Pulled the box of Lane plates 6.5x9cm out of my fridge and loaded them into the tiny metal holders for my c.1929 Voigtlander Bergheil. The camera is pristine, not sure it was ever used! Has the 105mm Heliar too. I bought the camera because my hero Brassai used one. Took the camera and plates out along our scenic bike path and took five shots. The locations were in deep shade and the plates were marked ISO1. Exposures ran into the seconds with lens stopped down to f11 or even just f8.
Processed the plates at home in my trays, all five at once. This was batch #17 and they didn't do so well. A couple were my fault--I didn't give them enough exposure. The others showed some frilling on the edges, shrinkage of emulsion, and other problems despite very gentle agitation. I think emulsion has a harder time with small plates like this. The camera was fiddly but a lot of fun to use. It's one of my favorites. I now have some Lane "speed" plates to try and I think I'll have better luck with them. Intend to load them up tomorrow and go out and shoot. Looks like I need to load them in near darkness with my back blocking the red light from hitting the plates maybe. The holders are the spring loaded type and a little fiddly but I think I can get it. Might try a few night shots with them of downtown. Brassai would be pleased, I think.
Kent in SD
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