I just got back another mini-batch of Lane dry plates from processing at Blue Moon. Camera was a Chamonix 045n, lens was a 5 inc. Derogy Petzval c.1858. I scanned the three images and have some observations:
1. Since turning the rear most element around focus seems much sharper.
2. My exposures are now spot-on.
3. Petzval + plate is giving me the vintage look I want.
4. There are a lot of swirly marks on the plates that keep them from perfection.
These swirly marks appear to have been made by water being allowed to dry on the plates. All three plates have them. The plates Blue Moon processed for me in the last two batches did not have this. I'm wondering if the swirls are due to a mistake at the lab, or if the plates got too warm sitting on my front porch for several hours where the postman left them? Temperature was in the mid 80s F (30 C). I opened the shipping box and put the plates into the refrigerator when I got home. Not sure if the exposure to the heat caused the swirls, or bad processing. Any ideas? See below.
1. Young Princess. I had my camera at our local park & waterfall and saw a family taking photos of this very cute little girl. I asked if I could take a photo also, and they graciously agreed.
2. Legendary Mike. He's a photographer with a studio in a small nearby town. He was all eager to be a test rabbit for me!
3. Sioux Falls, in flood. The Derogy Petzval delivers again.
So, any thoughts? I do want to start doing my own processing, but don't have time just yet. What do you think caused the swirls?
Kent in SD
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