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New Group: Silver Gelatin Emulsion Makers

dwross

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Hi All,

I just formed a public group called "Silver Gelatin Emulsion Makers." I continue to believe APUG is handmade silver gelatin's natural home. Unfortunately, the general forums are too restricted by discussion topic policy to embrace all the creative potential of handmade emulsions. Perhaps having a discussion zone that is open to all questions and answers will facilitate a meaningful and useful sharing of knowledge. (Fingers crossed! )

Given the falloff in enthusiasm and discussion here of late, I don't know if a public Group will be wildly busy at first, but I wouldn't be happy with myself if I left this option untried. In any case, it will be here and open to all interested. Fingers crossed for a slow and steady increase in interest and in folks who have discovered the freedom of handmade. I will try to log on and take a look every morning, but hopefully many other emulsion makers will be helping newcomers get going!

Denise
 
The new group has eleven members! That's fantastic. One problem: jnanian and myself are the only ones willing to commit thoughts to keyboard. I'm willing to "lead" some discussions, but I also don't want to jump into someone else's creative process. Being a quiet spectator works well for many people. (It's my default position for most topics.) However, someone needs to say something . (there was a url link here which no longer exists)
d
 
why is a new group needed when there is already a dedicated forum for it? Won't that just spread discussion more thinly?
 
Rob,

That is an excellent question. I hope my answer is as good. Here goes:

Silver gelatin emulsion is the very definition of "traditional" photography. It is as broad a topic in photography as you could ask for. It covers 135 years of photographic history. That history did not end with the digital camera. If people are going to actually learn to make emulsions and use them, the totality of photography as it exists today must be brought into the discussion. This is especially true for the easiest of emulsions to make (even if your darkroom is a temporary space in a tiny bathroom) -- paper. Gorgeous handmade prints can be made easily with digital negatives. So, as I see it, a Group that allows a holistic discussion is actually the "dedicated" forum. This one, which disallows a huge piece of the Whole, is where the diluted discussions reside. I'm very happy to see this one dedicated to esoteric discussions by people interested in the technical history and chemical minutia of photography, but who never intend to make emulsions. That, too, has its place, but few here seem to be making emulsions.
 
Hi,
One must be a subscriber to post in a group. I am not one so cannot post there but can in here.
My last activity in dry plate was a year ago, Oct. 11, 2014. I wrote instructions on how to use a hot plate stirrer machine. There was so much trouble in getting a temp probe from the supplier, and so much involved in learning how to use everything that I guess I got burned out. Anyway, instructions are in my blog way back in Oct 11, 2014.
www.studiocarter.com
October has to be spelled out to search on it. HOT PLATE INSTRUCTIONS, is the title. The date appears in the listings of the blog archives...
 
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Thanks for the info, Michael. The only reason to start a Group was to allow discussion of digital negatives when appropriate. It is a far from ideal situation, but I respect the constraints Sean has imposed on the APUG forums (don't understand, quite, but there are many things I don't understand). I will try to keep my eyes on both discussions and look for times when connecting the discussions is called for. And, of course, anyone else can do the same thing.

As an aside: I wish I could talk you into simplifying your emulsion making. A temperature probe is absolutely unnecessary. A grocery store kitchen thermometer will do the trick nicely. It kinda breaks my heart to think that tools and technique complications could discourage anyone from emulsion making.

These photos were made with a Pentax 67 and a fisheye lens, handheld in early morning fog. I made the 120 ortho film with a simple magnetic stirring hot plate and a grocery store thermometer.
 

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I need more words in that question. (See post #7 -- I'm a bit slow )
 
[QUOTEI made the 120 ortho film with a simple magnetic stirring hot plate and a grocery store thermometer.[/QUOTE]

How could I make 116/616 film? If you make 120, 116 would only be a little wider. In fact, if other widths were possible, like post card sized roll film, I would stop doing folder photography and jump back into the emulsion bath!
That is 122 film. I have a few videos about 122 film on my YouTube channel, studiocarter1
Michael
 
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Denise, do you need to "sub" this film "base" or do you coat directly on it? What thickness would be good for roll film and large format?
 
The film comes subbed on two sides. It's 4 mil, which makes it suitable for both roll film and sheet film. That makes it only a tiny bit thicker than average roll film. Commercial sheet film is generally 7 mil and quite stiff. This film is a little floppier, but I've never had a problem from 2-1/4 x 3-1/4 up to 8x10. It really is ideal stuff for us.
 
Thanks, Denise! I see this Wet Media film is available in several thicknesses (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 10 mils), so one can have exactly what's needed... It's inexpensive, too... At least when compared with the price I can get Melinex here in Brazil.
 
You're welcome! I think you will enjoy.
One thing: be very careful to order Wet Media. If it doesn't say "wet media," it is not subbed for water-based solutions.
 
Denise, you're right. I've just looked more carefully and Wet Media Dura-Lar is only available in 4 mils!
 
Denise, I can't post in the group. Do I have to request any special permission?
 
This is a welcome group. A very useful addition. It beats the "What did you XXX today?" threads and their drivel that we have been seeing lately.
 
Hi Joe,
Nice to meet you. Glad you're here!
I believe you must be a subscriber to post in the Groups. "Members" can read, but not post. I will copy your question about Kevin's recipe into a new thread in the group. I encourage you to subscribe to APUG .
d
 
Great! The more the merrier! Thank you.
 
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