Cameras - Camera Parts

When ready to load the holders, having entered the dark-room and closed the door, remove the covers from the box of plates and turn back the black paper in which they are wrapped. The top plate will be face or film side down. Pick this plate up by the edge, being extremely careful not to touch either surface. At the lower end of the holder is a spring. Place the edge of the sensitive plate, with the film side out, against the spring, and press down on the spring until the plate drops into place. In some plate holders the spring holding the plate in place is controlled by a little metal lever on the outside or edge of the holder. By pulling down on the lever on the right hand side, it presses down the spring and the plate falls into place. After the plate is in place, press the lever back into position, when the plate is secured. After loading one side of a plate holder, carefully draw the camel's hair brush over the surface of the plate, to remove any dust which may have accumulated on its surface. With the light colored side facing out, insert the slide in the slot at the end of the holder, thus covering the sensitive plate. Proceed in like manner to load the other side of the holder, as well as the remaining holders. The second plate in the box will be face or film side up, the third plate film down, etc. Carefully replace the covers in proper order on the box of plates, after all holders are loaded. Then the door of the dark-room may be opened and the ruby light extinguished.