459. Handling The Tripod

Handling The Tripod. If, however, a tripod is employed on any occasion, care should be taken to see that the points of the legs are on a firm base. If the tripod is erected on wet sand, it will very often be found that between the periods of focusing and making the exposure, the camera has sunk an inch or two in one direction, and the negative may therefore be spoiled.

THE WAVE Study No. 22   See Page 313 By J. R. Peterson

THE WAVE Study No. 22 - See Page 313 By J. R. Peterson.

ALL ABOARD Study No. 23   See Page 313 By Wm. T. Knox

"ALL ABOARD" Study No. 23 - See Page 313 By Wm. T. Knox

460. Reflex Camera

Reflex Camera. The very best camera for this class of work is the reflecting type. Beach scenes, children paddling, sea birds, men with carts collecting seaweed, boats putting off from shore, and the hundred and one instances and happenings at a seaside holiday resort can be best rendered by the reflex hand camera, which permits of focusing up to the instant of exposure. (See Illustration No. 44, Page 184.) For other subjects, such as breaking waves or yachting scenes, or any type of work where the lens or camera is likely to be splashed with spray, the reflex camera is not so suitable, as the lens is left uncovered during the entire period.

461. The Lens

The Lens. The lens suitable for all around work at the seaside, during the summer season, need not be an expensive anastigmat, although this type of lens will give the finest results, especially if enlargements are to be made from the negatives. The ordinary rapid rectilinear lens, or even a good single lens, will, in most cases, serve excellently for seaside subjects. The reason is, that considerable stopping down is allowable, owing to the intensity of the light. The lack of covering power that might exist at full aperture is, therefore, corrected.

462. The Diaphragm

The Diaphragm. F. 16 is a normal diaphragm to use for beach scenes or seascapes, and with a rapid ortho-chromatic plate fully exposed negatives should be secured at l-100th second. The lens to be used is one that will permit of exactness of definition all over the plate. At a large aperture a light color screen can be employed to advantage, and cloud effects are secured on the same plate with the foreground.

463. The Plates

The Plates. Orthochromatic plates are now made of such rapidity and fine quality that there is no excuse for not using them under all circumstances. For seaside work they are better if backed. The glare of light in open seascapes is often responsible for a considerable amount of halation produced with an unbacked or ordinary plate.

464. Films, of course, are very useful. If the photographer makes many exposures the weight is a serious item, and cut or roll films should certainly be used. They are also made orthochromatic and possess practically all the virtues of plates, with the added advantage of lightness, as well as being non-halation.