Care Of The Camera. Once possessed camera, learn to take excellent care of it. It is not made abuse, neither should it be expected to stand combat with the elements like a plough or a mowing-machine. Remember this: Once knowing that bad results are producible, damage possible, do all in your power to prevent them; exercising always every care. " Dirt is matter in the wrong place," says the philosopher. Light is dirt when it intrudes at the wrong time into the camera or upon the sensitized plate. Keep it out and off by covering the camera when in the sun, and carrying the holders containing the sensitized plates also covered. Cover up the camera, when not in use, from wind and storm, dampness and sunshine. Keep it cleaned from splashings of silver and droppings of dust. Some manufacturers supply flannel coverings with each elegant camera they produce. These should always be used.

Fig. 30.

Stereoscopic Camera.

Stereoscopic Camera.

109. The Camera-Stand is used to so place the camera in relation to the object to be photographed as to secure its image in proper position upon the sensitive plate. It should, for portrait work, be strong, steady, solid, provided with rack-work for raising and lowering it, and with an adjustable top by means of which a proper inclination of the camera can be had. It should have castors on the two fore-legs, that it may be readily moved about. For out - door work a strong, slender tripod is usedr whose jointed legs spread out, thus enabling one to secure any desired height with it, but it often acts with the comic and incomprehensible treachery and perversity of the American mule. Unless extreme care be taken in its management, disastrous results are of frequent occurrence. Never get out of patience with it.