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Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
I would be interested in learning about the production of handmade Dry Plates (or variations). If anyone would like to share their tips & tricks, or post examples of prints created from handmade Dry Plates, please do.
I recently noticed that all of my cameras were designed to be used with Dry Plates. After some years of using standard film, X-ray film, and paper negatives, it was time to try something different and far more challenging. Wet Plate sounds interesting, but at this time I don't want to be tied to coating plates on-the-spot. After a fair amount of web research I ordered some Liquid Light, and last weekend I coated my very first 8x10 plates. I was surprised at the results.
My very first try resulted in the emulsion on both 8x10 plates floating off somewhere between the developer tray and the stop bath tray. I can see now that providing a good substrate for the emulsion is important. With some research I went with Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane, clear/gloss. I cleaned and dried the plates, and sprayed on a thin layer of Polyurethane. After what I thought was ample drying time, I coated the plates with the emulsion. I suspect more drying time was required, as islands of small bubbles appeared in the dried emulsion. I now suspect that the Polyurethane outgassed to create the bubbles. But, I'm learning. Rating the new plates at ASA 1 was just about perfect. And yesterday I coated my first set of six half-plates (4.75x6.5). They are going to spend the next 24 hours in the homemade drying cabinet. I'll post images as they become available.
I would also be interested in learning of ways to apply the emulsion. At this point I have found it necessary to use the old finger to move the emulsion around. I have considered using a brush, but hairs in the emulsion would be a concern.
Dann
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Have you been to Denise's site? Although she's moved on to flexible Estar film base, she was an early developer of techniques for dry plate production.
http://www.thelightfarm.com/
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by
don12x20
Have you been to Denise's site? Although she's moved on to flexible Estar film base, she was an early developer of techniques for dry plate production.
http://www.thelightfarm.com/
Thank you for the reference to Denise's site.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
hi dannL
i regularly make dry plates ( since about 1986? )
and while i USED TO put a sub agent onto my plates
over the last year i have stopped. the minwax will yellow and give troubles
you can use gelatin ( either hard bloom from the formulary or food grade )
put alum hardener into the gelatin.
if you go without a sub ... get a cold stone into your darkspace you coat your plates.
wash the plates so the water SHEETS OFF and dry them ...
when you pour/flow your emulsion have it set-up on the cold stone.
you won'thave the emulsion fall off the plate. use a strong developer, not warm.
and use a hardened fixer.
denise's site is great, have fun !
john
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Thanks John!
I read elsewhere that as the emulsion cures on the plate that it's speed may gradually increase. I'm curious what I could expect with between a week and several weeks to a month of curing? Granted, that may be a question that is too specific.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
not sure dannL .. speed and contrast increase usually happens.
i have shot plates that were made with 5 or 15year old liquid light
and they were contrasty and fast ...
i currently have a handful of plates that i coated in may? that i haven't had a chance to shoot
( school vacation &al.)
i plan on shooting them soon i'll let you know.
they aren't on glass but black metal to make ferrotypes ...
have fun !
john
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Attachment 101080 Attachment 101081
Bubbles from the 8x10's in the first batch. I'm suspecting the Polyurethane substrate caused these. But, I could be wrong.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
maybe ..
just remember hand coated plates aren't going to be perfect ..
there may be "flaws" some folks not like imperfections
i don't mind them ...
bubbles are annoying though ...
FYI
i have a little glass jar i pour my liquid emulsion into and pour my plates from
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by
DannL
Interesting thread, those bubbles seem too localized to be out gassing, unless those areas had thicker pools of poly.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
This next batch of half-plates should help me isolate the cause of the bubbles. I gave them a full 24 hours in a ventilated drying box. If they are still there . . . I might try the gelatin/alum route.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Attachment 101169
Coated six half-plates the other day, five of which appear to be free of bubbles. The sixth plate (print above) was used for exposure testing because it had at least four large bubbles in the emulsion. I guess I was in a hurry and missed them. But, I am pleased with the results. The stakes are much higher now. :cool:
Half-Plate (4.75"x6.5") glass; spray coated with Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane, clear/gloss
24 hours cure time
Coated with Liquid Light
24 hours cure time
Half-Plate Field camera w/R. H. McBean Lens (Rapid type)
Exposure: 8 Seconds @ f/32
Plate developed in Dektol 1:2, 1.5 minutes
Contact printed on Kodak Polycontrast III RC (F) glossy 5x7
Kodak PolyMax filter #5
Print developed in Dektol 1:2, 1.5 minutes
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by
DannL
Thanks John!
I read elsewhere that as the emulsion cures on the plate that it's speed may gradually increase. I'm curious what I could expect with between a week and several weeks to a month of curing? Granted, that may be a question that is too specific.
it might peel off and die. Which is exactly what happened to 4 of my plates when i left them sitting for about 2 months (was traveling)
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SergeiR
it might peel off and die. Which is exactly what happened to 4 of my plates when i left them sitting for about 2 months (was traveling)
Did you prepare the plates with some form of substrate, or was it emulsion applied directly to the glass?
+
Now that I recall all of those plate cameras that I've parted with over the years . . . I wish that I had kept them. :(
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Attachment 101402 Attachment 101403 Attachment 101404
Some sample prints from the latest batch of plates. The last image is a close-up crop (scan) from the print of the brick wall.
Exposure: 8 seconds @ f/32 ; Bright sunny daylight conditions. Half-Plate Field camera, and a lens cap. Contact printed on Kodak paper.
Things learned:
Carrying glass plates really adds to the weight of the old camera bag.
Bubbles in the emulsions can be a problem.
Printing is a breeze. Just lay the plate negative on the printing paper. Expose as required.
Scanning plate negatives can be problematic, encouraging printing.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
The adventure continues. I purchased a food warming tray to warm the plates when coating. After coating two 8x10 plates the other evening, and inspecting the dried plates last evening . . . I believe the puzzle with bubbles in the emulsion has been solved.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Very interesting.
Good lessons!
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
I forgot about this thread that we started on Dry Plates. I need to stay on the ball.
Here's a hybrid image of sorts, taken from a plate in my latest batch. I doubt if I'll be printing this particular plate, since an experiment to clip the corners of the plate went somewhat awry. After that I think the plate lost much of it's appeal. But, it still made for a good test.
I made eleven of these plates in the same batch, trying to maintain uniformity. The plate used to create the image here turned out to be free of bubbles for the most part. The addition of Photo-Flo to the emulsion appears to have helped quite a bit. I don't recall the specific amount of Photo-Flo added to the mix, but it wasn't very much.
Attachment 115046 Attachment 115047
Sands & Hunter Exhibition 5x4
R. J. Beck 5x4 Rect. 7 inch
Dry-Plate, ISO 1, f/30, 8 second exp., Dektol
On the side; I'm currently working on a different "rapid method" for subbing the plates. The process, if it pans out, will use Polystyrene as the subbing agent, and should take just a few seconds per plate. Fingers are crossed.
So, how "is" the Dry Plate community doing? Busy as bees making plates . . . I must imagine.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Wonderful recent image!
I sure am enjoying hearing of the adventure and process!
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Looking forward to seeing more of this, really wanting to do dry plate stuff in the next few years.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
I've been thinking of trying dry plate for the past year. I like the look of plates but don't think wet plate is practical for the cold clime I live in. In the "good old days," wouldn't the ISO speed be much higher than ISO 1?
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by
stawastawa
Wonderful recent image!
I sure am enjoying hearing of the adventure and process!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
David R Munson
Looking forward to seeing more of this, really wanting to do dry plate stuff in the next few years.
I sense that there's oodles of interest out there, but few practitioners. Dry plate as I am practicing it has fulfilled many of my wishes for a convenient "handmade plate". It took me quite a while to actually go from "contemplating" to actually "making plates" also. Now that I look back, it was quite a hurdle to jump. But, now it's second nature. I would be thrilled to see more folks jump on the bandwagon. But just to advise . . . this bandwagon has nobody in the driver's seat. :-)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Brassai
I've been thinking of trying dry plate for the past year. I like the look of plates but don't think wet plate is practical for the cold clime I live in. In the "good old days," wouldn't the ISO speed be much higher than ISO 1?
I'm sure manufactured plates were perty speedy at one time. I would have to further my research to find accurate ASA/ISO speeds. I'll see what I can find.
For myself, I find a speed of 1 works very well since I use the lens cap and a stop-watch for timing exposures. I actually prefer exposures to be 2 seconds or longer. That way I can time them accurately.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by
DannL
I sense that there's oodles of interest out there, but few practitioners. Dry plate as I am practicing it has fulfilled many of my wishes for a convenient "handmade plate". It took me quite a while to actually go from "contemplating" to actually "making plates" also. Now that I look back, it was quite a hurdle to jump. But, now it's second nature. I would be thrilled to see more folks jump on the bandwagon. But just to advise . . . this bandwagon has nobody in the driver's seat. :-)
Perhaps not, but I'd like to think I've drawn up a few star charts. Nice to see someone else working the medium.
d
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dwross
Perhaps not, but I'd like to think I've drawn up a few star charts. Nice to see someone else working the medium.
d
Denise, I hope you realize that your work, and your published findings, will "without a doubt" be the foundation for much of my dry plate work. I have frequented your web-site many times, looking for information on the process. And I just wanted to say "Thank You".
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by
DannL
I sense that there's oodles of interest out there, but few practitioners. Dry plate as I am practicing it has fulfilled many of my wishes for a convenient "handmade plate". It took me quite a while to actually go from "contemplating" to actually "making plates" also. Now that I look back, it was quite a hurdle to jump. But, now it's second nature. I would be thrilled to see more folks jump on the bandwagon. But just to advise . . . this bandwagon has nobody in the driver's seat. :-)
I'd be all for attempting to take the helm if I had (or had access to) a darkroom currently. Hell, right now I don't even have a view camera (which feels weird to type, but it's just a temporary state). The next couple of years will bring the needed location changes and equipment additions.
I will also say, though, that part of my interest is with shooting tiny dry plates using the cut film holders I have for my Hasselblad. The pressure plate is removable specifically for use with glass plates. So...cute little squares of homemade dry-plate goodness? I'm down for that, and may even be able to find a way to make that work in my apartment.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Those Hasselblad holders should accommodate a 6x6 plate . . . is that correct? I had considered making a sub-miniature plate camera. That, I thought, would be a fun and interesting project.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Brassai
I've been thinking of trying dry plate for the past year. I like the look of plates but don't think wet plate is practical for the cold clime I live in. In the "good old days," wouldn't the ISO speed be much higher than ISO 1?
Here's a web site that has some information at the bottom of the page, plus charts for the various plate speeds. Now if I can find some plate advertisements that mention these speeds, I think we'll be in business.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by
DannL
Those Hasselblad holders should accommodate a 6x6 plate . . . is that correct? I had considered making a sub-miniature plate camera. That, I thought, would be a fun and interesting project.
Yes, 6x6cm plates. Right now I have them loaded with squares of tech pan (exp 1996) I cut off a roll.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Brassai
I've been thinking of trying dry plate for the past year. I like the look of plates but don't think wet plate is practical for the cold clime I live in. In the "good old days," wouldn't the ISO speed be much higher than ISO 1?
Well, I didn't need to go very far to find some plate speeds . . . . http://www.earlyphotography.co.uk/site/entry_F13.html
Combined with the speed charts from the previous page, we can get an idea of some plate speeds that were available. Ilford Ordinary plate appears to be about 11 or 12 ASA, and the Special Rapid maybe around 19 ASA. One Ilford plate there looks like it was a speedy 64 ASA.
http://www.earlyphotography.co.uk/site/meters.html#Plate%20and%20Film%20Speed%20Comparisons
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by
David R Munson
Yes, 6x6cm plates. Right now I have them loaded with squares of tech pan (exp 1996) I cut off a roll.
If you were to coat plates I assume you will be using glass. I just recalled that years ago I had boxes of 2"x2" slide glass . . . Like This on Ebay
That would be very convenient if they fit the holders.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
So close but they'd be just a bit too small. But yes, glass plates are the plan, though I guess I could always shoot tiny tintypes as well.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by
David R Munson
So close but they'd be just a bit too small. But yes, glass plates are the plan, though I guess I could always shoot tiny tintypes as well.
According to Wikipedia - Film Formats, a "ninth-plate" tintype was 2×2½. So, that's not too far off. This is getting interesting. Now I might try coating a microscope slide cover. Haaaa! ~ 21mm x 21mm
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Printed from one of my early 8x10 hand-coated plates. Originally exposured with the Anthony & Scovill Champion / R. D. Gray Periscope No. 6. The pumpkin resembles perty much how I feel when I wake up in the morning.
Attachment 115360
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
The Rolleiflex also has a kit back that uses holders for cut film. I'm guessing you could get one of those and do 6x9 plates, but haven't actually seen the holders.
Thanks for the info on historic plate speeds. I figured they had to be higher than ISO 1 because shutters were becomming very popular around 1895 with speeds of 1/100s and faster. It would be cool to make ISO 25 dry plates.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Brassai
The Rolleiflex also has a kit back that uses holders for cut film. I'm guessing you could get one of those and do 6x9 plates, but haven't actually seen the holders.
Thanks for the info on historic plate speeds. I figured they had to be higher than ISO 1 because shutters were becoming very popular around 1895 with speeds of 1/100s and faster. It would be cool to make ISO 25 dry plates.
Something to consider . . . A fast lens might make up for a slower emulsion. But that really depends on the subject matter and lighting you choose. The fastest lens I have for the 8x10 is f/4.7. I really should give it a try with a plate.
I think Denise has made some faster emulsions. You might want to give her a shout.
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3 Attachment(s)
Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
I have 2 different 'Type A' Mamiya 6x9 plate holders. The plastic DDS's fit everything. I recently bought the all metal SSD NOS ones in the pictures and have no idea what they fit. I bought them without checking and while they are very nice, they fit nothing I have...
However the SSD's have the same 6x9 film adapters as the DDS's and the dark slides also fit, so all is not lost.
I also have a few Mamiya C33 plate holders, but they are poor copies of Rolex I believe and I don't have the correct C33 back conversion.
I am getting better at glass cutting, smaller is harder.
Now to start coating some glass.
Attachment 115362Attachment 115363Attachment 115364
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Cutting your own glass adds value (blood, sweat, tears, & more blood) to the final product. In fact, I got a nice little sliver in the thumb the other day, as I smooth off the edges of the plates with a sharpening stone. But, all of that work I think of as "Snap-shot Prevention". At present it still takes me about 48 hours to produce a batch of plates for one of the cameras. Sometime longers, depending. 99% of that time of course, is spent waiting for the substrate and then the emulsion to dry. And after all of that, I sure don't want to waste exposures. Gotta love it.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
I'm good at watching paint dry. :)
I agree the slower the process, the better.
I really wish I could dump this Internet habit.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
DannL
Cutting your own glass adds value (blood, sweat, tears, & more blood) to the final product. I think of it as "Snap-shot Prevention". At present I takes me about 48 hours to produce a batch of plates for one of the cameras. Sometime longer. 99% of that time of course, is waiting for the substrate and emulsion to dry. And after all that, I sure don't want to waste exposures. Gotta love it.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
an idea, You could probably swing by a glass store or frame shop and pick up remnant pieces of glass, especially if you get your framing done there and stop by or glass on a regular basis. =)
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
nice work dannl!
i have a handful of 5x7 dry plates i coated ( in the fall? )
and recently discovered them ... i'll expose them soon,
thanks for reminding me :)
john
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jnanian
nice work dannl!
i have a handful of 5x7 dry plates i coated ( in the fall? )
and recently discovered them ... i'll expose them soon,
thanks for reminding me :)
john
Now that you have had some plates in storage for a time, let us know if you have experienced any problems with the emulsion peeling. SergeiR mentioned this problem in a previous post. None of my processes plates from last fall have peeled. But I did use Polyurethane for subbing the plate, which may have reduced that risk.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by
DannL
Now that you have had some plates in storage for a time, let us know if you have experienced any problems with the emulsion peeling. SergeiR mentioned this problem in a previous post. None of my processes plates from last fall have peeled. But I did use Polyurethane for subbing the plate, which may have reduced that risk.
i've others that i exposed and printed with, developed out &c that were older than a few months
and never had peeling troubles, but then again, i add hardener to my fixer now, and i use a strong developer and cold chemistry ( which all helps ! )
i might not be the best barometer about this issue because stuff i coated with is about 6-7 years past the expiration date ...
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Here's the homemade "plate developing tool" I mentioned in the "Dry Plate Day" thread. I thought I had already posted this here, but can't seem to find anything.
With this simple tool you can develop your plates in a flat-bottom tray, and keep your fingers dry. And then if you so desire, you can develop the plates face-down, reducing the chance for any particles in the chemicals settling onto the emulsion. It's a stiff wire bent in the shape shown in the pictures. On mine I coated the tips with liquid electrical tape, which helps grip the plate and minimizes edge chipping. If the tool is bent with the proper dimensions for the plate size used, the plate will be held very securely. Enjoy!
Attachment 115502 Attachment 115503
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jnanian
i've others that i exposed and printed with, developed out &c that were older than a few months
and never had peeling troubles, but then again, i add hardener to my fixer now, and i use a strong developer and cold chemistry ( which all helps ! )
i might not be the best barometer about this issue because stuff i coated with is about 6-7 years past the expiration date ...
You're the perfect barometer because I have some LL in film cans that's been there for 6-8 years. At least it was liquid when it went in.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Developer for liquid Foma Speed.
I have now coated, exposed and developed some plates (4x5") with liquid foma with satisfying results.
As I am a fan of Pyrocat-HD, is there anybody who tried developing DIY coated plates in Pyrocat-HD?
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by
David R Munson
I will also say, though, that part of my interest is with shooting tiny dry plates using the cut film holders I have for my Hasselblad. The pressure plate is removable specifically for use with glass plates. So...cute little squares of homemade dry-plate goodness? I'm down for that, and may even be able to find a way to make that work in my apartment.
Same for me and my Rolleiflex plateholders... The older folding dryplate cameras are a hoot too but the problem is finding thinner glass.
The Eastman House has a (sold out) workshop on dryplate emulsion-making coming up in August. So apparently there's interest in this.
Naturally, since we all need to consider alternatives to film...
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
I'd like to find 1.5mm plate glass, which is very close to the thickness of the old glass plates in my 5X7 Premo holders. I have been looking and it seems kinda rare. Schott sells 1.5mm borosilicate micro float glass in large quantities.
I wonder where I could find 16x20 sheets of it to cut down.
I will write to Schott soon, but my order would be micro. :(
I have read how Denise Ross suggests to modify a DDS to SDS and shim to fit cheap and available 3/32" glass. See http://www.thelightfarm.com/ for her informative site.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
I've probably mentioned this several times, but there are several manufacturers that make a very inexpensive picture frame sold under Main Stays (Walmart) brand, Format brand, MCS Plastic Format Frame, etc. These are those simple plastic frames where the glass is popped into the front of a thin black plastic frame. The frame itself is nothing more than a holder for the glass and is only visible at the very edge. The glass found in these is typically 1.5mm. When I see them at thrift stores I buy them up specifically for cutting into plates. The 8x10 glass from the 8x0 frames for example fits perfectly into my wooden 8x10 Eastman Plate holder. When cut to size this same glass also fits my other camera plate holders. I once found a US company that sold 8x10 1.5mm sheets by the crate. I need to locate them again. I think the old German metal plate cameras may have required plates that were even thinner that. I could be mistaken though.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
I have several of those MCS frames in 8x10 and I just opened one up. I measure 0.075" which is 1.9mm. My Premo holders are buried. I may find them tonight and check fit.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
DannL
I've probably mentioned this several times, but there are several manufacturers that make a very inexpensive picture frame sold under Main Stays (Walmart) brand, Format brand, MCS Plastic Format Frame, etc. These are those simple plastic frames where the glass is popped into the front of a thin black plastic frame. The frame itself is nothing more than a holder for the glass and is only visible at the very edge. The glass found in these is typically 1.5mm. When I see them at thrift stores I buy them up specifically for cutting into plates. The 8x10 glass from the 8x0 frames for example fits perfectly into my wooden 8x10 Eastman Plate holder. When cut to size this same glass also fits my other camera plate holders. I once found a US company that sold 8x10 1.5mm sheets by the crate. I need to locate them again. I think the old German metal plate cameras may have required plates that were even thinner that. I could be mistaken though.
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Re: Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .
I also have run into a few batches that have been a tad thicker than 1.5mm. But even then, they have fit the holders. It's the standard framing glass that I find too thick and heavy for this purpose.