Anyone handling glass plates?

[Rich Ullsmith]

I came across three glass plates, landscape shots, and they appear to be in great shape. Before putting them under the enlarger, I would like to give them a wash . . .

Are there any special considerations here, or can I treat them like film, i.e. wash in a tray, photoflo and then tilt them up to dry?

 

[rwboyer]

The best advice you will get is probably from someone at the Eastman House - give them a call - seriously. They do masters programs on this stuff.

RB

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I came across three glass plates, landscape shots, and they appear to be in great shape. Before putting them under the enlarger, I would like to give them a wash . . .

Are there any special considerations here, or can I treat them like film, i.e. wash in a tray, photoflo and then tilt them up to dry?

Cannot recommend it. I did that once and lost half the emulsion! It lifted off the galls plate in some places and through bubbles in others. It may be able to reattach it with fresh gelatin, but I did not try.

 

[Ian Grant]

There are specialist techniques for cleaning old glass plates and also prints. these aren't difficult but you need to have experience. Old emulsions are very frail and prone to damage if handled incorrectly. I worked for a museum in my early 20's and had to restore quite a few plates & prints damaged by damp, they had mold and all sorts.

Ian

 

[Photo Engineer]

Contact Mark Osterman at George Eastman House. He is a world class expert on this problem.

PE

 

[Rich Ullsmith]

Thanks, that's what I'll do. I don't actually see any problems with dust or scratches, and they're pretty nice images. Just didn't want to shoot first and ask later.

 

[mark]

You never do see the problems. I worked in a Special collections printing plates and other historic negs. Dirty plates were printed dirty to get a record of what was on them and then sent out some place to be cleaned. Don't remember where but it was expensive.