ARTIFICIAL LIGHT The matter of artificial light for interiors is one of considerable impor tance, and we have the choice of either flash (bag or open) and electric lights.
Of the bag types, of which there are many on the market, the Victor, Prosch or the Halldorson are undoubtedly the best selection for commercial purposes, although some operators make their own bags.
There are numerous types of open flash, commonly known as "bang lamp" from the single hand lamp to elaborate multiple types, but the Caywood is my preference from long experience. I have always avoided the cap lamps. The cap is never found when needed, especially when several operators have access to it, it does not always explode, and a little dampness completely puts it out of business, while there is rarely any trouble with the friction metal type.
In photographing heavy machinery, foundries, warehouses, etc., where a "quick and dirty" job is permissible, a blow lamp has no equal. But a good blow lamp is a treasure indeed, for I have never seen one which, with con tinuous use, does not clog up, melt, or do something equally troublesome at a critical moment. The Prosch people probably make as good a lamp of this kind as any on the market. Many photographers make their own blow lamps, and a little tip in this connection is to use what is known as jewelers' hard solder, as it will withstand extreme heat.
As building superintendents, fire marshals, etc., are beginning to strongly
object to flash, and, in fact, it is barred from many buildings entirely, the more modern method of photographing interiors is to use electric lights. Among these we have the carbon lamps, such as the Panchroma, Northern, Majestic, MacBeth, and the incandescent type, that is, the Mazda and Nitrogen filled bulbs.
The Northern and Panchroma give a very strong concentrated light and are excellent for many jobs, such as indoor groups and general studio but they have the disadvantages, to my mind, of the danger of burning carbons dropping out, the necessity for excessive current, and the further fact that they are quite heavy.
My choice, from many standpoints, therefore lies in the Mazda or Nitro gen type. The lamp I have used for practically three years and like very much is the Johnson Compact Ventlite, which fills every need with the exception of strong light for speed stuff. These can be attached to practically any light socket, and choice is had of two types of bulbs, the clear and the blue or daylight bulb. For ordinary commercial work I have found the clear bulb the most satisfactory, but for groups and model work the daylight bulb has given the best results, as it is not so blinding. A two-lamp Johnson outfit complete weighs but 26% pounds. One can therefore judge its ease of portability.