While manufacturers have apparently ac cepted the decisions of International Congresses as regards the standard of the thread of the tripod-screw, it is not at all infrequent to find that a tripod-screw by one maker fails to fit the bush of a camera by Whatever the bellows extension used, the camera must be well balanced on the tripod.
For this the camera should be fitted with several bushes arranged so that the one affording the greatest stability may be chosen.
The steel points with which tripod legs are shod tend to slip on pavings and polished parquet floors, and may damage carpets on which they are used. Slipping may be prevented by placing on the ground, in the shape of a three-pointed star, three chains joined to a ring in the centre ; the points of the tripod are placed in the links at a suitable distance from the centre. The points may even be tied to each other with a piece of string. When working on a carpet, a three-pointed star made of thin lengths of wood is of great service. Each length is connected to the others at one end (this being the centre of the star), notches being provided near the free ends to receive the points of the tripod legs. This fitment is also exceedingly useful on pavings or polished floors, as it allows of the camera and stand being moved as a whole without disturbing any adjustment of the camera, as regards level, which has been made in composing the subject.' It is often advantageous and sometimes necessary to be able to tilt the camera with out moving the tripod. This can be done by means of a tilting-head fixed to the tripod-top and to which the camera is secured. Ball and-socket heads are suitable for light cameras, provided a wooden ball of rather large size is used.
When photographing extended panoramas at successive exposures, the prints from which are subsequently to be joined up, it is of service to be able to rotate the camera on a vertical axis through an equal angle each time. For this work a panoramic top is used ; there are several commercial patterns intended particularly for light cameras.
158. Camera Cases. For carrying cameras and their accessories, use is generally made of waterproof cases of canvas or leather, lined with soft baize. Canvas cases intended for almost
daily use should have the edges, folds and seams bound with leather. Strips of wood or metal studs must be fixed so as to project considerably from the bottom, in order to protect the latter when the case is put down on wet ground. Straps, particularly those for carrying the case on the back or slung across the shoulder, should be of real leather, and their width must be the greater as the weight is heavier. In the half plate size, the camera, dark slides, and acces sories, such as focussing cloth, are often all packed in one case. It is then advisable to have a long narrow case in which the camera and the slides are arranged side by side. For larger sizes it is best to have two cases, one for the camera and the other for the slides and accessories. In the case for the tripod, space should be provided for accessories such as the fitment for preventing the tripod points from slipping and the holder for a magnesium flash-lamp for interior work. Every camera case which is likely to be left in the care of others should be fitted with lock and key.
159. Hand-stand Cameras. A type of camera which occupies a mid-way position between those for use on a stand and those employed in the hand, is that which has been perfected by one or two makers of high-class cameras in England. In general design the camera resem bles that shown in Fig. 130, but the back is made considerably deeper and the baseboard is solid, and hinged to the back, so that, in the closed position, all the moving parts are con tained, as it were, in a box. These " hand-stand " cameras, as they are called, are fitted with finders and focussing scales for use in the hand, and with bush for attachment to a tripod. As regards movements, such as extension, rise and fall of front, swing back, etc., they leave nothing to be desired, and the various models on the market in England are examples of design and workmanship of the most perfect kind. These cameras are chiefly used in the 4 x 3/ in. and 5 x 4 in. sizes ; infrequently in half-plate size. In the case of at least one make this pattern of camera is made in 3 x 2i in. size.