Wet Plate - A Beginner's Experience

[Ari]

Hmm, ok. So perhaps humidity, then? Was I just shooting when temps were too hot, and did not compensate for it by adding acid to developer?
Maybe you're right, Kent.

[Mark Sawyer]

Hmm, I can't argue with you, Mark. But I also can't argue with the results today.
I'm still using B&S pre-mixed developer (add water, makes its own sauce!), could that be the reason my developer went south?

I don't know what B&S have in their developer, but mine doesn't have water, just vinegar, ferrous sulphate, and sugar, with a little alcohol to help the flow. So anything I have to say about developer doesn't apply to you! I'll go stand quietly in the corner...

[Ari]

No, please don't stand in the corner, we/I need your input!
The B&S developer has everything but water, and in any case, I'm sure the heat and humidity combined with my inexperience, were the causes of my problems this past week.
Also, I've found that plates look better if I've shot before noon. More UV in the morning, I guess.

[Tin Can]

Agree Mark

[Two23]

Evening light is reddish. Supposed to be 94 F here today. I have added a bit more water to my B&S developer. You could email or call them for suggestions. I also keep alll my chemicals in a cooler iced down. This seems to help a lot, especially developer and collodion.


Kent in SD

[Mark Sawyer]

Mid-day light has the most UV, as that's when it passes through the least atmosphere. Working early morning/late afternoon is tough because the UV level is reduced and changing fast. I doubt humidity has much effect on a wet process.

Can I at least wear a dunce cap?

[Ari]

Can I at least wear a dunce cap?

No!

What's more, after I finish the B&S chemicals, I'll be mixing my own, and that's the long-term plan.
So what you said is very relevant to most people doing who're already wet plate.

[Mark Sawyer]

So what you said is very relevant to most people doing who're already wet plate.

So what you're saying is that if the current pandemic of people doing wet plate continues to grow and eventually destroys civilization, I will be partly responsible?

[Duane123]

Just saw this thread and was looking to find out about shipping a kit from B+S to Canada. Ari are you in Ottawa ? Was there a charge for dangerous goods and what did it cost you for the chemicals. Would you recommend the B+ S kits?
Thanks in advance
Wailing for delivery on my Eastman #2

Duane in Nanaimo bc

[Ari]

So what you're saying is that if the current pandemic of people doing wet plate continues to grow and eventually destroys civilization, I will be partly responsible?

Only if they destroy civilization.

Just saw this thread and was looking to find out about shipping a kit from B+S to Canada. Ari are you in Ottawa ? Was there a charge for dangerous goods and what did it cost you for the chemicals. Would you recommend the B+ S kits?
Thanks in advance
Wailing for delivery on my Eastman #2

Duane in Nanaimo bc

Hi Duane,
Yes, I'm in Ottawa. Last time I bought the kit in May, it was 15% off, so with shipping and taxes (Import taxes) it was $370.00 USD.
Worth getting once, as it provides a good introduction to the process without getting too technical or complicated.