COPYING PICTURES WITH A CAMERA.
Copying pictures may seem to be a very simple matter, for the subject does not even need to be posed, and will remain motionless for any length of time; but there are several points connected with the copying of pictures which are of importance if one wishes to make a correct copy. For convenience the pictures to be copied might be divided into three classes. I. Black and white pictures, such as engravings, wood-cuts, wash-drawings, etchings, etc. II. Photographs and half-tones. III. Oil-paintings, colored pastels, etc.
The first thing to be considered is the arranging of the camera so that it will be exactly perpendicular with the picture. A copying-stand is a great convenience, but, like many other conveniences, not an actual necessity. A vertical support, with the drawing or picture placed in such a manner that its centre shall come on an exact line with the centre of the lens is all that is required. A board the width of the bed of the camera, and perhaps five feet in length, will answer every purpose of a copying-stand. At one end of this board fasten a small piece of board in such a way that it shall be at exactly right angles with the long board. This small board is the support for the picture. The camera either rests on the board, or is raised a little above it by a small block, the adjustment depending on the size of the picture to be copied. To find whether the centre of the lens corresponds with that of the picture, place the camera quite near the picture, thread a piece of silk through the centre of the lens cap, place the cap on the lens, and carry the string to the centre of the picture. In this way one can readily see whether the two centres correspond with each other.
In copying a black and white picture we want no half-tones or shadows, so that if the paper has a grain it must be placed in a strong front light. An all-round illumination, which can be had by using the apparatus out-of-doors, is the best lighting, as there is no possibility of shadows.
The most suitable plate for copying a black and white picture is the brand called "photo-mechanical." If these plates are not easily obtained, use a very slow plate.
Place the picture on the support upside down, fastening it very securely with thumb-tacks. If the paper is thin, place a piece of red or black paper behind the picture. This should always be done if the picture is being copied from a book, or there is any printed matter on the reverse side of the picture.
In copying pictures from books a thin piece of flat board should be put back of the leaf, and the leaf held in place by two stout rubber straps.
In copying photographs or half-tone prints, a plate of medium rapidity should be used. If there are heavy shadows a more rapid plate is required. A small diaphragm must be used in order to have the picture sharp at the edges.
In copying colored pictures the only plate to use is the orthochromatic plate. This will render the true color values of the different tints in the picture. Oil-paintings require more care in lighting than other colored pictures, in order to avoid the brush marks appearing in the photographs.
The plates are developed in the same way as if made direct from the object, hydroquinon and pyro giving the best results.
If one has been unfortunate enough to break a valuable negative, but has a good print from it, a small negative may be made from the photograph, and from this small negative an enlargement can easily be produced.
Sir Knight Charles H. Woods asks if the "Eureka" camera is a good camera, as he wishes to buy a 4 by 5 camera and does not wish an expensive one. The "Eureka" does very good work, but is not as convenient a camera as one of the hand-cameras at the same price.
An experienced laundress will tell you that shirts never look as white as when washed with Ivory Soap.
The Procter & Gamble Co., Cin'ti.
THE
BALTIMOREAN PRINTING-PRESS
has earned more money for boys than all other presses in the market. Boys, don't idle away your time when you can buy a self-inking printing-press, type, and complete outfit for $5.00. Write for particulars, there is money in it for you.
THE J. F. W. DORMAN CO.,
Baltimore, Md., U.S.A.
