Scriptor

Simulated comparison between the method of individually metering each negative (A-D) and the conventional contact printing method for making projection slides (E-H). Note detail difference in early phase photos (3A and 3E). From: “Techniques for Photography of Cardiovascular Surgery,” by Michael A. Morris, Samuel Giannavola and G. Doyne Williams.

The first paper in JBC Vol. 48 # 3, “Techniques for Photography of Cardiovascular Surgery,” by Michael A. Morris, Samuel Giannavola and G. Doyne Williams was of particular interest to me. Before the days of digital and 35mm traditional cameras, we used a 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 plate camera on a monstrous stand. We were in constant fear that something might fall into the surgical field, and focusing was an exercise in gymnastics. The examples given in this paper are first class, a pity they were not in color.

The next paper that caught my eye,  “Developing Films for High Speed, High Resolution and High Gamma,” by Stephen N. Antoniades et al. is long and exhaustive. I tried some of the various suggestions in the paper and found just what I was looking for. It must have taken not only a firm understanding of the film and developer characteristics, but a great deal of time and effort to correlate the results – a fine bit of work.

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