THE WAR AND POHOTOGRAPHY.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15172, 9 January 1915, Page 10

THE WAR AND POHOTOGRAPHY.

INCREASED PRICE OF

CHEMICALS

BRITISH MANUFACTURERS

ACTIVE

(srEciAL to "the i-bess.")

WELLINGTON. January 8

During the pa-st few days I have interviewed a number of local photographic dealers in regard to the effect of the war upon photography—ran art that now interest, a very large section of the public. In the information received two points stand out prominently —one being the increased price of certain chemicals made in Germany, and the other the. fact that the British manufacturer is now making those chemicals, so that tho trade will be "oat'to Germany. It is only another instance of tbe smashing blow that is being dealt to German commerce. Nearly all the principal chemicals used in photography were made in Germany, which, owing to the cheapness at which it could manufacture, had practically secured the world's market. As the result of the inability of Germany to ship her manufactures, tho prices of •inch chemicals have gone up, in some instances to a very high percentage. Pyrogallic acid, which before the war sold at Is od nil ounce, is now sold at 2s an ounce. Metol has risen from 3s Od to Os an ounce: hydroquinone, from Is to 2s'Gd; duridol, from 3. Od to os, whereas 'hypo" has doubled, ami bromide of potassium trebled in price. Practically the, whole of the hyposulphite of soda used in photography was mado in Germany, a very little being made in. Switzerland. 7 British and American manufacturers are now starting its manufacture, and the price quoted in England is lGs per cwt: Plates and papers, which are made largely in England and Australia, have not advanced in price, but there may be-an increase before long, owing to the shortage of. gelatine -which comes mainly* from France. It is now thoroughly realised in England that the chemical and other industries lost to Germany through the war, must .be established in England, so that British firms may be in a position to cope witn the- euormous economic expansion inevitable upon the conclusion of hostilities. So far-is photography is concerned it is satisfactory to note that British manufacturers are- grappling .with the problem in real earnest, and alreadj there are indications that quotations which' have reached a high figure owing to the outbreak of war .will presently be reduced. Indeed, in some, instances they have aiready been reduced. Amidol hydrokinone and hypo are now bein--? turned-out in consider- : able quantities in Britain, and the quality, will compare favourably with the finest products that ever came from German manufactories. , In regard to apparatus the came satisfactory outlook prevails, and the German-mode' instrumente, which had an enormous sale in the British Empire, "wiir be ousted from ! the market. Large'factories hi 'Engi land have been,; and axe .still being, equipped, with - the most- up-to-date ! machinery for camera-making, and it .s now absolutely unnecessary to go out•fiido England for the finest lenses.. At the start of the. war an attempt was made by some dealers to get, German goods through Holland, and two lmpprtah t 'London 'newspapers' 'that had been -'strongly condemning trading with the. enemy, Vent out a requisition tei reflex cameras with Ziess lenses. For some years now British-made lenses, notably those' by Rose, and by Cooke, have been every bit as good as the German Goerz and Ziess lenees. Roth in, Britain and "New Zealand y .photognrnhic dealers.have had a splendid season. Two Wellington firm., have done a hundred per cent, more business last year "than tl*ey£ar before. It is thought, however, Tihat next winter, and especially after tho war. -there will be a general slackness in the photographic business.