RECREATION. 



xli 



DEFECTIVE NEGATIVES. 



One of the most troublesome drawbacks 

 the amateur has to contend with is fog. 

 It may happen that one has a negative 

 which appears satisfactory in all ways but 

 one, and that one defect is an appearance 

 of slight general fog all over the film. 

 This may be due to the defective light in 

 the dark room ; to some stray light which 

 has got to the plate while changing when 

 on a journey; or it may have been caused 

 by a general spreading of light which has 

 got to the exposed plate through a steamy 

 lens, as when exposing on a bright subject 

 in cold, damp weather. Again, it may be 

 caused when exposing on a bright cloud, 

 where the brilliant light illuminates the in- 

 terior of the camera far too much. 



If we prepare a solution of perchloride 

 of iron, 10 grams in an ounce of water, 

 and, after soaking our negative in cold wa- 

 ter a few minutes until the gelatine feels 

 soft, we pour off the water and flood the 

 plate with the iron solution about half a 

 minute, after draining we shall probably 

 find that the fog has gone. It is then ad- 

 visable to rinse the plate in water and 

 transfer it to a clean fixing bath for 5 

 minutes. 



Foggy negatives are caused by an unsafe 

 light, too much light, decomposed develop- 

 ers, contaminated dishes, traces of hypo, 

 over exposure or under exposure, and too 

 much forcing with alkali. 



If the plate is fogged, and yet the edges 

 are clean, the plate is most probably over 

 exposed. Too great a density with still, 

 clear shadows means under exposure. 



Black spots are often produced by dirty 

 dishes. 



In the case of metallic or iridescent 

 stains, which are often seen when plates 

 are stale or have been kept in a bad atmos- 

 phere, perhaps the best plan is to take a 

 fine rag, and having dipped it in methy- 

 lated spirit, rub gently with the tip of the 

 finger, changing the rag surface as it be- 

 comes discolored. 



When negatives show signs of frilling, 

 it is a good plan to add a little Epsom salts 

 to the washing water. If there is any rea- 

 son to expect that the plate may frill, it 

 may be immersed in a solution of Epsom 

 salts previous to development. 



If the plate is not rocked during the 

 process of development, we are likely to get 

 markings of a mottled character. These 

 are most difficult to remove, and often can 

 not be remedied. 



The small circular spots which are seen 

 often on negatives due, to tiny air bells are 

 easily avoided by flooding the plate with 

 an even flow of developer. The prelim- 

 inary soaking of the plate- in water is a 

 fruitful source of air spots. When they 

 threaten, the plate should be wiped with a 

 plug of wool wet with developer. 



For the yellow stain caused by develop- 

 ment, a solution of iron sulphite, 3 ounces 

 in 20 ounces of water, with an ounce each 

 of sulphuric acid and of alum, is useful. — 

 F. G., in Photo-American. 



President 



Suspender 



