Star Cameras

While I was waiting for the effects of migraine drugs to wear off, i surfed the net on wet plate photography. This is one of the interesting things I found.

http://www.geocities.com/starcameracompany/index2.htm

I also found the formulas for wet plate and all the instructions on how too. But since it is late and that is all on the other computer, I will post it here tomorrow.

Aggie said:

http://www.geocities.com/starcameracompany/index2.htm

I also found the formulas for wet plate and all the instructions on how too. But since it is late and that is all on the other computer, I will post it here tomorrow.

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Aggie,

Are you going to try wet plate? I'm just getting started with it myself. You don't have to buy a wet plate camera. You can make a functional wet plate holder out of a standard film holder pretty easily.

I suggest getting a copy of Scully and Osterman's book:

http://www.collodion.org/

Collodion is a blast to do, but it takes quite a commitment to get up to speed with it. And be aware that you will be handling some pretty dangerous chemicals. Some of which are very flammable and some of which will literally kill you quickly.

I'm having a plate rack and plate box made by the Star Camera Co. I made my own dipper tanks. I'm starting with 6.5x8.5 size, but am geared up to do 11x14 as well. I plan to make glass negs (to print in platinum and gum), ambrotypes and tintypes. Can you tell I'm excited about this?

I'm just a beginner with collodion, but if you need any other info, let me know.

Best,
Kerik
www.kerik.com

Since you are only about a 90 minute drive from me, I may just end up on your doorstep. I just saw the web page for the Star cameras, and was intrigued. But I have my eye on one of Jim Chinn's new cameras. I can adapt a plate holder for my 4x5 to explore the medium and learn. Then move up to larger sized tintypes once I get the hang of it.

Chemicals don't scare me. I respect the ones that need respect. I spent to many years in a chem lab with kids who didn't have enough sense to not put their lab coats over the bunsen burners when reaching for things to not be careful.

Since I like to photograph old dilapidated things, I thought it would be a good way to achieve an antique look.

http://www.companyphotographer.com/html/formulas.html

Here is that web site with the formulas.

Aggie said:

http://www.companyphotographer.com/html/formulas.html

Here is that web site with the formulas.

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That's Wayne Pierce's site. He built a wet plate back for my old 11x14 camera. He does good work.

Kerik

I am a late comer in this discussion, but can provide a good recommendation for Ray Morgenweck of Star Camera company. Ray made me a great "authentic reproduction" whole plate daguerreotype camera which is a joy to use. No movements of course, but with a period lens put on it it works and looks pretty damn good. Wayne Pierce also makes great equipment.

Both Wayne and Ray, as well as many others can be found at this forum, dedicated to wet plate: http://www.cwreenactors.com/cgi-bin...d.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID1&conf=DCConfID1

Another apugger, Quinn is one who will be having a conf. in April for colloidan photography, in SLC. It would be a good thing to support this medium and attend if you are at all interested in wet plate photography.

I'm just slowly restoring my camera. I did get the most wonderful lens for it. It looks as if it has never been used. no shutter, but a full set of waterhouse stops for it. The glass is ultra clear, and the brass shows only residual marks from someone long ago having handled the lens. The thing is beyond mint condition. I can't wait to try it out.

Aggie said:

Since I like to photograph old dilapidated things, I thought it would be a good way to achieve an antique look.

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Well you have not photographed me and I qualify as an antique.

Happy Holidays

- Mike