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.