Fresh dry plates in a variety of sizes

[AuditorOne]

I picked up the 4x5 set and have loaded a couple of plates for development. Just waiting on a delivery of Rapid Fixer with Hardener to actually do the development.

The plates loaded up fine. I loaded the plates in my changing bag since I wasn't close to my darkroom and it was pretty easy. They were just a tad tight but nothing serious. At least they won't be moving around during agitation. My set was pretty clean when it showed up but it is a good idea to check them for flashing when they arrive.

I kind of bounce between the Stearman tank and the Jobo 2509n when I develop 4x5 film. Both of them work well, are very reliable and I am happy with them. Obviously the Stearman Press setup is less expensive if you are just now getting into the 4x5 developing game and I can definitely recommend the tank and the group who are making it.

[Nodda Duma]

Yes my prototype holders were tight too but I reckon that keeps the glass from bouncing around during agitation.

Don’t forget to trim the lid per his instructions on the page. Otherwise the plates will crack (learned that during testing).

-Jason

[pepeguitarra]

Jason: I did not read anything about trimming a lid. I did get one glass broken during developing. Is that the SS-45?

[Nodda Duma]

Read the ad for the plate holders on the Stearman Press site, particularly the 3D model pic of the lid halfway down highlighting the notches that need to be widened slightly.

https://shop.stearmanpress.com/produ...e-holders-pair

The notches clear the holders and are sized to help keep sheet film from moving around, but they are a tad undersized for glass plates and so need to be widened. Otherwise it cracks the glass as you close the lid. Modifying in this way doesn’t affect developing film (I checked this myself).

I widened mine out with a pocket knife.

[Nodda Duma]

Dry plates are back in stock everywhere they are carried.

See my SHOP page at www.pictoriographica.com

Cheers,
Jason

[Tin Can]

Hi Jason,

I noticed on your website, 'I also make plates for positive glass print projects, in whatever size you need.'

What does that mean?

A different emulsion?

Direct positive or normal reversal techniques?

Or different color glass, black, red, etc?

[Nodda Duma]

It means the emulsion also works well for positives, just in case anybody visiting the site hadn’t thought about that application.

[Tin Can]

Thanks!

[AuditorOne]

Read the ad for the plate holders on the Stearman Press site, particularly the 3D model pic of the lid halfway down highlighting the notches that need to be widened slightly.

https://shop.stearmanpress.com/produ...e-holders-pair

The notches clear the holders and are sized to help keep sheet film from moving around, but they are a tad undersized for glass plates and so need to be widened. Otherwise it cracks the glass as you close the lid. Modifying in this way doesn’t affect developing film (I checked this myself).

I widened mine out with a pocket knife.

Worked fine, no cracks. I widened mine with the edge of a #10 bastard file. Fits perfectly.

Now I need to go back to basics on exposure. The first plates turned out great, probably because I was worried that they wouldn't. Now, when I quit double checking myself the last set were seriously under exposed. Ah well, live and learn, or at least live and repeat old mistakes from time to time.

[AuditorOne]

I have an old zeiss ikon icarette that uses 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 dry plates. Is this something you can make and, if so, how do I place an order for 20 of them?

Love your plates so am trying them everywhere I can.