Fresh dry plates in a variety of sizes

[locutus]

I've been going through ebay the last week to find some, but i have to admit i'm also a bit puzzled by which ones to get... suggestions welcome!

[Randy]

I wonder if I can get a definition for "very gentle agitation"...? I just tried to process my first plate - Rodinal 1:25, 66°, in a 5X7 tray, emulsion up - gently rocked the tray (barely lifting one side, setting it lowly down, then another side) 1st 30 seconds then as I was doing the same after 1 minute, for 15 seconds, a large section of the emulsion in one corner lifted, about 1/5th of the size of the plate - anyway, that one is toast. Help!

[Randy]

I've been going through ebay the last week to find some, but i have to admit i'm also a bit puzzled by which ones to get... suggestions welcome!

I have one old wooden 4X5 plate holder, it has the metal springs in the bottom on both sides to keep pressure on the plate. There is absolutely no markings on it anywhere to identify the brand - no numbers or letters anywhere. I just tried it in a standard modern 4X5 back and it fits just fine - the only problem is the raised ridge at the top of the holder is about 3-4mm to far to fit into the slot in the film back - so - it would seem to me that a very simple modification of gluing a strip of wood or plastic across the holder would solve that problem.

[Tin Can]

I barely move the tray. I almost lift the bottom left and wiggle it very slightly. Ripples, not waves. I can't see it under my LED safelight. However my night vision is gone. I can no longer drive at night.

I don't think it's the Rodinol, as it's been used for a very long time on many old emulsions. Efke 25 can be developed with Rodinal 1/25 for 5 minutes per Mas Dev App.

I wonder if I can get a definition for "very gentle agitation"...? I just tried to process my first plate - Rodinal 1:25, 66°, in a 5X7 tray, emulsion up - gently rocked the tray (barely lifting one side, setting it lowly down, then another side) 1st 30 seconds then as I was doing the same after 1 minute, for 15 seconds, a large section of the emulsion in one corner lifted, about 1/5th of the size of the plate - anyway, that one is toast. Help!

[Randy]

Thanks RM, I'll expose another plate and try desperately to be even more gentle.

[Tin Can]

Thanks RM, I'll expose another plate and try desperately to be even more gentle.

I think we should overexpose. But I don't know yet. I figure on burning a box before getting a wet handle on the situation.

If I find my 1/4 plate holders and hangers I may switch to that size, until we get some confidence. Shopping in my shed shortly. It's heat wave. 51 F right now.

[Randy]

I think we should overexpose.

I actually am hoping a slight underexposure is do-able, like a stop or so - I am hoping this process will make a suitable ambrotype.

[Nodda Duma]

In post #6 I indicate what to look for in older plate holders that you might see for sale on eBay (or similar places).


Randy,

Frilling can be expected, but 1/5th the plate is a bit much. If the plate was at the same temp before you put it in, you might not have been doing anything wrong. Every so often before I added a subbing layer, I'd get a plate that would just not do what it's supposed to do. So it may have just been a victim of my working through how to make these plates in the quantities needed to meet the demand. Making 100s of plates a week is definitely different than making a dozen plates every so often. So I'm learning, too. Glass prep, coating, etc., I'm getting there, but it's a learning process all around... there is no denying that.

I guess that's a long-winded way of saying my primary goal is that you enjoy using the plates, so keep track of the ones that fail and I will replace them on my dime.


-Jason

[cp_photo]

I'm totally intrigued by these dry plates and can't wait to buy some from you. However, I too need to source a plate holder. I'm inclined to buy a nice new Chamonix one to go with my Chamonix 4x5. Thanks for offering this product!

[Nodda Duma]

My pleasure!

They will fit the Chamonix plate holders.



I just did a search on eBay for "4x5 plate holders" (no quotes), and the Seneca's, Centurys, and Premos that I see come up in 4x5 will all work. I have examples of each of those in my collection that I've used pretty much every week or day for the past two years of making plates. Others similar to those will work just as well, but just note the location of the rib stop as I mentioned in post 6.


No affiliation (just trying to help you guys out), but these will work as well:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/5399284...s-4x5-set-of-2
https://www.etsy.com/listing/2906765...m-holder-large