Page 22 - The Wellington photographic handbook

It should never be forgotten that a strong light at a distance
of two or three feet is much safer than a weak light at a few inches
from the plate. All light, even the deepest red, will affect a plate
in time, so that care should be taken not to expose the plates
unduly during manipulation.

Pieces of stiff card may be used to cover the dishes when
developing, and it should be made a rule, especially with very fast
plates like the 'Xtreme, 'Xtra Speedy and Anti-Screen, never to
expose them to the dark-room light except during the few moments
when the progress of development is being noted.

FILLING DARK SLIDES OR CARRIERS.

When loading the dark slides or camera the light must never
be allowed to fall on the plates. To avoid this the worker should
place himself so that his body intercepts the direct rays of the
lamp. The plates will be found packed in pairs, face to face, the
sensitive surface of each being turned inwards. They should not
be dusted when putting them in the slides, as this only electrifies
their surface and attracts dust. When only a few have been
taken out of the cardboard box in which they are supplied, the
box should be wrapped up before being removed from the dark-
room, and should not be relied upon, of itself, to keep the plates
within it protected from light.

EXPOSURE.
Those who have already mastered the difficulty of ascertaining
the correct exposure will not go wrong if they treat the 'Xtreme,
'Xtra Speedy and Anti-Screen plates as the fastest made. For
hand-camera work, with 'Xtra Speedy or Anti-Screen plates
in the camera, anything that is possible at all, photographically
speaking, can be secured. At the same time, these plates being
very richly coated, and possessing great latitude, the very briefest
exposure should be given only when such is absolutely necessary.
More plates are wasted from under-exposure than from all other
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