The French tanks have hardware that corrodes from the silver nitrate, and the lids can develop leaks. Some people have written they quickly replace the hardware. Still not sure why anyone would not just go ahead and process wet plate in the field. It's easy and takes only 15 seconds to develop, maybe 30 seconds in the wash tray, and about 3 minutes in the fix. This allows you to see if the exposure was correct, which is important. You really can't meter wet plate since it responds to UV light. More, the collodion itself changes sensitivity as it ages. Not sure why someone would go to all the trouble to take a shot and then not check to see if they got anything. Once plate is developed and fixed, yes very convenient to have a way to keep it wet so you can take it home to do the final 15 minute wash.
I did get the Coffer manual when I started and it's very good. It's very practical and hands on. I still had some problems the manual didn't mention but eventually figured them out.
Below is the frame & box for my latest dark lab. It fits perfectly in the rear of my Subaru Forrester. My wife sewed a large tent to go over it from light proof drapery lining. The outside is white to reflect heat, the inside is black to cut reflected light. I have x2 multi-LED red lights mounted inside, and added a strap to secure my silver tank while traveling. (LAST thing you want is for silver solution to spill!) The floor of the box is lined with plastic foam core and then cardboard cut to fit. I can replace the cardboard from time to time. Also have a holder for paper towels inside. PVC frame so it can be disassembled and even wheeled on a dolly to remote locations. I have processed ISO 2 dry plates in it as well, but it's not quite light tight enough to do film. Plenty of room to do 8x10 and probably 11x14. Bigger than that I think I'm look at getting a tent.
Kent in SD
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