XXXVITI 
PHOTOGRAPHY 
By Loring WHITMAN 
IN writing about photography in the tropics, one must remember that con- 
ditions vary so much from place to place that what is applicable to one part 
of the world may not be so to another, even though the localities may be equi- 
distant from the equator. Heat, humidity, the character of the landscape, 
water supply and other environmental conditions must be considered in the 
region in which one is anxious to engage in photography. What experience I 
have had has been entirely limited to Central Africa and to such a region only 
is it applicable. 
Before going further I wish to thank Mr. George Mallinkrodt, to whom 
we are greatly indebted for his generous contribution to the Expedition, in the 
form of the large bulk of the photographic chemicals which we took with us 
for developing films in the field. Not only were these donated to us, but they 
were packed in loads of roughly sixty pounds each so that they could be taken 
directly on safari without repacking. The quality of the materials needs no 
advertising. 
The first question is with regard to the cameras necessary to get pictures. 
I have little to say on this point for I find that each photographer has his own 
hobbies when it comes to cameras, lenses and other similar equipment. I, 
myself, was quite partial to my own graflex which had already given me five 
years’ excellent service and so relied chiefly on that. It was a 4”’ x 5” size, 
revolving back telescopic model with a Bausch and Lomb Tessar 1 c¢. f 4.5 lens. 
In addition I had a Dallon telephoto lens working at f 5.6 with an equivalent 
focal length of seventeen inches. I found that for practically all purposes this 
was entirely satisfactory. The disadvantage of such an outfit, however, must 
not be overlooked. In the first place the camera, size 4’’ x 5’’, is an American 
one, and hence it is very difficult to buy film for it in any place outside of the 
United States. Secondly, it is quite bulky to carry. Thirdly, when it is hot and 
steamy and the operator is perspiring freely the ground glass focusing panel be- 
comes coated with moisture and distorts the focus. Fortunately I discovered 
this early in the trip and was able to make allowances for it. The advantages, 
on the other hand, are visual evidence as to what the picture is to be like; accu- 
rate focusing quickly especially when dealing with animals; and a large enough 
plate to make contact prints worth while. However, in case one has no in- 
tention of making animal pictures a feature, I think I would recommend a 
folding camera on the order of the Zeiss with a double extension bellows and 
a ground glass focusing panel. The best size for universal work is 9 x 12 ems. 
for this is popular throughout the world and films can easily be procured at 
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