Chemicals needed for cyanotype and van dyke?

timeUnit · Dec 19, 2005

Hi!

I'm about to start with van dyke, and have done a few cyanotypes. Chemicals for these processes are not easily obtainable in Sweden, so I will order from Silverprint in the UK.

I'm familiar with the basic chemicals for cyanos and van dykes, but I would like some hints on what other chemicals I might need. When I'm ordering from the UK it's better to overbuy than underbuy.

For instance, when fixing van dykes, what do I use. "Plain hypo" must have a more "chemical" name?

Is it necessary to tone van dykes? What do I need for that?

Any comments and tips are most welcome!

Cheerio,
*henning

photomc · Dec 19, 2005

timeUnit said:
For instance, when fixing van dykes, what do I use. "Plain hypo" must have a more "chemical" name?

Is it necessary to tone van dykes? What do I need for that?

Any comments and tips are most welcome!

The "Plain hypo" is Sodium Thiosulfate, which makes it easier to find

Necssary to tone van dykes? Think you will get several thoughts on this, but from what I have read you need to tone in order to preserver the print for archival purposes. I prefer plt or pld toning, have not tried Gold yet. Did not really care for the look from selenium. Look here for more information on toning VanDkyes.

smieglitz · Dec 19, 2005

(there was a url link here which no longer exists) a recent APUG discussion on toning VDBs in selenium, gold, and sulfide toners.

In addition to sodium thiosulfate I'd recommend purchasing some gold chloride and thiourea for toning, and some citric acid to aid removing the iron salts. Others recommend using one of the EDTA salts (disodium EDTA, IIRC) for clearing as well.

Joe

gr82bart · Dec 19, 2005

Why not order a 'kit' from the Photographer's Formulary or other similar place? All the ingredients in one box and at the right quantities too. Just add water! Like instant noodles...

Regards, Art.

timeUnit · Dec 19, 2005

gr82bart said:
Why not order a 'kit' from the Photographer's Formulary or other similar place? All the ingredients in one box and at the right quantities too. Just add water! Like instant noodles...

Regards, Art.

Because it gets expensive. I can't buy these things in Sweden, and shipping from the US or UK is not free. I need a couple of chemicals for making enlarged negs, so I might as well get some other things while I'm at it. As I understand it, many of these chemicals keep well.

Many of the chemicals are very common it seems in the "alternative" processes, so I'll need it sooner or later.

Thanks for the tips.

Kimberly Anderson · Dec 19, 2005

I don't know about our Swedish friend, but I purchased bulk chemistry locally for my own VDB's.

I have enough chemicals to print for about 6-ish months if I print heavy and large, and at least a year if I print light and small.

Total cost was about $75 USD. I could have gotten it cheaper and/or in greater quantities if I'd done internet/mail order (which I will next time).

Ole · Dec 19, 2005

Getting raw chemicals in the EU is very different from the USA.
Even if Norway is not a EU member, I can get raw chemicals only because I'm registered as a "business" - without that, it's just about impossible. Additionally, since I'm outside the EU it gets difficult to get chemicals from the EU too, but that's not a problem for Henning

I know that Lotus in Austria, Moersch in Germany and Silverprint in the UK have the chemicals you need.

As mentioned, "Plain Hypo" is sodium thiosulfate (Natriumtiosulfat to you). And then you need potassium ferricyanide (AKA kaliumhexacyanoferrat (III)) and Ammonium ferricitrat (green) for cyanotypes, silver nitrate and tartaric acid (vinsyra, from the local supermarket) and another I can't remember for VDB.

Gold toning with Tetenal Gold Toner works well for VDB, Lipton's tea works well for cyanotype toning.

Aggie · Dec 19, 2005

timeUnit said:
Because it gets expensive. I can't buy these things in Sweden, and shipping from the US or UK is not free. I need a couple of chemicals for making enlarged negs, so I might as well get some other things while I'm at it. As I understand it, many of these chemicals keep well.

Many of the chemicals are very common it seems in the "alternative" processes, so I'll need it sooner or later.

Thanks for the tips.

What film are you using for enlarged negs? Using Ortho films, you only need a dilute paper developer to do it with.

John_Brewer · Dec 19, 2005

Could I also suggest trying Dead Link Removed and David Jenkins (Rayco) +44 (0)1283 763768 for chemicals.

J

roy · Dec 19, 2005

Try also www.fotospeed.com who sell kits of chemicals for some alt.processes

timeUnit · Dec 20, 2005

Aggie said:
What film are you using for enlarged negs? Using Ortho films, you only need a dilute paper developer to do it with.

I will try both Bergger BPFB-18 and Maco Genius. I'm aiming for the "less is more" technique, i.e. exposing on film, developing, bleaching, exposing to light, redeveloping... and so on.

My plan is to enlarge MF and 35 mm negs.

Aggie · Dec 20, 2005

To bad you are not closer. I could teach you some slick tricks I have worked out over the years on enlarging negatives. In fact I will be teaching a class on it this summer at Photographers Formulary.

Chemicals needed for cyanotype and van dyke?

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