards ease of manipulation, the tungstate bath may be placed, the following being a good formula:
| Sodium tungstate | 40 grains |
| Gold chloride | 2 grains |
| Water | 12 ounces |
The prints should be toned a little further than required, as they change color, though only slightly, in the hypo. {541}
Provided that ordinary care be exercised, the sulphocyanide bath cannot well be improved upon. The formulas given by the various makers for their respective papers are all satisfactory, and differ very little. One that always acts well is
| Ammonium sulphocyanide | 28 grains |
| Distilled water | 16 ounces |
| Gold chloride | 2 1/2 grains |
For those who care to try the various baths, and to compare their results, here is a table showing the quantities of different agents that may be used with sufficient water to make up 10 ounces:
| Gold chloride, 1 gr. to 1 oz. water | 12 dr. | 16 dr. | 16 dr. | 11 dr. | 11 dr. | 14 dr. |
| Borax | 60 gr. | |||||
| Sod. bicarbonate | 10 gr. | |||||
| Sod. carbonate | 20 gr. | |||||
| Sod. phosphate | 20 gr. | |||||
| Sod. tungstate | 40 gr. | |||||
| Amm. sulphocyanide | 17.5 gr. |
We may take it that any of these substances reduce gold trichloride, AuCl3 to AuCl; this AuCl apparently acts as an electrolyte, from which gold is deposited on the silver of the image, and at the same time a small quantity of silver combines with the chlorine of the gold chloride thus:
AuCl + Ag = AgCl + Au
When toning has been completed, the prints are washed and placed in the fixing bath, when the sodium thiosulphate present dissolves any silver chloride that has not been affected by light.
Besides the well-known, every-day tones we see, which never outstep the narrow range between chocolate brown and purple, a practically infinite variety of color, from chalk red to black, may be obtained by a little careful study of toning baths instead of regarding them as mere unalterable machines. Most charming tints are produced with platinum baths, a good formula being
| Strong nitric acid | 5 drops |
| Water | 4 ounces |
| Chloro-platinite of potassium | 1 grain |
The final tone of a print cannot be judged from its appearance in the bath, but some idea of it may be got by holding it up to the light and looking through it. A short immersion gives various reds, while prolonged toning gives soft grays.
Results very similar to platinotype may be obtained with the following combined gold and platinum bath:
| A.— | Sodium acetate | 1 drachm |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 4 ounces | |
| Gold chloride | 1 grain | |
| B.— | Chloro-platinite of potassium | 1 grain |
| Water | 4 ounces |
Mix A and B and neutralize with nitric acid. (The solution will be neutral when it just ceases to turn red litmus paper blue.)
Another toning agent is stannous chloride. Two or three grains of tin foil are dissolved in strong hydrochloric acid with the aid of heat. The whole is then made up to about 4 ounces with water.
Toning Baths For Silver Bromide Paper.
| Distilled water | 1,000 cubic centimeters |
| Hyposulphite of soda | 100 grams |
| Sodium sulphite | 20 grams |
| Sulphuric acid | 4 to 5 grams |
First dissolve the sodium sulphite, then add the sulphuric acid, and finally the hyposulphite, and dissolve.
Blue tints are obtained by laying the picture in a bath composed as follows:
| A.— | Uranium nitrate | 2 grams |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 200 cubic centimeters | |
| B.— | Red prussiate of potash | 2 grams |
| Water | 200 cubic centimeters | |
| C.— | Ammonia-iron-alum | 10 grams |
| Water | 100 cubic centimeters | |
| Pure hydrochloric acid | 15 cubic centimeters |
Immediately before the toning, mix
| Solution A | 200 cubic centimeters |
| Glacial acetic acid | 20 cubic centimeters |
| Solution B | 200 cubic centimeters |
| Solution C | 30 to 40 cubic centimeters |
Brown tints. Use the following solutions: {542}
| A.— | Uranium nitrate | 12 grams |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 1,000 cubic centimeters | |
| B.— | Red prussiate of potash | 9 grams |
| Water | 1,000 cubic centimeters |
And mix immediately before use
| Solution A | 100 cubic centimeters |
| Solution B | 100 cubic centimeters |
| Glacial acetic acid | 10 cubic centimeters |
Pictures toned in this bath are then laid into the following solution:
| Water | 1,500 cubic centimeters |
| Pure hydrochloric acid | 5 cubic centimeters |
| Citric acid | 20 grams |
To Turn Blueprints Brown.
Combined Toning And Fixing Baths.
The combined toning and fixing bath consists essentially of five parts—(1) water, the solvent; (2) a soluble salt of gold, such as gold chloride; (3) the fixing agent, sodium thiosulphate; (4) a compound which will readily combine with “nascent” sulphur—i. e., sulphur as it is liberated—this is usually a soluble lead salt, such as the acetate or nitrate, and (5) an auxiliary, such as a sulphocyanide.
The simplest bath was recommended by Dr. John Nicol, and is as follows:
| Sodium thiosulphate | 3 ounces |
| Distilled water | 16 ounces |
| When dissolved, add | |
| Gold chloride | 4 grains |
| Distilled water | 4 fluidrachms |
A bath which contains lead is due to Dr. Vogel, whose name alone is sufficient to warrant confidence in the formula:
| Sodium thiosulphate | 7 ounces |
| Ammonium sulphocyanide | 1 ounce |
| Lead acetate | 67 grains |
| Alum | 1 ounce |
| Gold chloride | 12 grains |
| Distilled water | 35 fluidounces |
A bath which contains no lead is one which has produced excellent results and is due to the experimental research of Dr. Liesegang. It is as follows:
| Ammonium sulphocyanide | 1/4 ounce |
| Sodium chloride | 1 ounce |
| Alum | 1/2 ounce |
| Sodium thiosulphate | 4 ounces |
| Distilled water | 24 fluidounces |
Allow this solution to stand for 24 hours, during which time the precipitated sulphur sinks to the bottom of the vessel; decant or filter, and add
| Gold chloride | 8 grains |
| Distilled water | 1 fluidounce |
It is curious that, with the two baths last described, the addition to them of some old, exhausted solution makes them work all the better.
Enlargements.
| Focus of Lens. In. | 1 inch | 2 inches | 3 inches | 4 inches | 5 inches | 6 inches | 7 inches | 8 inches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 |
| 4 | 3 | 2 2/3 | 2 1/2 | 2 2/5 | 2 1/3 | 2 2/7 | 2 1/4 | |
| 2 1/2 | 5 | 7 1/2 | 10 | 12 1/2 | 15 | 17 1/2 | 20 | 22 1/2 |
| 5 | 3 3/4 | 3 1/3 | 3 1/8 | 3 | 2 9/10 | 2 6/7 | 2 3/16 | |
| 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 27 |
| 6 | 4 1/2 | 4 | 3 3/4 | 3 3/5 | 3 1/2 | 3 3/7 | 3 3/8 | |
| 3 1/2 | 7 | 10 1/2 | 14 | 17 1/2 | 21 | 24 1/2 | 28 | 31 1/2 |
| 7 | 5 1/4 | 4 2/3 | 4 3/4 | 4 1/5 | 4 1/12 | 4 | 3 9/10 | |
| 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 | 36 |
| 8 | 6 | 5 1/3 | 5 | 4 4/5 | 4 2/3 | 4 4/7 | 4 1/2 | |
| 4 1/2 | 9 | 13 1/2 | 18 | 22 1/2 | 27 | 31 1/2 | 36 | 40 1/2 |
| 9 | 6 3/4 | 6 | 5 3/5 | 5 2/5 | 5 1/4 | 5 1/7 | 5 1/16 | |
| 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 |
| 10 | 7 1/2 | 6 2/3 | 6 1/4 | 6 | 5 5/6 | 5 5/7 | 5 5/8 | |
| 5 1/2 | 11 | 16 1/2 | 22 | 27 1/2 | 33 | 38 1/2 | 44 | 49 1/2 |
| 11 | 8 1/4 | 7 1/3 | 6 4/5 | 6 1/2 | 6 5/12 | 6 2/7 | 6 3/16 | |
| 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 | 36 | 42 | 48 | 54 |
| 12 | 9 | 8 | 7 1/2 | 7 1/5 | 7 | 6 6/7 | 6 3/4 | |
| 7 | 14 | 21 | 28 | 35 | 42 | 49 | 56 | 63 |
| 14 | 10 1/2 | 9 1/3 | 8 3/4 | 8 2/5 | 8 1/6 | 8 | 7 7/8 | |
| 8 | 16 | 24 | 32 | 40 | 48 | 56 | 64 | 72 |
| 16 | 12 | 10 2/3 | 10 | 9 3/5 | 9 1/3 | 9 1/7 | 9 | |
| 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 | 54 | 63 | 72 | 81 |
| 18 | 13 1/2 | 12 | 11 1/4 | 10 4/5 | 10 1/2 | 10 2/7 | 10 1/8 |
{543}
The object of this table is to enable any manipulator who is about to enlarge (or reduce) a copy any given number of times to do so without troublesome calculation. It is assumed that the photographer knows exactly what the focus of his lens is, and that he is able to measure accurately from its optical center. The use of the table will be seen from the following illustration: A photographer has a carte to enlarge to four times its size, and the lens he intends employing is one of 6 inches equivalent focus. He must therefore look for 4 on the upper horizontal line and for 6 in the first vertical column, and carry his eye to where these two join, which will be at 30–7 1/2. The greater of these is the distance the sensitive plate must be from the center of the lens; and the lesser, the distance of the picture to be copied. To reduce a picture any given number of times, the same method must be followed; but in this case the greater number will represent the distance between the lens and the picture to be copied, the latter that between the lens and the sensitive plate. This explanation will be sufficient for every case of enlargement or reduction.
If the focus of the lens be 12 inches, as this number is not in the column of focal lengths, look out for 6 in this column and multiply by 2, and so on with any other numbers.
To make a good enlargement five points should be kept constantly in view, viz.:
1. Most careful treatment of the original negative.
2. Making a diapositive complete in all its parts.
3. Scrupulous consideration of the size of the enlargement.
4. Correct exposure during the process of enlargement.
5. The most minute attention to the details of development, including the chemical treatment of the enlarged negative.
The original negative should not be too dense, nor, on the contrary, should it be too thin. If necessary, it should be washed off, or strengthened, as the case may be. Too strong a negative is usually weakened with ammonium persulphate, or the fixing hypo solution is quite sufficient. All spots, points, etc., should be retouched with the pencil and carmine.
The diapositive should be produced by contact in the copying apparatus. A border of black paper should be used to prevent the entry of light from the side.
The correct period of exposure depends upon the thickness of the negative, the source of the light, its distance, etc. Here there is no rule, experience alone must teach.
For developing one should use not too strong a developer. The metol-soda developer is well suited to this work, as it gives especially soft lights and half tones. Avoid too short a development. When the finger laid behind the thickest spot, and held toward the light, can no longer be detected, the negative is dense enough.
The denser negatives should be exposed longer, and the development should be quick, while with thin, light negatives the reverse is true; the exposure should be briefer and the development long, using a strong developer, and if necessary with an addition of potassium bromide.
The silver chloro-bromide diapositive plates, found in the shops, are totally unsuited for enlargements, as they give overdone, hard pictures.
To produce good artistic results in enlarging, the diapositive should be kept soft, even somewhat too thin. It should undergo, also, a thorough retouching. All improvements are easily carried out on the smaller positive or negative pictures. Later on, after the same have been enlarged, corrections are much more difficult and troublesome.
Varnishes:
Cold Varnish.—
| I.— | Pyroxylin | 10 grains |
|---|---|---|
| Amyl alcohol | 1 ounce | |
| Amyl acetate | 1 ounce |
Allow to stand, shaking frequently till dissolved. Label: The negative should be thoroughly dried before this solution is applied, which may be done either by flowing it over the solution or with a flat brush. The negative should be placed in a warm place for at least 12 hours to thoroughly dry.
| II.— | Japanese gold size | 1 part |
|---|---|---|
| Benzol | 1 part |
Label: In applying this varnish great care should be taken not to use it near a light or open fire. It can be flowed over or brushed on the negative.
Black Varnish.—
| Brunswick black | 1 1/2 ounces |
| Benzol | 1 ounce |
Label: The varnish should be applied with a brush, care being taken not to use it near a light or open fire. {544}
Dead Black Varnish.—
| Borax | 30 grains |
| Shellac | 60 grains |
| Glycerine | 30 minims |
| Water | 2 ounces |
Boil till dissolved, filter, and add aniline black, 120 grains.
Label: Apply the solution with a brush, and repeat when dry if necessary.
Ordinary Negative Varnish.—
| Gum sandarac | 1 ounce |
| Orange shellac | 1/2 ounce |
| Castor oil | 90 minims |
| Methyl alcohol | 1 pint |
Allow to stand with occasional agitation till dissolved, and then filter. Label: The negative should be heated before a fire till it can be comfortably borne on the back of the hand, and then the varnish flowed over, any excess being drained off, and the negative should then be again placed near the fire to dry.
Water Varnish.
The use of water varnish, however, does away with the necessity of employing collodion as an additional protection to a negative, and is, perhaps, the best known remedy against damage from silver staining that experienced workers are acquainted with. As a varnish it is not costly, neither is it difficult to make in reasonably small quantities, while its application is simplicity itself. The following formula is an excellent sample of water varnish:
Place in a clean, enameled pan 1 pint of water, into which insert 4 ounces of shellac in thin flakes, and place the vessel on a fire or gas stove until the water is raised to 212° F. When this temperature is reached a few drops of hot, saturated solution of borax is dropped into the boiling pan containing the shellac and water, taking care to stir vigorously with a long strip of glass until the shellac is all dissolved. Too much borax should not be added, only just sufficient to cause the shellac to dissolve, and it is better to stop short, if anything, before all the flakes dissolve out than to add too much borax. The solution is then filtered carefully and, when cold, the water varnish is ready for use.
Faded Photographs And Their Treatment:
Restoring Faded Photographs.—I.—As a precaution against a disaster first copy the old print in the same size. Soak the faded photograph for several hours in clean water and, after separating print from mount, immerse the former in nitric acid, highly dilute (1 per cent), for a few minutes. Then the print is kept in a mercury intensifier (mercuric chloride, 1/2 ounce; common salt, 1/2 ounce; hot water, 16 ounces, used cold), until bleached as much as possible. After half an hour’s rinsing, a very weak ammonia solution will restore the photograph, with increased vigor, the upper tones being much improved, though the shadows will show some tendency to clog. The net result will be a decided improvement in appearance; but, at this stage, any similarly restored photographs should be recopied if their importance warrants it, as mercury intensifier results are not permanent. It may be suggested that merely rephotographing and printing in platinotype will probably answer.
II.—Carefully remove the picture from its mount, and put it in a solution of the following composition:
| By weight | |
|---|---|
| Hydrochloric acid | 2 parts |
| Sodium chloride | 8 parts |
| Potassium bichromate | 8 parts |
| Distilled water | 250 parts |
The fluid bleaches the picture, but photographs that have been toned with gold do not quite vanish. Rinse with plenty of water, and develop again with very dilute alkaline developer.
Mountants:
See also Adhesives.
I.—If buckling of the mount is to be cured, the prints must be mounted in a dry state, and the film of mountant borne by the print must be just sufficient to attach it firmly to the mount and no more. The great virtue of the method {545} here described consists of the marvelously thin film of tenacious mountant applied to the print in its dry condition, shrinkage by this means being entirely obviated. A drawing board with a perfectly smooth surface and of fair dimensions, an ivory or bone burnisher attached to a short handle, with some common glue, are the principal requisites. Take, say, a quarter of a pound of the glue broken into small pieces and cover it with water in a clean gallipot, large enough to allow for the subsequent swelling of the glue. Place on one side until the glue has become thoroughly permeated by the water, then pour off the excess and dissolve the glue in the water it has absorbed, by placing the gallipot in a vessel of hot water. The solution tested with a piece of blue litmus paper will show a distinctly acid reaction, which must be carefully neutralized by adding some solution of carbonate of soda. The amount of water absorbed by the glue will probably be too little to give it the best working consistency, and, if this is the case, sufficient should be added to make it about the thickness of ordinary molasses. Careful filtration through a cambric handkerchief, and the addition of about 10 grains of thymol, completes the preparation of the mounting solution. As glue deteriorates by frequent and prolonged heating, it is preferable to make up a stock solution, from which sufficient for the work in hand can be taken in the form of jelly, melted, and used up at once.
The finished prints, dried and trimmed to the required size, are placed on the boards they are to occupy when mounted, and, as it is impossible to remove a print for readjustment once it is laid down for final mounting, the wisest course is to indicate by faint pencil marks on the mount the exact position the print is to occupy; then it may be laid down accurately and without any indecision. A small gas or oil stove is required on the mounting table to keep the glue liquid, but maintaining the solution in a constant state of ebullition throughout the operation is unnecessary and harmful to the glue; the flame should be regulated so that the mountant is kept just at the melting point. Place the drawing board beside the gas stove and with a house-painter’s brush of good quality and size spread the glue over an area considerably exceeding the dimensions of the print to be mounted. A thin coating of glue evenly applied to the board is the end to aim at, to accomplish which the brush should be worked in horizontal strokes, crossing these with others at right angles. Have at hand a small pile of paper cut into pieces somewhat larger than the print to be mounted (old newspaper answers admirably for these pieces), lay one down on the glued patch and press it well into contact by passing the closed hand across it in all directions. Raise one corner of the paper, and slowly but firmly strip it from the board. Repeat the operations of gluing the board (in the same place) and stripping the newspaper 2 or 3 times, when a beautifully even cushion of glue will remain on the board.
Mounting the prints is the next step. The cushion of glue obtained on the board has to be coated with glue for, say, every second print, but the amount applied must be as small as possible. After applying the glue the print is laid down upon it, a square of the waste newspaper laid over the print, which has then to be rubbed well into contact with the glue. Raise a corner of the print with the point of a penknife and strip it from the board, as in the case of the newspaper. Care must be taken when handling the print in its glued condition to keep the fingers well beyond the edges of the print, in order that no glue may be abstracted from the edges. Lay the print quickly down upon its mount; with a clean, soft linen duster smooth it everywhere into contact, place upon it a square of photographic drying board, and with the bone burnisher go over it in all directions, using considerable pressure. The finished result is a mounted print that shows no signs of buckling, and which adheres to the mount with perfect tenacity.
| II.— | Gelatin | 2 parts |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 4 parts | |
| Alcohol | 8 parts |
The alcohol is added slowly as soon as the gelatin is well dissolved in the water, and the vessel turned continually to obtain a homogeneous mixture. The solution must be kept hot during the operation on a water bath, and should be applied quickly, as it soon dries; the print must be placed exactly the first time, as it adheres at once. The solution keeps for a long time in well-corked bottles.
Transparent Photographs:
I.—The following mixture may be employed at 176° F., to render photographs transparent. It consists of 4 parts paraffine and 1 part linseed oil. After immersion the photographs are at once {546} dried between blotting paper. For fastening these photographs to glass, glue or gelatin solution alone cannot be employed. This is possible only when one-fourth of its weight of sugar has been added to the glue before dissolving. The glasses for applying the photographs must be perfect, because the slightest defects are visible afterwards.
II.—If on albumen paper, soak the print overnight in a mixture of 8 ounces of castor oil and 1 ounce of Canada balsam. Plain paper requires a much shorter time. When the print is thoroughly soaked, take it from the oil, drain well, and lay it on the glass face downward, and squeeze till all is driven out and the print adheres. If a curved glass is used, prepare a squeegee with edge parallel with the curvature of the glass. It will take several hours before the print is dry enough to apply color to it.
The Gum - Bichromate Photo-printing Process.
Gum bichromate is not a universal printing method. It is not suited for all subjects or for all negatives, but where there is simplicity and breadth in sizes of 8 1/2 x 6 1/2 and upward, direct or enlarged prints by it have a charm altogether their own, and afford an opportunity for individuality greater than any other method.
While almost any kind of paper will do, there are certain qualities that the beginner at least should endeavor to secure. It should be tough enough to stand the necessary handling, which is considerably more than in either the printing-out or developing methods. It must not be so hard or smooth as to make coating difficult, nor so porous as to absorb or let the coating sink in too much; but a few trials will show just what surface is best. Till that experience is acquired it may be said that most of Whatman’s or Michallet’s drawing papers, to be had at any artist’s materials store, will be found all that can be desired; or, failing these, the sizing of almost any good paper will make it almost as suitable.
For sizing, a weak solution of gelatin is generally employed, but arrowroot is better; half an ounce to a pint of water. It should be beaten into a cream with a little of the water, the rest added, and brought to the boil. When cold it may be applied with a sponge or tuft of cotton, going several times, first in one direction and then in the other, and it saves a little future trouble to pencil mark the non-sized side.
The quality of the gum is of less importance than is generally supposed, so long as it is the genuine gum arabic, and in round, clean “tears.” To make the solution select an 8-ounce, wide-mouthed bottle, of the tall rather than the squat variety, and place in it 6 ounces of water. Two ounces of the gum are then tied loosely in a piece of thin muslin and suspended in the bottle so as to be about two-thirds covered by the water. Solution begins at once, as may be seen by the heavier liquid descending, and if kept at the ordinary temperature of the room may not be complete for 24 or even 48 hours; but the keeping qualities of the solution will be greater than if the time had been shortened by heat. When all that will has been dissolved, there will still be a quantity of gelatinous matter in the muslin, but on no account must it be squeezed out, as the semi-soluble matter thus added to the solution would be injurious. With the addition of a few drops of carbolic acid and a good cork the gum solution will keep for months.
The selection of the pigments is not such a serious matter as some of the writers would lead us to believe. Tube water colors are convenient and save the trouble of grinding, but the cheap colors in powder take a better grip and give richer images. The best prints are made with mixtures of common lampblack, red ocher, sienna, umber, and Vandyke brown, the only objection to their employment being the necessity of rather carefully grinding. This may be done with a stiffish spatula and a sheet of finely ground glass, the powder mixed with a little gum solution and rubbed with the spatula till smooth, but better still is a glass paper weight in the shape of a cone with a base of about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, bought in the stationer’s for 25 cents.
The sensitizer is a 10 per cent solution of potassium bichromate, and whatever be the pigment or whatever the method of preparing the coating, it may be useful to keep in mind that the right strength or proportion, or at least a strength of coating that answers very well, is equal parts of that and the gum solution.
In preparing the coating measure the gum solution in a cup from a toy tea set that holds exactly 1 ounce, it being easier to get it all out of this than out of a conical graduate. From 20 to 30 grains of the color or mixture of colors in powder is placed on the slab—the ground surface of an “opal” answers well—and enough of the gum added to moisten it, and work the paper weight “muller,” aided by the {547} spatula, as long as any grittiness remains, or till it is perfectly smooth, adding more and more gum till it is like a thick cream. It is then transferred to a squat teacup and 1 ounce of the bichromate solution gradually added, working it in with one of the brushes to perfect homogeneity. Of course, it will be understood that this mixture should be used all at once, or rather only as much as is to be used at once should be made, as notwithstanding what has been said to the contrary, it will not keep. After each operation, both or all of the brushes should be thoroughly cleaned before putting them away.
Not the least important are the brushes; one about 2 inches wide and soft for laying on the coating, the other, unless for small work, twice that breadth and of what is known as “badger” or a good imitation thereof, for softening.
The paper can be bought in sheets of about 17 x 22 inches. Cut these in two, coating pieces of about 17 x 11. The sheet is fastened to a drawing board by drawing pins, one at each corner. The coating brush—of camel’s hair, but it is said that hog’s is better—is filled with the creamy mixture, which has been transferred to a saucer as more convenient, and with even strokes, first one way and then the other, drawn all over the paper. It is easier to do than to describe, but all three joints, wrist, elbow, and shoulder take part, and unless the surface of the paper is too smooth, there is really no difficulty to speak of.
By the time the whole surface has been covered the paper will have expanded to an extent that makes it necessary to remove three of the pins and tighten it, and then comes the most important and the only really difficult part of the work, the softening. The softener is held exactly as one holds the pen in writing, and the motion confined altogether to the wrist, bringing only the points of the hair in contact with the coating, more like stippling than painting.
If much of the coating has been laid on, and too much is less of an evil than too little, the softener will soon have taken up so much as to require washing. This is done at the tap, drying on a soft cloth, and repeat the operation, the strokes or touches gradually becoming lighter and lighter, till the surface is as smooth and free from markings as if it had been floated.
Just how thick the coating should be is most easily learned by experience, but as, unlike ordinary carbon, development begins from the exposed surface, it must be as deep; that is, as dark on the paper as the deepest shadow on the intended print, and it should not be deeper.
While it is true that the bichromate colloid is not sensitive while wet, the coating is best done in subdued light, indeed, generally at night. Hang the sheets to dry in the dark room.
Exposure should be made with some form of actino-meter.
Development may be conducted in various ways, and is modified according to the extent of the exposure. Float the exposed sheet on water at the ordinary temperature from the tap. The exposure should admit of complete, or nearly complete, development in that position in from 5 to 10 minutes; although it should not generally be allowed to go so far. By turning up a corner from time to time one may see how it goes, and at the suitable stage depending on what one really wants to do, the otherwise plain outcome of the negative is modified, gently withdrawn from the water, and pinned up to dry.
The modifying operation may be done at once, where the exposure has been long enough to admit it, but generally, and especially when it has been such as to admit of the best result, the image is too soft, too easily washed off to make it safe. But after having been dried and again moistened by immersion in water, the desired modification may be made with safety.
The moistened print is now placed on a sheet of glass, the lower end of which rests on the bottom of the developing tray, and supported by the left hand at a suitable angle; or, better still, in some other way so as to leave both hands free. In this position, and with water at various temperatures, camel’s-hair brushes of various sizes, and a rubber syringe, it is possible to do practically anything.
Tables And Scales:
Comparative Exposures of Various Subjects.—
| Seconds | |
|---|---|
| Open panorama, with fields and trees | 1 |
| Snow, ice, marine views | 1 |
| Panorama, with houses, etc. | 2 |
| Banks of rivers | 3 |
| Groups and portraits in open air (diffused light) | 6 |
| Underneath open trees | 6 |
| Groups under cover | 10 |
| Beneath dense trees | 10 |
| Ravines, excavations | 10 |
| Portraits in light interiors | 10 |
| Portraits taken 4 feet from a window, indoors, diffused light | 30 |
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Table Showing Displacement On Ground Glass Of Objects In Motion
| Miles per Hour. | Feet per Second. | Distance on Ground Glass in inches, with Object 30 Feet away. | Same with Object 60 Feet away. | Same with Object 120 Feet away. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 1/2 | .29 | .15 | .073 |
| 2 | 3 | .59 | .29 | .147 |
| 3 | 4 1/2 | .88 | .41 | .220 |
| 4 | 6 | 1.17 | .59 | .293 |
| 5 | 7 1/2 | 1.47 | .73 | .367 |
| 6 | 9 | 1.76 | .88 | .440 |
| 7 | 10 1/2 | 2.05 | 1.03 | .513 |
| 8 | 12 | 2.35 | 1.17 | .587 |
| 9 | 13 | 2.64 | 1.32 | .660 |
| 10 | 14 1/2 | 2.93 | 1.47 | .733 |
| 11 | 16 | 3.23 | 1.61 | .807 |
| 12 | 17 1/2 | 3.52 | 1.76 | .880 |
| 13 | 19 | 3.81 | 1.91 | .953 |
| 14 | 20 1/2 | 4.11 | 2.05 | 1.027 |
| 15 | 22 | 4.40 | 2.20 | 1.100 |
| 20 | 29 | 5.87 | 2.93 | 1.467 |
| 25 | 37 | 7.33 | 3.67 | 1.833 |
| 30 | 44 | 8.80 | 4.40 | 2.200 |
| 35 | 51 | 10.27 | 5.13 | 2.567 |
| 40 | 59 | 11.73 | 5.97 | 2.933 |
W. D. Kilbey, in the American Annual of Photography, gives still another table for the exposure that should be given to objects in motion.
According to his method the table is made out for a distance from the camera 100 times that of the focus of the lens; that is, for a 6-inch focus lens at 50 feet, a 7-inch at 58 feet, an 8-inch at 67 feet, a 9-inch at 75 feet, or a 12-inch at 100 feet.
| Toward
the Camera. sec. | At Right Angles
to the Camera. sec. | |
|---|---|---|
| Man walking slowly, street scenes | 1/15 | 1/45 |
| Cattle grazing | 1/15 | 1/45 |
| Boating | 1/20 | 1/60 |
| Man walking, children playing, etc. | 1/40 | 1/120 |
| Pony and trap, trotting | 1/100 | 1/300 |
| Cycling, ordinary | 1/100 | 1/300 |
| Man running a race and jumping | 1/150 | 1/450 |
| Cycle racing | 1/200 | 1/600 |
| Horses galloping | 1/200 | 1/600 |
If the object is twice the distance, the length of allowable exposure is doubled, and vice versa.
To Reduce Photographs.
Here are the details:
Reducing Scale for Copying Photographs.
Turn the drawing face down and rule a diagonal line from the left bottom to the right top corner. Then measure from the left, on the bottom line, the width required. Rule a vertical line from that point until it meets the diagonal. Rule from that point to the left, and the resulting figure will have the exact proportions of the reduction. If the depth wanted is known, and the width is required, the former should be measured on the left upright line, carried to the diagonal, and thence to the lower horizon. The accompanying diagram explains the matter simply.
Color Photography:
A Three-color Process.
A.—Screen Solutions.—
Blue violet.
| By weight | |
|---|---|
| Methylene blue | 5 parts |
| Tetraethyldiamidooxytriphenyl carbinol | 2 parts |
| Or: | |
| Methyl violet | 5 parts |
| Alcohol | 200 parts |
| Water, distilled | 300 parts |
Green.
| By weight | |
|---|---|
| Malachite green | 10 parts |
| Alcohol | 200 parts |
| Water, distilled | 300 parts |
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Yellow.
| By weight | |
|---|---|
| Acridin yellow N. O. | 10 parts |
| Alcohol | 200 parts |
| Water, distilled | 300 parts |
Red.
| By weight | |
|---|---|
| Congo rubin | 10 parts |
| Alcohol | 200 parts |
| Water, distilled | 300 parts |
B.—Dyes (Stock Solutions).—
| By weight | ||
|---|---|---|
| I.— | Acridin yellow or acridin orange, N. O. | 1 part |
| Alcohol | 100 parts | |
| Water, distilled | 400 parts | |
| II.— | Congo rubin | 1 part |
| Alcohol | 100 parts | |
| Water, distilled | 400 parts | |
| III.— | Tetraethyldiamidooxytriphenyl carbinol | 1 part |
| Alcohol | 100 parts | |
| Water, distilled | 400 parts | |
The screen solutions, after being filtered through paper filters into clean dishes, are utilized to bathe 6 clean glass plates previously coated with 2 per cent raw collodion; we require 1 plate for blue violet, 2 plates for red, 2 plates for yellow, and 1 plate for green, which in order to obtain the screens are combined in the following way: Yellow and red plate, yellow and green plate. For special purposes the other red plate may be combined with the blue violet. Another method of preparing the screens is to add the saturated solutions drop by drop to a mixture of Canada balsam and 2 per cent castor oil and cement the glasses together. Those who consider the screens by the first method too transparent, coat the glass plates with a mixture of 2 to 3 per cent raw collodion and 1 per cent color solution. Others prefer gelatin screens, using
| By weight | |
|---|---|
| Hard gelatin (Nelson’s) | 8 parts |
| Water | 100 parts |
| Absolute alcohol | 10 parts |
| Pigment | 1 part |
This is poured over the carefully leveled and heated plate after having been filtered through flannel.
The collodion screens are cemented together by moistening the edges with Canada balsam (containing castor oil) and pressing the plates together in a printing frame, sometimes also binding the edges with strips of Japanese paper.
On the evening before the day of work, good dry plates of about 18° to 24° W. are dyed in the following solution:
| By weight | |
|---|---|
| Stock solution, No. 1 | 16 parts |
| Distilled water | 100 parts |
| Alcohol | 5 parts |
| Nitrate of silver (1.500) | 50 parts |
| Ammonia | 1–2 parts |
This bath sensitizes almost uninterruptedly to line A. The total sensitiveness is high, and the plate develops cleanly and fine. Blue sensitiveness is very much reduced, and the blue screen is used for exposure. As far as the author’s recollection goes, the plate for the yellow color has never been color-sensitized, many operators using the commercial Vogel-Obernetter eosin silver plates made by Perutz, of Munich; others again only use ordinary dry plates with a blue-violet screen. This is, however, a decided mistake, necessitating an immense amount of retouching, as otherwise it produces a green shade on differently colored objects of the print.
For the red color plate the dry plate is dyed in
| By weight | |
|---|---|
| Stock solution, No. 2 | 10 parts |
| Distilled water | 100 parts |
| Nitrate of silver (1.500) | 100 parts |
| Ammonia | 2 parts |
The resulting absorption band is closed until E, reaching from violet to red (over C). This red pigment was examined by Eder, who obtained very good results, using ammonia in the solution.
The corresponding screen is a combination of malachite green with acridin yellow or acridin orange N. 0.
For the blue color plate the dye is made up as follows:
| By weight | |
|---|---|
| Stock solution, No. 3 | 0.5–1 part |
| Distilled water | 100 parts |
| Nitrate of silver (1.500) | 100 parts |
| Ammonia | 1–2 parts |
This dye yields a strong band, commencing at B, reaching to C 3/4 D; since the orange screen used herewith necessitates a long exposure, the action seems to extend into the infra-red (beyond A).
As a rule, cyanine is used instead of the tetraethyldiamidooxytriphenyl carbinol {550} (HCl salt), but the former is apt to produce fogged plates. Methyl violet or crystal violet has also been suggested.
Exposures should be made in direct sunlight or with artificial pure white light (acetylene); electric light is too variable.
The most suitable methods of reproduction are half-tone, and the prototype methods; also Turati’s Isotypie. The greatest difficulty in 3-color printing nowadays is presented by the want of accurate printing. We must use the proper paper and pure fast colors; the inking rollers should be smooth, not too soft, and free from pores or weals. The blocks must be firmly fixed typehigh, otherwise they take color irregularly. A good printing machine is, of course, most essential.
To supplement the above working directions: After having kept the plates for 2 or 3 minutes (constantly moving the dish) in the dyes, they are removed into a dish containing filtered alcohol, which extracts the superfluous pigment. Plates thus treated dry much more rapidly, develop cleaner, and show no fogging.
Most of the above dyes may be obtained from the “Berliner Actiengesellschaft für Anilinfabrikation,” the acridin only from the “Farbwerk Mühlheim, a/Main, vorm. A. Leonhard & Company.”
Solution For Preparing Color Sensitive Plates.
For depression of the over-active blue rays he recommends the addition of picric acid to the coloring solution. The picric acid erythrosin silver citrate ammonia solution is prepared as follows:
| Solution I | |
|---|---|
| Citrate of potassa | 1 gram |
| Distilled water | 10 cubic centimeters |
| Solution II | |
| Silver nitrate | 1 gram |
| Distilled water | 10 cubic centimeters |
Both solutions are mixed and a white precipitate is formed which is allowed to subside. The clear supernatant liquid is poured off carefully, precipitate washed with water, allowed again to subside, and the wash water again decanted. This process is repeated two or three times. Finally a large bulk of water (20 cubic centimeters) is added to the precipitate and well shaken; 5 cubic centimeters of this is reserved, the remainder is treated to ammonia, drop by drop, until the precipitate is redissolved. Now add the 5 cubic centimeters of reserved solution and shake the whole until every particle is dissolved. Then make up the solution to 50 cubic centimeters and filter; this forms Solution III.
| Solution IV | |
|---|---|
| Distilled water | 300 cubic centimeters |
| Pure erythrosin | 1 grain |
Under lamplight the 50 cubic centimeters of Solution III are poured slowly with repeated shaking in Solution IV, by which the originally beautiful red is converted into a dirty turbid bluish red somewhat viscid fluid; add—
| Solution V | |
|---|---|
| Picric acid | 4 grams |
| Absolute alcohol | 30 cubic centimeters |
Shake well, and add to the whole 33 cubic centimeters ammonia (specific gravity, 0.91), wherewith the beautiful red color is restored.
After the filtration call this Solution VI. This solution keeps well. The slight deposit formed is redissolved on shaking.
The plates are sensitized as follows: The plate to be sensitized is first laid in a tray of distilled water for 2 or 3 minutes, then bathed in a mixture of 1 cubic centimeter ammonia for 1 minute and finally for 2 minutes in a bath composed of the following:
| Color Solution VI | 10 cubic centimeters |
| Distilled water | 300 cubic centimeters |
The plate is well drained and dried in a perfectly dark room. These plates keep well for several months.
Microphotographs.
The instruments used are an objective of very short focus and a small camera with a movable holder. This camera and the original negative to be reduced are fastened to the opposite ends of a long, heavy board, similar to the arrangement in use for the making of lantern slides. The camera must be movable in the direction of the objective axis, and the negative must be fastened to a vertically stationary stand. It is then uniformly lighted from the reversed side by either daylight or artificial light. Some difficulty is experienced in getting a sharp focus of the picture. The ordinary ground glass cannot be used, not {551} being fine enough, and the best medium for this purpose is a perfectly plain piece of glass, coated with pretty strongly iodized collodion, and sensitized in the silver bath, the same way as in the wet process. The focusing is done with a small lens or even with a microscope. The plate intended for the picture has, of course, to lie in exactly the same plane as the plate used for focusing. To be certain on this point, it is best to focus upon the picture plate, inserting for this purpose a yellow glass between objective and plate. If satisfactory sharpness has been obtained, the apparatus is once for all in order for these distances. Bromide of silver gelatin plates, on account of their comparatively coarse grain, are not suitable for these small pictures, and the collodion process has to come to the rescue.
Dagron, in Paris, a prominent specialist in this branch, gives the following directions: A glass plate is well rubbed on both sides with a mixture of 1,000 parts of water, 50 parts powdered chalk, and 200 parts of alcohol, applied with a cotton tuft, after which it is gone over with a dry cotton tuft, and thereafter cleaned with a fine chamois leather. The side used for taking the picture is then finally cleaned with old collodion. The collodion must be a little thinner than ordinarily used for wet plates. Dissolve
| Ether | 400 parts |
| Alcohol | 100 parts |
| Collodion cotton | 3 parts |
| Iodide ammonia | 4 parts |
| Bromide ammonia | 1 part |
The plate coated herewith is silvered in a silver bath of 7 or 8 per cent. From 12 to 15 seconds are sufficient for this.
The plate is then washed in a tray or under a faucet with distilled water, to liberate it from the free nitrate of silver and is afterwards placed upon blotting paper to drip off. The still moist plate is then coated with the albumen mixture:
| Albumen | 150 cubic centimeters |
| Add | |
| Water | 15 cubic centimeters |
| Iodide potassium | 3 grams |
| Ammonia | 5 grams |
| White sugar | 2 grams |
| Iodine, a small cake. |
With a wooden quirl this is beaten to snow (foam) for about 10 minutes, after which it must stand for 14 hours to settle. The albumen is poured on to the plate the same as collodion, and the surplus filtered back. After drying, the plate is laid for 15 seconds in a silver bath, consisting of 100 parts of water, 10 parts nitrate of silver, and 10 cubic centimeters of acetic acid. The plate is then carefully washed and left to dry. If carefully kept, it will retain its properties for years. To the second silver bath, when it assumes a dirty coloration, is added 25 parts kaolin to each 100 parts, by shaking the same well, and the bath is then filtered, after which a little nitrate of silver and acetic acid is added.
After each exposure the plate holder is moved a certain length, so that 10 or more reproductions are obtained upon one and the same plate. The time of exposure depends upon the density of the negative and differs according to light. It varies between a second and a minute.
The developer is composed as follows:
| Water | 100 parts |
| Gallic acid | 0.3 parts |
| Pyro | 0.1 part |
| Alcohol | 2.5 parts |
The exposed plate is immersed in this bath, and after 10 to 20 seconds, from 1 to 2 drops of a 2 per cent nitrate of silver solution are added to each 100 cubic centimeters of the solution, whereby the picture becomes visible. To follow the process exactly, the plate has to be laid—in yellow light—under a weakly enlarging microscope, and only a few drops of the developer are put upon the same. As soon as the picture has reached the desired strength, it is rinsed and fixed in a fixing soda solution, 1 to 5. Ten to 15 seconds are sufficient generally. Finally it is washed well.
After the drying of the plate, the several small pictures are cut with a diamond and fastened to the small enlarging lenses. For this purpose, the latter are laid upon a metal plate heated from underneath, a drop of Canada balsam is put to one end of the same, and, after it has become soft, the small diapositive is taken up with a pair of fine pincers, and is gradually put in contact with the fastener. Both glasses are then allowed to lie until the fastener has become hard. If bubbles appear, the whole method of fastening the picture has to be repeated.
Photographs On Brooches.
Flashlight Powders And Apparatus.
Flash powders to be ignited by simply applying the flame of a match or laying on an oiled paper and igniting that, may be made by the following formulas:
| I.— | Magnesium | 6 parts |
|---|---|---|
| Potassium chlorate | 12 parts | |
| II.— | Aluminum | 4 parts |
| Potassium chlorate | 10 parts | |
| Sugar | 1 part |
The ingredients in each case are to be powdered separately, and then lightly mixed with a wooden spatula, as the compound may be ignited by friction and burn with explosive violence.
It is best to make only such quantity as may be needed for use at the time, which is 10 or 15 grains.
To Prevent Smoke From Flashlight.
A Flashlight Apparatus With Smoke Trap.
Intensifiers And Reducers:
Intensifier (Mercuric) With Sodium Sulphite, For Gelatin Dry Plates.
The reduction is perfect, with a positive black tone.
Intensifier With Iodide Of Mercury.
For use, dilute with water, flow over the negative till the proper density is reached, and wash, when the deposit will turn yellow. Remove the yellow color by flowing a 5 per cent solution of hypo over the plate, and give it the final washing.
Agfa Intensifier.
Intensifying Negatives Without Mercury.
| Schlippe’s salt | 60 grains |
| Water | 1 ounce |
| Caustic soda solution, 10 per cent | 6 drops |
Finally the negative is again thoroughly washed and dried. The addition of the small quantity of caustic soda is to prevent surface crystallization. It is claimed that with this intensifier the operation may be carried out to a greater {553} extent than with bichloride of mercury; that it gives clear shadows, and that it possesses the special advantage of removing entirely any yellow stain the negative may have acquired during development and fixing. Furthermore, with this intensifying method it is not necessary to wash the negative, even after fixing, as carefully as in the case of the intensifying processes with mercury, because small traces of hypo which may have been left in the film will be rendered innocuous by the free iodine. The iodine solution may be employed repeatedly if its strength is kept up by the addition of concentrated stock solution.
Uranium Intensifier.—
| Potassium ferricyanide (washed) | 48 grains |
| Uranium nitrate | 48 grains |
| Sodium acetate | 48 grains |
| Glacial acetic acid | 1 ounce |
| Distilled water to | 10 ounces. |
Label: Poison. Immerse the well-washed negative till the desired intensification is reached, rinse for 5 minutes and dry. This intensifier acts very strongly and should not therefore be allowed to act too long.
Miscellaneous Formulas:
Renovating A Camera.
| Raw linseed oil | 6 ounces |
| White wine vinegar | 3 ounces |
| Methylated spirit | 3 ounces |
| Butter of antimony | 1/2 ounce |
Mix the oil with vinegar by degrees, shaking well to prevent separation after each addition, then add the spirit and antimony, and mix thoroughly. Shake before using.
Exclusion Of Air From Solutions.
Bottle Wax.
Bleaching Photographic Prints White.
| Bichloride of mercury | 1 ounce |
| Water | 5 ounces |
| Alcohol | 1 ounce |
| Hydrochloric acid | 1 drachm |
If the drawing has been made with non-waterproof ink, then alcohol is substituted for the water in the formula. For safety, use an alcoholic solution of mercury. The bleaching solution is poured on and off the drawing, and, when the print is bleached white, the mercury is washed off the drawing by holding it for a few moments under running water. Photographs bleached in this way will keep white for years.
To Render Negatives Permanent.
Stripping Photograph Films.
Phosphorescent Photographs.
According to Professor Schnauss, plates for phosphorographs are prepared as follows: Dissolve 10 parts of pure gelatin in 50 parts of hot water, add and dissolve 30 parts of “light” color (as above), and 1 part of glycerine.
If a plate or a paper, prepared as above detailed, be placed under a diapositive, in a copying apparatus, and submitted to the action of sunlight for a few minutes, when taken out in a dark room a phosphorescent picture of the diapositive will be found. It is also a known fact that duplicate negatives or positives may be made with this phosphorograph by simply bringing the latter in contact in a copying apparatus, with the ordinary silver bromide plate for 30 seconds, in the dark room, and then developing the same.
Printing Names On Photographs.
Spots On Photographic Plates.
To Remove Pyro Stains From The Fingers.
To Remove Pyro Stain From Negatives.
| Protosulphate of iron | 3 ounces |
| Alum | 1 ounce |
| Citric acid | 1 ounce |
| Water | 20 ounces |
Prevention is better than cure, however; therefore immerse the negatives in the above directly they are taken from the fixing bath. After clearing the negatives, they should be well washed.
PHOTOGRAPHY WITHOUT LIGHT: See Catatypy.
PIANO POLISHES: See Polishes.
PICKLE FOR BRASS: See Brass and Plating.
PICKLE FOR BRONZE: See Bronze Coloring.
PICKLE FOR COPPER: See Copper and Plating.
PICKLE VINEGAR: See Vinegar.
PICKLING OF GERMAN-SILVER ARTICLES: See Plating.
PICKLING IRON SCRAP BEFORE ENAMELING: See Enameling.
PICRIC ACID STAINS, TO REMOVE: See Cleaning Preparations and Methods.
PICTURE COPYING: See Copying.
PICTURE FRAMES, REPAIRING: See Adhesives and Lutes.
PICTURE POSTAL CARDS: See Photography.