Another beautiful day. Test #3

I packed my gear last night with the hopes of getting an early start before it started to get hot. Awoke at 0130, so rather than try and get back to sleep, I got dressed, and went over to the market to see if I could prepare a few items for the day.

I had enough makings for a few salads. They are becoming popular as the weather warms up to Summer temperatures. I checked the time, and figured I could also crank out a few chocolate cookies, and a pan of brownies while I was up.

I was able to get what I wanted done, and the Sun was just hinting at making an appearance. Pots, and pans washed, and stowed. Now time to hop on Sweetpea, and try my hand at tintypes.

I opted for a short ride. My go to spot by the Brooklyn Bridge. This has the advantage of being very close to home, and if I start running into any major issues it is just easier.

Camera set up in no time, and the first plate poured. A little overcast, but the UV index was high. 6 second exposure at f 16 to start.

Not bad, but not great either. Image lacked detail, and was a bit dark. Next plate 8 second exposure. Not much different. I did eight more plates, increasing the exposure a little each time. Still not happy with what I was getting. Time to brew a pot of tea, and think a little.

Wondering if I am getting UV light in the dark box? Time for a test plate. This is done by coating, and sensitizing a plat e as normal, but instead of loading it into a holder, it is pulled from the silver nitrate bath, and held face up in the box to expose it to any stray rays of light. the developer is poured on as usual. If not light leaks then the tintype develops out black. Unfortunately a cloudy looking film appeared indicating a light leak issue. I moved the box over to a shaded area in hopes that would help.

Test #2 was much improved. I’ll need to find a better dqrkcloth soon. I also double checked the focus of the camera. It was off enough to cause a slight blur. Fixed, and onto another plate.

I saw a big improvement with the next two tintypes. Enough chemicals to do perhaps six more. I was forty in that a hydrant with a slow stream of water was close at hand, and I was able to keep my water supply topped off.

Through out the day folks would gather to watch the process, and once I was a little happier with the outcome I invited them to come in closer, and see the full process. One gentleman from Brooklyn was able to watch from beginning to end, and was rewarded by seeing the best plate of the day materialize in from of him.

Back home now. Tintypes being washed, and I hope to get them dried, and varnished soon. I’ll post pics when I do.