Wet Collodion technique on 4x5 negative

[sapata]

I've got a 1860 View camera which is almost complete but I think It'll might take a little while until I start using since I can't find a way to mount on my tripod.

On the other hand I've got a complete Toyo View camera and not long ago I processed myself my first 4x5 negs and I was really happy with the results.

What I'm interested to know if there's a possibility of processing normal 4x5 negatives sheets with the wet collodion technique.

Thanks !

[Robert Oliver]

wet plate collodion is a process that uses a solution of silver nitrate as the light sensitive material and collodion to adhere it to a glass or metal plate.

You would need to process traditional negative sheets in a developer like hc-110, pryo, rodinal etc....

completely different processes....

[Gene McCluney]

You cannot process film like wet collodion, because the collodion process is not film, it is collodion and the unique properties of it require a completely different process.

However, you CAN approximate the tonal range of the process by using filters on your camera when shooting film. Wet Collodion photography is only sensitive to blue light.

You can also approximate some of the visual "clues" that make a wet plate (collodion) image unique by putting vintage lenses on your modern camera, and using similar f-stops as were used to shoot wet plate images.

[sapata]

Thanks..
I'm also in process of adapting the old lens on my Toyo camera so I can get some visual effects, but I guess I'll have to go with the real thing soon !

[77seriesiii]

Sapata,

You can shoot collodion in the 4x5 but you will have to modify at least one of your film holders to accept a tinplate (metal aluminum or some others), maybe even glass if really good at modifying things. I am in the process of doing the same and am slowly piecing some stuff together.

If you are interested in collodion I would check out Quinn Jacobson's forum here: http://www.collodion.com/forum/default.asp

have fun with it, the images made w/ collodion are unique.

Erick

[sapata]

Sapata,

You can shoot collodion in the 4x5 but you will have to modify at least one of your film holders to accept a tinplate (metal aluminum or some others), maybe even glass if really good at modifying things. I am in the process of doing the same and am slowly piecing some stuff together.

If you are interested in collodion I would check out Quinn Jacobson's forum here: http://www.collodion.com/forum/default.asp

have fun with it, the images made w/ collodion are unique.

Erick
Thanks a lot Erick !
I was just checking by chance and saw your repply, for some reason I didn't get the email...

That's a good idea ! I'll try that... I also own a Victorian Camera and I got 2 originals holders, the problem is that I can't fix the camera in anywhere because there's not a tripod socket available.

[77seriesiii]

Does the camera have a hole in the bottom just bigger than a CD-Rom? If so it requires either an old style tripod and mount OR modification to accept a new 3/8" head.

Glad I could help! Enjoy shooting collodion.

./e

[sapata]

Does the camera have a hole in the bottom just bigger than a CD-Rom? If so it requires either an old style tripod and mount OR modification to accept a new 3/8" head.

Glad I could help! Enjoy shooting collodion.

./e
It is... but i've never seen one to buy, have you seen any modifications before ?

[77seriesiii]

To modify a camera initially takes guts and courage...

Version 1 and is VERY camera dependent and not recommended. You have to drill a hole and then insert a threaded washer that accepts either a mount plate or one that is mounted directly to your tripod. The hole can not go all the way through the camera and the wood must support the camera's weight from the attachment point. This is why its not the recommended approach but some cameras can do it, others cant.

Version 2) -Recommended- Probably have to pay someone to do this unless others can provide instructions. Trying to find a picture, essentially it is either brass, aluminum, wood or something that is used to plug the hole and in the center is a tripod mount. I just had a really good picture but lost it, maybe someone here can take a picture of theirs or point us in the right direction.

If nothing pans out I would contact SK Grimes here:

http://www.skgrimes.com/

and they will be able to do something for you OR you can always look at some of the hand built camera companies and ask there:

http://www.blackartwoodcraft.com/Home_Page.html

or Star camera:

http://www.starcameracompany.com/

Good luck sorry not much of a help today.

./e

[Joe Smigiel]

Perhaps building a cradle that contains a threaded tripod mount would also be an alternative that would not impact the condition of the camera at all.

[77seriesiii]

http://app.vendio.com/imgserver/img/imageTemplate.html?img=http%3A%2F%2Fimagehost.vendio.com%2Fa%2F19966367%2Faview%2F1242265083757_P1010006.JPG

Yep, finally found what I was looking for.

Erick

[sapata]

Great ! It's a great idea... thanks for sharing that !

[jnantz]

sapata

you might be able to find a machinist that can fabricate a plate
that will go from your modern tripod to the bottom of your camera ..
i have a 5x7 camera that didn't have the mount plate on its base
and i took it to a guy who made something for me on the spot.
it took about 20mins and he did it right in front of me .. and i think
i paid about $30 ...

have fun !

john

[sapata]

Sapata,

You can shoot collodion in the 4x5 but you will have to modify at least one of your film holders to accept a tinplate (metal aluminum or some others), maybe even glass if really good at modifying things. I am in the process of doing the same and am slowly piecing some stuff together.

If you are interested in collodion I would check out Quinn Jacobson's forum here: http://www.collodion.com/forum/default.asp

have fun with it, the images made w/ collodion are unique.

Erick
HI Erick...
I've joined the forum but so far haven't received the activation email (since you sent me the link) . Left a couple of emails to Quin but so far no answered... any suggestion ? is there anyone you could contact through the forum and explain what happpens ?
Again, sorry for being a pain... thanks for your help !