THE CAMERA COLUMN.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1403, 19 January 1899, Page 28

THE CAMERA COLUMN.

A FLW KO'fES OH DtYFLOPHEBT.

Whilst it is often very advantageous to have a supplementary developer for special subjects and occasions, still, without doubt, the wisest plan is to stick tc one developer for general work. And it would seem advisable that that choice should be either pyro-ammonia or pyrosoda, inasmuch as with either of .these—tho former especially— jiye get a great amount r*f rf&riatioh and control over Vault's '. Pyro-ammonia has various drawbacks—its fumes are not the most healthy atmosphere to spend a night in, and it stains horribly. Pyro-soda is not quite as bad in this latter drawback, and it not perhaps so great a tendency tc stain the negative as the former. If, however, you choose either of thesfl, you have for general wtn-k a hio?t reliable devSlbptV. For extraordinary occasions " —grossly under exposed plates, the development of bromide paper, or photomechanical plates—the pyro solution will not do ; metal amidol or rodinal are far more suitable. In case of under exposure any of •these—and especially the latter, which is a most simple preparation, only requiring dilution to be ready for use, will encourage detail without excessive density, and will not stain with prolonged development. Pyro in bromide printing gives a greenish image, which is Scarcely desiramidol or rodiiial gives, a beaUtiflil greyish black. . Pyro with photo-mechanical plates and often with lantern slides has a tendency to give too great Contrasts-. But pyro for general work is fa.cilo priheeps ; and I suggest it should be used without bromide. If there is a fear of over-exposure the quantity of No 2—the accollerator solution—should be diminished. Another usggestion I make is that the pyro should always be kept dry, and the solution prepared immediately before development. Personally, I have a long-handled spoon, the bowl of which just holds three grains. My pyro developer is a 3 grains to the ounce one. I, therefore, if I am mixing 4oz of normal solution, placo 4 spoonfulls of dry pyro in my measure, 2oz of water, and 2oz of No 2 sulphite and carbonate solution. This prevent!; oxidation and ehciniejil actions, proceeding in the py*'o, and. I am certain the results .are cleaner. Another useful tip is to take care not to drown the plate in developer. The amount required is justsufficient to cover the plate and the dish should always be kept moving. If a largo quantity of developer is used, tho final result is a sodden flat negative. If, however, for some reason or other tho negative, during development docs threaten to be flat, then this may be obviated to a great extent by just, flushing it with a plain pyro solution immediately before concluding development. All negatives should be rinsed after development, and before being placed in the fixing bath ; whilst fixation is taking place they should not be handled or taken out of the hypo —if you do, you will probably have badlystained negatives, and you will certainly prolong the time of development. And fixation should be continued for at least 5 minutes after all signs of unaffected silver have vanished.—-" Yorkshire Post."