Tintype image brightness

[Bobbysader]

Lately I've been shooting tintypes with my 8x10 camera. I am coating the plates with Rockland's Liquid Light after coating I let them dry. I then shoot them (10 second exposure @ f/3) and process in Sprint Developer diluted 1:3 for 3 minutes, and fix (with a hardener) for 3 minutes, finally washing them for 5-10 minutes.


Here is my problem: My exposure is correct, but my resulting image brightness is rather dark. I am wondering if anybody has had this same issue, or knows a way to brighten the image?

Any advice, or help is accepted!


Thanks,
-Bobby

 

[removed account4]

hi bobby

it is great to see others doing this process, it's a lot of fun.
one of the issues might be you are not using the reversal developer that
reverses and inverts the image. the developer has a bleach i it
that brightens the image.

good luck!
john

 

[Bobbysader]

I'm not using the reversal developer. I'm using sprint dev diluted 1:3. Would using a bleach with the sprint work at all?

 

[removed account4]

I'm not using the reversal developer. I'm using sprint dev diluted 1:3. Would using a bleach with the sprint work at all?

hi sorry I fixed my previous post .. the reversal developer is what you need. ( I can't type sometimes )
no, I don't think you will get it to work with the spint developer and the bleach, but then again
I haven't tried it yet .. have you tried it wih more dilute developer? ( sprint is usually dilute 1:9 )

the emulsion is usually rated between ISO 1 and 3 ...
your images might also be dark because of over exposure
( unless that exposure is for ISO 1 or 3ish ..

sorry I am not much help...

john