Fits, and Starts

Spring arrived a few weeks ago, and I have been looking forward to getting back to doing some wet plate work. Though a bit overcast this morning it was not raining, so I decided to throw some gear together, and set out.

When was the last time? Hard to remember off the top of my head. This means the chemicals are less than fresh. This will greatly affect performance, but it will be interesting to see how it goes.

I headed to the Bridge, began the slow process of setting up. I could tell that it had been awhile as I had to methodically unpack, arrange the gear in order, and prepare for the first plate.

I felt rusty. I had to look at every item to remind myself what it was, where it went, and what order it was used. Step by step. I felt confident that I had not forgotten anything, so I poured a plate, placed it in the silver bath, and went about getting ready for my first plate in months.

It was not until I was under the dark cloth about to pull the plate when I realized I had forgotten to bring my headlamp. The tintype is developed by inspection, meaning that when the developer is poured you watch the image emerge to judge exposure. At the five second mark I like to see a faint image. By ten seconds the image should be near complete, and at the 15 second mark the shadows should be visible. At this point the development process is stopped by pouring water over the plate. Not being able to see how the image is developing for lack of a headlamp ment that I could only count out the 15 seconds and hope for the best.

I was not happy with the results. Not sure having a headlamp would have made much of a difference. A combination of exhausted chemicals, and bad timing. I packed up my gear, headed back to the ship, put my gear away, and set about looking for that headlamp.

May first is world wet plate day, so I’d better get my act together.