Wet Plate kits at Bostick and Sullivan

[Gustavo]

Hi Guys !!
Luther Gerlach <epiphanie@earthlink.net>; and Dana Came up with a Wet Plate Collodion kit !
It is ready to use upon delivery !!
Great quality and no mess :)

http://www.bostick-sullivan.com/cart/home.php?cat=368

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6496_100968532721_59298052721_1980457_6013275_n.jpg

[Tri Tran]

Sigh... I try to resist but now you've got me into it. So where do I start ? Thanks Gus.

[MIke Sherck]

You people are beginning to annoy me. I have an ancient 5x7 Seneca with triple convertible Conley lens and half a dozen dry plate holders, just sitting there waiting for me to patch the bellows, get a new squeeze bulb and tubing, and start experimenting with dry plates. Now you want me to get chemical stains all over my shiny old plate holders?

*Sigh* I can't afford to have a job. No time...

Mike

[Gustavo]

hi Tri all you have to do is call Dana at
From U.S.A 505-474-0890
if calling from the UK, local London phone 0207-078-4187

[Gustavo]

the plate holder ?
Wet and Dry are totally different animals if I where you I start with wet many experience wet plate people have found dry to be rather challenging

[dwross]

the plate holder ?
Wet and Dry are totally different animals if I where you I start with wet many experience wet plate people have found dry to be rather challenging

Only because of the expectation that pouring dry plates is the same as pouring wet plates. As you say, totally different animals. Everything about dry plate is easier, cleaner, less dangerous. I will give wet plate the advantage of (nearly) instant gratification and cool gear. Wet plate is a great process with a great look, but anyone thinking about trying 'plate' photography should not dismiss dry plate.

[Gustavo]

Have you done Dry Plates? and what type there are 3 or 4 extra steps and if the are collodion you are dealing with the same chemicals as wet

[dwross]

Hi Gustavo,

I'm a dry plate photographer. I make my own gelatin dry plates -- no collodion. The preparation of silver gelatin dry plate emulsion does involve a couple more steps than wet collodion, but they are done in the comfort of an indoor darkroom, and they aren't complex or dangerous if the silver nitrate is given the standard respect it desires.

But, where the 'easier' part really comes in is in the field. Except for the extra weight of glass, the whole affair is identical to working with slow sheet film. Special cameras aren't required and they are in no danger of being damaged. Dry plate holders are available ready-to-use, or can be made from old film holders.

It's not my intention to 'compete' with the idea of wet collodion. I have too much respect for the medium and its dedicated practitioners, but I do feel it's important for people to know that there is an option that is wide open to new artists who would like a chance to make their mark.

Denise Ross
http://www.thelightfarm.com/Map/DryPlate/DryPlatePart1.htm

[MIke Sherck]

My interest in dry plate over wet is that with dry plates I won't need a portable darkroom or to be messing with ether or other potentially explosive chemicals. I know folks who do wet plate and have seen the process and I agree that the results are often drop-dead gorgeous, but then so are dry plates. My interest in plates was sparked by my daughter bringing me several boxes of (used and processed) old (turn of the 20th century!) 5x7 plates from an estate auction. Then my wife brought home a 5x7 dry plate Seneca camera from another auction and, well, it just seemed to fall into place.

I plan on starting with Liquid Light emulsion (or similar) as my darkroom is really a bit on the small and crowded side to be making my own emulsions, but it seems the simplest way to go.

Mike