Another Homemade 8x10 Wet Plate Holder

[Colin Corneau]

I'm quite serious, this sounds just excellent. I have an old Korona View and 12" brassie that I will bring to Photostock -- this seems like a great solution.

 

[bill schwab]

You're on Colin. Thanks.

From one who has known only modified holders, I'm really enjoying a dedicated holder. Modifieds are fine, don't get me wrong. I'm just finding it a lot easier. It even seems I am getting better plates due to less fiddling with 2 slides, loose, pressure springs, etc. I also find with modified holders that they are less substantial and easier to mistakenly compress the plate up against the darkslide and perhaps that is why my plates are cleaner.

Looking forward to seeing the camera! It'll be good to have another for the workshop.

 

[Colin Corneau]

Not sure if it'll help, but I have a half-plate built by Ty Guillory I can bring too...let me know.

 

[bill schwab]

If it fits, bring it along. I'd love to see it. Photostock is like a big show and tell. Thanks!

 

[scootermm]

I'll preface this with the fact that I do consider Bill Schwab a friend, but I also believe friends need to be truly and sometimes bluntly honest with each other.

Mr. Schwab has hit a F'in homerun with these holders. I was honored to get one of the first holders to test out.
I spent the entirety of today out shooting with the North Light wet plate holders. Completely flawless.
I made about 6 collodion plates on aluminum and 2 plates on black glass.

The holders is extremely well made and the design is executed impeccably to function specifically for wet plate, and function well.
Lots of nice little touches. Theres a "frame" edge all the way around where the aluminum/glass sits inside the holder. This edges works well to keep any residual silver from seeping into the darkslide slot or other areas. The edge is made form a white plastic material so is easy to see even in a dimly lit darkbox. This was really handy when placing the aluminum plate into the right place as the white material made seeing it a breeze. This might seem miniscule, but its a nice touch as often youll get collodion tears if the al/glass plate moves any inside the holder.
I'm accustomed to using a holder with corners as opposed to an 1/8" edge all the way around. I found the 1/8" edge nice because the plate sits securely in the holder and doesnt move in the least.
The holder is about as light tight as is possible. I was out shooting in bright sunlight and moved it around in every possible direction and got clean plates every time.
The retaining clasps that hold the back closed were easy to work and the pressure spring was plenty tight to create enough pressure to keep the plane of focus spot on. The 8x10 creates a plate that is 7.75" x 9.75" I was using aluminum and glass that I'd cut for my older holder that was 7.75x9.5 so my plates didn't fill the entire holder but this caused no issues as the backing glass helped to hold the plate in place. You'll notice the lack of black border on the bottom edge in the below triptych.
The holder slides into my 8x10 and locks into place perfectly, no moving around and absolutely no issues with light leaks or incomplete "seating" in the back. Another notch on the "well designed" belt.

Bill has really done a knock out job. I've been using a modified older wooden 8x10 holder and this is night and day better. Don't have to fumble around with two dark slides, bent plastic as a "pressure spring", darkslide rubbing against the plate...

Highly recommended. If you want to get out and create plates and want a good quality holder. You can't go wrong, especially at this price.

 

[Jeremy]

I would like to buy one of these holders, Bill, when they're up for sale.

 

[bill schwab]

Wow... Matt! Thank you so much for the good review, but all that aside... These are incredible plates you're doing! I love them. I've always loved your work, but you're really hitting your stride with these my friend. The fact you made these with a holder I built is pehaps more exciting than the great review you gave the equipment. I'm serious, man. It's a thrill.

Jeremy!. You're on! Thanks for ther interest!

 

[Colin Corneau]

I'm repeating myself here, but...yeah, count me in. This sounds very exciting and a real boon for this process.

 

[bill schwab]

Thanks Colin. I'll have one ready for you at Photostock, unless you need it sooner?

Much appreciated!

 

[bill schwab]

Hello Again,

I have put (there was a url link here which no longer exists) for sale to APUG members only at a reduced rate off what I plan to charge retail for these. Once gone, the offer ends. I appreciate all the interest and input!

If interested, feel free to PM me.

Thanks again!

Bill

 

[Colin Corneau]

Bill, I'll definitely take at least one but it'll have to wait til PhotoStock -- I have the perfect camera and (I think) lens for it. Depending on how the grants process pans out, maybe more (a feller can dream, can't he..?)

 

[AgentX]

Any chance of more of these in the future? Or are they being sold somewhere else?

 

[nsurit]

Another interested in possible availability? Bill Barber

 

[jon.oman]

Just wondering if you still make these holders? I'm thinking of using the 5x7 format.

 

[deltafour]

Nice job on your plate holder. They still for sale?

 

[JessicaDittmer]

I'm interested as well! I have an old wooden 8x10 camera I'd like one for....let us know if you still do this. thanks!

 

[doughowk]

In the 1st issue of "Collodion Quarterly" there is a review of a wet-plate holder. The concept of being able to use an existing camera for wet-plate is very attractive.