25 Years Ago in JBPA/JBP

Scriptor

This compact steel case is sturdy and holds up well during travel; it also stores easily when not in use. While it is small, it contains virtually all the accessories necessary for photographing small objects.



The underside of one of the large sides of the carrying case is fitted with hinged legs that can be bolted into place. The front legs also contain recessed poles that can be pulled out to support a test tube holder.



The support legs of the stage are grooved to receive the platform supports that lock firmly at any height up to 12 inches, thereby providing a convenient movable stage system. Clamps for holding various items also are shown. From: “Versatile and compact stage for photographing small laboratory subjects” by Leon LeBeau.

A. Image size on 35mm film typically available before modification of conventional laparoscopes or endoscopes.
B. Modification of Wolf endoscope for use with 105mm macro lens. Produces an enlarged image directly on 35mm film.
C. Image size produced with new Nikon Endophoto system. From: “Increase image size in Laparoscopic photography” by Edward Warner and Diana Kleiden.

Typical endoscopic photographs taken with a 105mm Nikon macro lens and a Wolf laparoscope. (Top) Hydatid of Morgagni. (Bottom) Polycystic ovaries. From: “Increase image size in Laparoscopic photography” by Edward Warner and Diana Kleiden.

The first paper, an informative discussion with useful tips and “gizmos,” is by the late Dr. Leon LeBeau and titled “Versatile and compact stage for photographing small laboratory subjects,” Journal of the Biological Photographic Association (JBPA) Vol. 48, #1, pp. 3-15. The older members of the BioCommunications Association (BCA) will always remember his enthusiasm and ingenuity. How much easier it would have been for him if he had had FreeLance Plus or a similar graphics program to deal with the rather amateurish diagrams! Nonetheless, the final photographs paid off using his sometimes elaborate setups. I wonder if today one would have the patience, and indeed the time for such setups.

In the “New products” section on page 16, I was intrigued by the “Daystar” random access attachment for the Kodak Ektagraphic projectors, which select any slide in an 80 Carousel Tray in three seconds. I can remember it being used quite effectively sometimes. Unfair to compare it to PowerPoint.

My own interest in endoscopic photography led me to read with interest, “Increase image size in Laproscopic photography” by Edward Warner and Diana Kleiden, JBPA Vol. 48. #1, pp. 27-29. One of the big problems with endoscopic photography at that time was the size of the image. The Olympus Gastro Camera, for example, produced an image size of only 3mm x 5mm, rather small for definitive diagnoses. This paper shows how much larger images can and should be produced.

Scriptor

About the Author
With the passing of Peter Hansell, Ron Irvine picks up the pen to continue "25 Years ago in the Journal of Biological Photography" and writes under the pseudonym Scriptor. Irvine is a long-time member of BCA and IMI. He is a Registered Biological Photographer, Fellow of the BCA, and an honorary member of IMI. E-mail: rirvine3@cogeco.ca