We here illustrate the more common style of frame, such as is used for small negatives, usually not for sizes larger than whole plate (8-.3- x G&). In this the negative itself is laid on to the rebate of the frame, so that such a frame serves for one size of negative only.
}Iere, on the other hand, we have one of the better class of frames, such as is used for printing large negatives. There is in it a piece of plate-glass, against which the negative is placed. By this device all danger of breakage is avoided, whilst it becomes possible to use the same frame for different sized negatives. Such a frame is, however, too cumbersome for very small plates, and as common printing frames are very cheap, the photographer should have several by him for such small plates as he works.
The porcelain dishes are much the same as we have already been using for development. They have the advantage over black-coloured dishes that it is easier to see when they are thoroughly clean, and it must be under stood that for the delicate process of printing the utmost attention to cleanliness is absolutely necessary.
The sensitised paper is purchased in sheets tightly rolled up, and should be kept so until it is desired to use it. We believe that in the original rolls in which it is issued it would keep for years. After it is unrolled it will still keep for at least a month or two.
The paper is sensitive,—that is to say, it is darkened when light acts upon it, but it is not sensitive in at all the same degree that a dry plate is. No special room is necessary to work it in. It may be manipulated in a room brightly lit by gas or into which there is admitted quite enough white light to see easily to work by. If the photographer happen to have a room, the window blinds of which are of the very common yellow colour, he may pull those down and may afterwards work with complete freedom.
When prints are to be taken the paper is unrolled, and a sheet is cut up of about the size which the prints are required to be. A quarter of an inch should be allowed in both length and breadth beyond the ultimate size of the print. This is afterwards trimmed off.
In a future chapter will be found hints on the best way to cut paper so as to get the greatest possible num ber of different sized pieces from one sheet.
During the operation of cutting and all subsequent ones the operator must be careful to let his fingers rest as little as possible on either side of the paper, but especially on that which is albumenised. If his hands have, a tendency to perspire he should wash them in cold water immediately before handling the paper.
Before any number of prints are taken from a negative it should be varnished; but as a proof—or indeed, when sensitised paper is used, several proofs—may be taken before varnishing without endangering the negative, we describe the process of varnishing after that of printing.
A printing frame to suit the negative from which a proof is wanted is placed front downwards on a table. The back of the frame is removed. The negative is placed film side upwards in the frame, and on it there is placed the paper albumenised side downwards, all dust having first been removed from the negative by a camel's hair brush or a handkerchief. If the paper is of the same size as the plate the back of the frame is immediately applied, but if, as is very often the case, it is desired to have the print somewhat smaller than the negative, we have to adjust the paper. To do this the frame is lifted in both hands, so that it is held between the face of the operator and a light—say from a window. The side on which is laid the paper is towards the operator. The thumb of each hand bears on the paper, and both serve to keep the negative from falling out of the frame, and to adjust the paper by pushing it in any desired direc tion. After the correct position of the paper is set it is kept in that position with the thumb of the left hand, whilst with the right hand the back is placed over the paper and the springs are applied. This sounds very complicated, but it is the work of a few seconds. We have at the moment of writing a half - plate printing frame before us, and have gone through all the manipu lations in less than ten seconds.