474 
write such conflicting articles? A short time 
ago a friend of mine. bought a camera with a 
lens that was recommended by a writer of some 
note. After taking some views he sent them 
to be criticised, and the criticism came back, 
“Too short focus.’ Hence I am writing to you 
for advice.” 
Ignore critics and their criticisms. Fault- 
finding is the easiest of habits to acquire, 
requiring, as it does, but little use of mental 
energy. ‘The one criticised is often the better 
informed. 
It is not strange that writers differ in opinion. 
They accomplish results in different ways and 
with various kinds of apparatus. ‘The trouble 
is that too many believe their particular 
methods to be superior to all others, when in 
fact, if the desired end be attained, it is of little 
consequence what means is employed. 
There are comparatively few amateurs using 
lenses of ten inches or longer focus on 5 x 7 
cameras. The majority are using lenses 
whose focal lengths are from 74 to 84 inches, 
and it is usually in some special work that 
lenses of shorter or longer focus -will be useful. 
For an all-round lens we prefer one with a 
focal length about equal to the diagonal meas- 
urement of the plate, about 8} inches for a 
5x7 plate. The focus can be a little less or 
more without impairing the general usefulness 
of the lens. If a good anastigmat can be 
afforded, we recommend it as the best; and for 
a second choice, a good rectilinear in preference 
to a cheap-John lens of any kind. Between 
the lines of our correspondent’s letter we read 
suggestions of a plan to test the ability of 
critics to designate the work accomplished with 
lenses of specific focal lengths and will give it 
to our readers in a future number. 
The Kodak Exhibition 
It is with pleasure: that we commend the 
Kodak Exhibition which opened its second 
season early in September and has been de- 
lighting, educating and inspiring thousands of 
kodakers and nonkodakers in some of the 
larger Eastern cities. The exhibition com- 
prises several hundred enlargements from 
kodak negatives; lectures illustrated with a 
superb collection of lantern slides and moving 
pictures; a display of apparatus and instructive 
demonstrations. Admissions are by compli- 
mentary tickets, which may be had free upon 
application from all kodak dealers in the 
exhibition cities. The continuation of the 
tour is as follows: | | 
New York, Madison Square Garden Con- 
cert Hall, November 5 to 17. | 
Scranton, Y. M. C. A., November 19 to 24. 
- RECREATION 
Pittsburg, Duquesne Garden Amphitheater, 
November 26 to December r. 
Columbus, Ohio, Memorial Hall, December 
3 to 8. . 
Indianapolis, The German House, December 
ro to 15. 
St. Louis, Y. M. C. A. (Grand and Franklin 
avenues), December 31 to January 12. 
St. Joseph, Mo., Columbia Hall, January 
14 to 19. 
Kansas City, The New Casino, January 21 
to 26. 
Omaha, Chambers Hall, January 28 to 
February 2. 
St. Paul, The Armory, February 4 to 9. 
Minneapolis, Auditorium, February rr to 16. 
Milwaukee, Public Service Auditorium, 
February 18 to 23. 
Chicago, Orchestra Hall, February 25 to 
28, March 4 to 7. 
Grand Rapids, Auditorium, March rr to 16. 
Toledo, Zenobia Hall, March 19 to 23. 
Detroit, Light Guard Armory, March 25 to 
30. 
Let Us Get Together 
Some months ago we commenced the ex- 
periment of considering topics suggested by 
correspondence received from our readers, a 
plan that wearedisposed to continue indefinitely; 
believing that the amateur should be given 
what he wants, rather than be obliged to take 
what he can get. We believe the serious 
amateur originates more ideas and stumbles 
upon more ways of doing things than are 
usually credited to him. We do not believe 
a few prominent prize winners, occasional and - 
regular contributors to photographic literature, 
or those who have otherwise attained distinc- 
tion, have become so proficient that they will 
not eagerly grasp a new idea or method 
(though they may not admit it) even if it does 
come from a less conspicuous amateur. To 
get in closer touch with the amateur, to make 
actual workers better acquainted with one 
another, to bring all together through a mutual 
exchange of ideas and experiences, we invite 
correspondence. 
Photographs Wanted 
RECREATION is constantly in need of good 
photographs. Send prints from your best nega- 
tives, that have not been published, and you 
will be paid for such as are found available. 
Good views from the game field and of fishing ~ 
waters are desired. Just now, snow scenes 
would be almost sure to “‘take.” 

