huntington] NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY 171 



The better class of cheap lenses are either listed as rectilinear 

 or anastigmatic . The rectilinear lens is defective in that it is 

 impossible to focus at the same time vertical and horizontal lines 

 lying in the same plane. This defect is corrected in the anastig- 

 matic which makes it possible to use it with a more widely opened 

 diaphragm. The latter is slightly the more expensive. 



In addition there is needed a black focusing cloth, at least six 

 double plate holders, and a carrying case. For general work a 4 x 5 

 camera will prove most efficient, although a 3^x4^ is very 

 satisfactory, is cheaper and easier to carry; for the highest grade of 

 work a 5 x 7 gives the best results. It is more readily focused with 

 precision since the image is larger. 



Before buying a camera, the prospective purchaser should make 

 a study of the catalogs of the different camera manufacturing 

 concerns; these catalogs may be obtained free from your local 

 dealer. If possible the aid of some person who has had consider- 

 able experience with cameras — not Kodaks — should be enlisted. 

 Not infrequently, a first-class camera in perfect condition can be 

 picked up second-hand at about half the list price. But the 

 novice needs to be very careful in purchasing a used, or new, 

 camera, as the trade is full of chicanery. 



Sweet, Wallach & Company, 133 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, is a 

 thoroughly reliable concern which issues monthly lists of used out- 

 fits they have for sale ; it is well to consult the lists of such dealers. 

 The large mail order houses, such as Sears, Roebuck & Co , carry 

 first-class cameras at reasonable prices, and their catalogs should 

 be consulted by the prospective purchaser. 



A complete 4x5 outfit such as described above can be pur- 

 chased at prices ranging from $25.00 to $50.00 and used outfits 

 much cheaper. 



The graflex and similar cameras are built for speed work, and 

 are not suitable for high grade nature work unless mounted on a 

 tripod. Obviously they possess no advantage in nature photogra- 

 phy (except specialized bird or insect work) over the regular and 

 much cheaper camera, and the price is much higher. 



Plates 



The ease with which the films are handled in the field is more 

 than counterbalanced by the difficulties and limitations incurred 

 with them in the dark room, in making prints and in lantern slide 



