| Step 1: |
A glass plate (or ferrotype plate) is cut to the size of the plate holder then cleaned to a smear free finish and dried. |
| Step 2: |
The plate is held flat and flowed with iodized collodion which is allowed to drain from a lower edge of the plate as it is tipped almost vertically until the collodion has dulled – around 30 seconds to 1 minute depending upon air temperature/humidity. |
| Step 3: |
When the collodion has dulled over, the plate is slid into an upright bath of silver nitrate with no hesitation until it is completely submerged. The operation must be carried out in a dark tent from this point on. After approximately 4 minutes the plate is raised from the bath and inspected. It should have turned a cream colour and must have no oily streaks upon its surface. If it appears oily it must be returned to the bath until the surface appears smooth. Place the plate in a clean plate holder emulsion side facing the slide; close up and proceed to your camera. |
| Step 4: |
The camera should already be focused and your subject composed on the ground glass screen. Exposure is by trial and error and will only be gained by experience. Insert the plate holder making sure the lens cap is in position. Withdraw the slide and remove the cap. After making the exposure, replace the cap, push in the slide and take the holder to your dark tent. |
Step 5:
|
Remove the plate, hold flat and pour the developer on, flowing it from one side across the surface without stopping. Retain only what developer is on the plate and gently rock the plate back and forth until the image develops fully (around 15 – 20 seconds). Wash the plate thoroughly and place into the fix bath. |
| Step 6: |
Fix for several minutes then the plate is washed for 10 – 15 minutes in running water and dried. |
| Step 7: |
After warming the plate pour on the varnish in the same manor as the collodion. Allow to drain. Dry over a gentle flame or element being very careful as the alcohol in the varnish is flammable. |
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