Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: new ambro type maker

  1. #1

    new ambro type maker

    Hello fellow photographers

    I recently learned ambrotype. I took a workshop to confirm I would want to do at home, I do. Now I am approaching the logistics. I am trying to figure out if I want to put in a basement darkroom for development versus investing up front in something more mobile initially. Which did you all start with and why? I have found lots of good resources for mobile darkrooms on this website - so helpful.


    Another question - do folks bring ice when shooting on road in summer for the ether in the collodion to prevent boiling?

    Many thanks

    Alethea

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Aug 2000
    Location
    California
    Posts
    3,908

    Re: new ambro type maker

    If you don't already have a darkroom, go for a mobile setup so you can coat,etc, then develop on the spot. The necessity of coating inside,going out to photograph and ten back inside to develop, coupled with not being able to photograph away from home finally drove me from wet plate.

  3. #3
    Mark Sawyer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Stuck inside of Tucson with the Neverland Blues again...
    Posts
    6,268

    Re: new ambro type maker

    I'd go for the home darkroom first; learning will go much faster with that convenience, and what you learn will inform you about whether you ultimately want a tent, box, or other option for field work.

    You may also want to look around for other wet platers in your area. We tend to be a pretty helpful bunch...
    "I love my Verito lens, but I always have to sharpen everything in Photoshop..."

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Equally far from everything
    Posts
    413

    Re: new ambro type maker

    I agree with Mark. Learning the process indoors is much easier than processing plates outdoors. Be advised that you will need substantial ventilation to get the ether fumes out of your basement. When I shoot outside in really hot weather I keep my collodion and developer in a cooler with ice packs in it.

  5. #5

    Re: new ambro type maker

    Quote Originally Posted by Mark Sawyer View Post
    I'd go for the home darkroom first; learning will go much faster with that convenience, and what you learn will inform you about whether you ultimately want a tent, box, or other option for field work.

    You may also want to look around for other wet platers in your area. We tend to be a pretty helpful bunch...
    Super - thank you!

  6. #6

    Re: new ambro type maker

    I could see that happening eventually! There is a body of work I want to make, when that is done, it is hard to say if I will persist with it.

Similar Threads

  1. Looking for Bellows Maker
    By Smitty in forum Cameras - ULF (Ultra Large Format) and Accessories
    Replies: 38
    Last Post: 18-Feb-2016, 10:08
  2. Camera Maker
    By CLIVE JOHN HENDERSON in forum Resources
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 15-Aug-2014, 11:45
  3. Anyone one knows maker of this lens?
    By Jazznoir in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 11-Aug-2013, 06:22
  4. Bellow Maker in US
    By Matthew Lea in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 28-Aug-2004, 08:18

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •