wet plate camera and lens question....

**jeaston** · 26-Oct-2009, 11:34

Hi,

I am new to this forum and have just learned how to make tintypes and ambrotypes using the techniques from the 1850's. Now I would like to buy a camera used for wetplate photography and portrait lens, preferably a Dallmeyer Petzval type. Can anyone point me in a good direction?

Many thanks!
Julie

**goamules** · 26-Oct-2009, 13:04

Here are three current makers:

http://www.blackartwoodcraft.com/

http://www.starcameracompany.com/

http://www.tystintypes.com/index.htm

For lenses, just watch the auction sites and these boards. Good shooting.

Garrett

**jeaston** · 26-Oct-2009, 21:19

Thanks, Garrett.....

Can you recommend auction sites for Petzval portrait lenses (besides ebay)?

Many thanks!

Julie

**Robert Hughes** · 27-Oct-2009, 12:12

And while you're at it, I'm looking for a 1930's Hispano-Suiza touring car, mint of course. For less than $1K. Surely you can help me out here ...

**Jeremy Moore** · 27-Oct-2009, 12:12

Julie, what are you looking for? I'm about to sell an 11x14 wet plate setup and have a petzval or 2 I could include in the sale. If you're interested in going this large you can email or PM me through this site.

**Colin Corneau** · 28-Oct-2009, 19:53

I can vouch for Ty Guillory (tystintypes) - I picked up a half plate camera from him and he was terrific to deal with.

My plans to explore this format were delayed, but...his workmanship is tops and he returns calls!

**goamules** · 30-Oct-2009, 14:41

Originally Posted by jeaston

...Can you recommend auction sites for Petzval portrait lenses ...

Basically, you just have to look around, you'll find what you need. I've never used any other auction sites.

On the topic of "insider information" or whatever, I'm never surprised when I post about a new lens I've bought, someone PMs me and asks, "where'd you get it?" or "what did you pay?" Hmmm....There's this guy I know that occasionally sells lot's of old, exotic lenses...let me get you his number. Nah!

Garrett

**Jason Greenberg Motamedi** · 30-Oct-2009, 14:54

Hi Julie,

I sent you an email about a whole plate camera with wet-plate back and HBH lens I am selling.

jason

**77seriesiii** · 7-Nov-2009, 13:55

Here is a site that is really good for collodion (wet plate) photography. Quinn is a really good guy and the forum members are very helpful. Matter of fact a few of them hang out here as well, so some questions asked here may get answered but the below is dedicated completely to collodion

http://www.studioq.com/forum/

BTW there are petzvals for sale right now in the LF forum Sale section.

Good luck!

./e