Dry Plate Tintype - Latent Image stability?

[hoffy]

As per my other thread, I am thinking of giving Dry plate Tintypes a go.

Part of the reason behind this, instead of wet plates, is that I have a pre-conceived opinion that I don't need to develop then and there on the spot.

Before I continue, I'd like to possibly get some FACTS! (novel hey).

With dry plates, how long can you leave them after the plates have been coated before you should use them?

Also, how long can you leave them after exposure before they must be developed?

Cheers

 

[hoffy]

Anyone? I know its probably not a popular thing (everyone seems to be going the whole hog with Wet plates), but I am curious to know if I can stock pile plates both before and after exposure.

Cheers

 

[removed account4]

hoffy
i have coated plates and used them a while later, days, even weeks.
they take about 24 hours to cure ( rockland instripuctions say )
as for processing, you can wait as long as you. need to wait.
hours, even days ...

good luck !
john

 

[hoffy]

Would the latent image last a few weeks? The reason I ask is I believe the developer has a reasonable short life, even as a stock solution.

 

[removed account4]

not sure hoffy, its paper emulsion.
i've exposed a paper negative before and forgot
it in my film holder for a year. LOL. and developed it,
the negative came out fine. from my experience with dry tintypes
the developer is weak and has a bleach in it the emulsion is exactly
the same as paper emulsion.
i know of someone who coats plates, and shoots them for a week and then returns
to process them ... he seems to get ok results too ....
but with everying on the interweb, ymmv,

have fun ( thin coat of emulsion works best )
john

 

[bvy]

I coated plates in April and exposed the last three just last week. They came out fine -- as good as the ones I made in April. The developer was fine too, but I was careful to squeeze the air out of the bottle before sealing and storing it. I know it's only four months, but it takes some of the pressure off. I can't speak to latent image stability. I would think you'd have a few weeks, but I would test it and wouldn't wait any longer than absolutely necessary. Coating may be a bit tricky, but they're relatively quick and easy to develop.

 

[hoffy]

Thanks bvy. That's what I was hoping.

Cheers