Collodion and Chemical Suppliers

[paulbarden]

Thanks, Paul, appreciate this very much.
From my screen, it looks like the TF-4 kept the highlights better than the other two, but perhaps there are other factors causing that difference.

My experiment wasn't ideal: as much as it looked like it was going to stay semi-overcast for the hour I was working on this, the light changed after the first plate as the clouds thinned. I think the differences in the highlights are all about changes in the light quality outside the window. I should have done this test under artificial light, really, but I dislike using my compact fluorescent softbox - so slow.

[Ari]

My experiment wasn't ideal: as much as it looked like it was going to stay semi-overcast for the hour I was working on this, the light changed after the first plate as the clouds thinned. I think the differences in the highlights are all about changes in the light quality outside the window. I should have done this test under artificial light, really, but I dislike using my compact fluorescent softbox - so slow.

It's good to know that even under different conditions various fixers gives all three images a very similar look.

[Two23]

I've been using PF-4 as fixer for b&w film and the B&S for wet plate. Good to know I can use PF-4 for both. Same concentration?


Kent in SD

[paulbarden]

I've been using PF-4 as fixer for b&w film and the B&S for wet plate. Good to know I can use PF-4 for both. Same concentration?


Kent in SD

Kent,
I mixed the TF4 as directed on the bottle: one to three. I have no idea if this is ideal or not, I just used the dilution suggested.

[goamules]

What I have found is your plate tones as well as the quality of exposure are contingent on exactly how long you expose and develop. If you develop a little longer than the previous plate (like 1 more second), it may change the tones. But to me the Ammonium Thio looked very redish when I tried it. It also depends on your developer strength. And again, exposure. One guy might go a little short on the exposure, and develop long. The other, vice versa. The tones will be different.

BTW: I use a pretty strong concentration of Hypo, almost to saturation, in tap water. I don't use distilled. That also may make a difference.

[paulbarden]

What I have found is your plate tones as well as the quality of exposure are contingent on exactly how long you expose and develop. If you develop a little longer than the previous plate (like 1 more second), it may change the tones.

This is my experience as well. So many variables play a role in the look of the final plate, enough so that its inaccurate to say that the choice of fixer alone determines the color of the plate.

[Ari]

Quick question, you can shoot me down just as quickly. This would be for making collodion and developer solutions.

Can 99% isopropyl alcohol be used in place of 90 proof grain alcohol?
The former is much easier for me to get, a 5-minute walk. The latter requires a 1 hr car trip and uncertain availability.

[paulbarden]

Quick question, you can shoot me down just as quickly. This would be for making collodion and developer solutions.

Can 99% isopropyl alcohol be used in place of 90 proof grain alcohol?
The former is much easier for me to get, a 5-minute walk. The latter requires a 1 hr car trip and uncertain availability.

Ari.
I can't find references to using Isopropyl alcohol as a substitute for Ethanol (grain alcohol) but I see mention of using denatured alcohol as a reasonable substitute. I've searched Quinn Jacobson's materials, Mark Osterman's, and John Coffer's. They all say substitute denatured alcohol of grain alcohol isn't available.

No mail order options??

[Ari]

Thanks, Paul.
I only have Quinn's book (2014) and found nothing in there except the grain alcohol/denatured alcohol recipes.
It must obviously be an important distinction, even if they're brothers from a different mother.

[Two23]

Thanks, Paul.
I only have Quinn's book (2014) and found nothing in there except the grain alcohol/denatured alcohol recipes.
It must obviously be an important distinction, even if they're brothers from a different mother.

Isopropyl is a different molecule from the two-carbon ethanol. Apparently that makes a difference.


Kent in SD