In this case I am all-seeing, but unseen. He has brought his camera with him--a Waterbury it looks like from this distance. Now she is posing for him, first sitting, then standing in numberless pretty attitudes, and now leaning against that convenient tree that plays such an important part as an accessory, but always for him, who was thoughtful enough to bring his camera with him.
His plates are exhausted; he has taken her in many ways, and when he has finished she is taken gently in his arms and he is given full payment in a coin that is always current and never below par. I am a compulsory spectator and dare not move lest I disturb them, but I am trying hard to look the other way. Imagine them in years hence (for, as I know, he is a practical chemist and is careful in his manipulations, I feel certain that his prints will not fade) looking over the results of the click, click, click of that shutter..
If you go to the World's Fair at Chicago, or if you go with any of the world's fair wandering about the woods, by all means take a camera with you. If you take it on a prolonged fishing excursion, you will be able to prove to your friends, on your return, that your stories are not all vain boastings; if you take it to your favorite summer resort you can photograph your conquests as fast as they are made; if you take it on your tramps or on your boating trips, among the mountains or to the seashore, you will find it a faithful story-teller, a pleasant companion that will give you many moments of joy while you are away and after you return..
A 4x 5 hand-camera is as easy to carry as a small satchel, and is large enough for the beginner to spoil his first plates with. "It's only a straw, but..." when you select your instrument choose the work of a reliable manufacturer, giving particular attention to the lens; and when you get it take it with you in the morning, at mid-day, and in the evening, before meals, after meals, between meals, make it your confident and friend, and always take it with you..
Edward Manser.
The 'Waterbury' camera mentioned in the article is a large wooden tailboard view camera most commonly found in the 5x8 format. Our devoted admirer in the opening paragraph would have been lugging a wooden carrying case containing the camera and one plate holder, and another similar sized case with six additional loaded double-sided holders and a dark cloth. She, on the other hand, would have been a vision of loveliness all in white carrying her parasol--and his large wooden tripod. They would both have been breathless after scaling those lofty heights, but for reasons more practical than passionate..
These days the camera can be found at shows with asking prices in the $250-$350 range. However, $225 is about right for the basic outfit. Some of you may have seen a fairly nice example at the recent Expo. As it happens, the camera was manufactured by Scovill & Adams. Hmmm?.