Use of X-ray film: technical discussion with example images

[andrewch59]

Donald,

The best emulsion advice for DIY I have found, is published by Denise Ross, http://www.thelightfarm.com/

I am going to try her methods this winter. I got a bunch of 5x7 glass plates for a start with dry plate.

Gathering supplies as I can. Big bottle of Everclear was called for, so I have that to scare people with.

First thanks to all those that have supplied input to this thread, your information has been priceless. I have purchased 100 sheets of 10x12 blue half speed film and have achieved great results with it (just ordered 100 11x14 sheets). I purchased over a thousand of various sized sheets of printing paper off ebay for $36, and am having a ball.

In regards to the dry plate emulsions, there is a great set of instructions by Mark Osterman, refined from the 1800s, this may be the same one found on thelightfarm site. I have all the ingredients for dry plate and collodion as per John Coffers no7 recipe for wet plate and hopefully will experiment at xmas time. At present having too much fun refining pics with xray negs.
Thanks again for all the advice

[Tin Can]

First thanks to all those that have supplied input to this thread, your information has been priceless. I have purchased 100 sheets of 10x12 blue half speed film and have achieved great results with it (just ordered 100 11x14 sheets). I purchased over a thousand of various sized sheets of printing paper off ebay for $36, and am having a ball.

In regards to the dry plate emulsions, there is a great set of instructions by Mark Osterman, refined from the 1800s, this may be the same one found on thelightfarm site. I have all the ingredients for dry plate and collodion as per John Coffers no7 recipe for wet plate and hopefully will experiment at xmas time. At present having too much fun refining pics with xray negs.
Thanks again for all the advice

I cannot find Mark Osterman books on dry plate. You mention John Coffer, do you know if his DVD includes dry plate? I'm a book learner and avoid workshops.

[Jim Noel]

I tried skimming a few pages but it's easier for me just to ask...

How do you all store your Kodak Ektascan B/RA film? I usually store my Tri-x in a black bag in my vegetable drawer in the fridge, but am wondering if the xray will be able to handle temperature changes? Would it be best to just store this stuff at room temperature? Thanks! (and sorry if not reading previous posts annoys a few of you)

Why do some people always want to take the easy route? Most of us have spent many hours reading and testing. You can do the same thing rather than riding someone else's horse.

[axs810]

Ok sorry.

[andrewch59]

I cannot find Mark Osterman books on dry plate. You mention John Coffer, do you know if his DVD includes dry plate? I'm a book learner and avoid workshops.

Here is the address for Mark Ostermans recipe, it has a link in it which gives a more in depth explanation of the process, it is very interesting and explains how the emulsion can be manipulated to give you a faster emulsion and a more sensitive one. Good reading. No I don't do workshops very well, its just someone telling you what you can find on the net for free.
Another good source, though I'm probably trying to teach you to suck eggs, is Youtube. A guy called Borut Peterlin on you tube is very entertaining and has some great tips. Though it is wet plate collodion.


http://thelightfarm.com/Map/DryPlate...PlatePart4.htm

I don't know about John Coffer and dry plate? Just interested in his wet plate collodion. You would have to check out his site.

[NiNo]

Sorry my English is not too good..

So:
I tried on 8x10" this lens: Fujinon-W 250/6,3 but not really enough...
Are you use a long time ago this lens for 8x10?
Do you have any Vignetta, darkness in the corners, when you use correction (horizontal/vertical)?
My serial number is: 494117 and yours?
Thank you!

kanga, sorry for late answer.
my is 493... it is the same lens.
the lens is good enough for 8x10 wide open in portrait distance (2-3m and more to model) with some movements
yes, i have vignetting and darkness in the corners if i have to much movements, but when, then i try to do my shots anotherway (read without movements or a bit less movements) if i would like to have 8x10 full of image. on the otherside i make my contact prints on 18x24 paper. it meens i have to crop

[Donald Qualls]

Donald,

The best emulsion advice for DIY I have found, is published by Denise Ross, http://www.thelightfarm.com/

Wow, that resource didn't exist last time I looked at making my own film. I'll have to look through her site in more detail; it certainly seems as if, as long as we can get acetate and glass, we'll be able to keep doing what we do (I have a couple 9x12 cm plate cameras, I can shoot glass without any more effort than pulling the film sheaths out of the plate holders -- and in that size, it isn't all that heavy). I'll have to look in more detail to see if she's at least come up with (or found and pointed to) a path to ortho sensitivity without exotic sensitizing dyes. If I can make an ISO 25 equivalent emulsion for film and plates, and control contrast in an emulsion to coat on paper for prints, I'll be able to do this as long as I can lift my tripod, regardless of what the film industry does.

[Tin Can]

Here is the address for Mark Ostermans recipe, it has a link in it which gives a more in depth explanation of the process, it is very interesting and explains how the emulsion can be manipulated to give you a faster emulsion and a more sensitive one. Good reading. No I don't do workshops very well, its just someone telling you what you can find on the net for free.
Another good source, though I'm probably trying to teach you to suck eggs, is Youtube. A guy called Borut Peterlin on you tube is very entertaining and has some great tips. Though it is wet plate collodion.


http://thelightfarm.com/Map/DryPlate...PlatePart4.htm

I don't know about John Coffer and dry plate? Just interested in his wet plate collodion. You would have to check out his site.

Wow, just reread the link above and it is a much improved and understandable recipe, with pictures. This is doable.

I have 100 thin plates of 5x7 glass, much of the lab gear, and now the winter to gather supplies and try it.

I was unaware of John Coffer and his workshops sound terrific.

Great links!

[Andrew O'Neill]

I thought I'd try out my recently acquired 335mm Wollaston Meniscus lens. Kodak Ektascan B/RA X-ray film. Shot wide open. EI 80. Developed in pyrocat-hd.

[mdarnton]

That's on 8x10, probably?