A Fun Day Of 4x5 Wet Plates

 In Lake Louise campground for three nights. Yesterday was a good day of shooting, did 7+ hours. Started out poorly, problems with the first 5 or 6  “4x5”plates after that though the next 14+ plates were quite nice.

I ended up doing a complete field wash on 8 “4x5” plates and brought another 8 back to the campsite for washing. I think I did about 5 different set-ups using either the 90mm or 300mm and Gerry (sorry about that name) collodion (older and newer mixes).

For the in the field  wash I did 3 trays of water with about 1 hour of constant agitation on each using the agitation pump in s 16x20 tray. The pump runs off a battery/inverter/solar system.

An exhausting but good day. Will try varnishing/ blackening a few plates here inn the campground. I want to be able to complete 100% of the eventual ultra large plates in the field, starting thou with these small ones.

“Ain’t Photography Grand!”

A Learning Wet Plate Day

Long and tiring day. More a learning from my mistakes day after moving up to 8x10 clear glass ambrotypes. Did about 9 hours today, used up, many things hurt. 

There was moment that inspired. It was only the second  plate bit it glowed with 3D dimensionalities! (My own word). It made me think how beautiful 35x35 plates could be if done right, if that mountain can be climbed. Wondrous,  beautiful things could be made. Today was about hope for the future.

Washing Ambrotypes In The Field

Washing yesterday’s 4x5 plates in the darkroom trailer at Tunnel Mountain Campground in Banff Alberta. It is working g quite well. I plan to do 3 water changes, using the agitation pump each wash cycle for 30 minutes s plus. I am using Sodium Thiosulfate hypo type fixer. 

If everything works as planned. If I can complete 100% of the plate in the field (essential for 3-4 month photo trips of Canada). If I  can eventually work myself up to 35x35 plates  LOTS OF IF’s THERE!! Then a second agitation pump set-up might help speed things up..

Plates being washed with the agitation pump

My Current Darkroom Trailer Setup

 The wet plate trailer set-up yesterday.

This set up was used to do 4x5 plates at a pull out on the Bow Valley Parkway in the Rocky Mountains

On The Road: AMBROTOS KANATA

On the road making the first images for the Canada wet plate project. Learning to drive a 28 foot motorhome with the 14 foot darkroom trailer attached. Learning how everything works (so many things). Leaning the  wet plate process (only 4x5 plates so far). Learning how to pack everything (lots of broken glass). Learning, learning and learning some more.  A long way to go but it feels good that this long term project has began.

The rig looks TINY next to t Columbia Ice Fields

Sleeping FREE near a school, Windermere BC

Ivemere BC

Columbia Icefields

Two many cameras

Angled, sinking boat sleeping!

Figuring Out How To Use The Large Linhof Tripod Safely!

The good part about buying lots of photo stuff all the time is that sometimes you end up accidentally finding an unintended purpose for an old piece. Fifteen plus years ago I bought a tripod type thing for my small studio off eBay. The seller also threw in a set of locking wheels for the gizmo. I packed away the wheel stand thing and forgot about it

Fast forward to 2021. 

 

I set up my HF2024 a few days ago on a large strong geared head Lihof tripod. The tripod holds the weight of the camera/lens and holder well but is still unstable. My problem is the tripod legs do not lock into place. If one of the legs moves back or forth my beautiful camera could go crashing down.

Last night I remembered the tripod wheels thingy. I tried it out today on the Linhof tripod without the camera and everything seemed to lock down pretty well. The wheels have two settings, on the wheels or locked into the ground like a normal tripod.

 

I will give this setup a try, see how she handles with cameras mounted. The plan is to use this outfit with my 16x20 and the tripod/wheels plus a second tripod with the HF2024.

Hope this works!

The proposed set up

Case For The HF2024

 The $40 CAD used metal transport box I bought a while ago fits the HF2024. Been working on the box tonight, removed the wooden dividers and now am adding some foam to help cushion the HF2024. Its good to have protective cases on nearly all the wet plate cameras, the 8x10, 11x14, 16x20 and 20x24. I will have to get an expensive custom made case for the HF3535, no cheap shortcuts there. Probably a $800-$1000 bill there, but got to protect that beautiful monster of a camera. These metal transport cases will protect the cameras when traveling in the trailer and on location.

$40 adapted metal/wood storage case

Setting Up The HF2024 For The First Time

 Set up the 20x24 camera today, the HF2024. A lovely, lovely, tool.

The tripod I am using in the pictures has rather loose legs that tend to move, so not sure this large ULF camera will work with it. The whole thing might come crashing down, which would be a real tragedy. I will have to figure something else out. There are 4 different tripod mounting locations. Will probably have to use a table mount of some kind or 2 or 3 tripods at the same time to shoot this large machine safely. I need to take care of her as best I can. She might turn into the main camera for the project, rather strange considering I did not initially intend to buy her. Guess in the end good things sort of work themselves out.

The build of the HF2024 is very strong, everything seems solid, it should be able to withstand years of my rough use. Filip Harbart Czech Republic makes his cameras by hand one at a time, with loving care.

I placed the 42 inch Goerz Red Dot lens on the it, a large rather heavy lens. The front standard of the camera held everything solidly in place. This HF 20x24 also has a unique adaption (built special for another buyer who backed out). The ground glass (acrylic) back standard can be be unlocked (4 knobs) and adjusted like a Linhof 4x5. I think that feature will quite useful at time. I know I use it on my Linhof. Overall I am quite happy with this camera. Will probably give it a try next year wet plate and possibly this year with film.

Beauty HF2024 with Goerz Artar Red Dot 42 inch lens

Answer To A Facebook Friend About 35x35 Plate Making

Steve, I sort of wanted a system where I could easily set up the camera and do tests using the set up as is. Wanted 1 lens, 1 bellows extension, same same stuff. Talking to the big guys who do ULF (LG, KM), standardization and eliminating unnecessary variables is paramount to any success at all. This is tough stuff as you well know Steve. I have been told simplification is the key, standardize and simplify as much as you can, eliminate all the variables you can. I have been thinking a lot of the 35x35 inch work and how hard it will be. I will probably need to shoot it over a 3 or 4 day period at one location. Allowing for set up, and take down and the making of the images which will be a very slow process. The whole thing will no doubt be exhausting, especially as I age and slow down. I will be doing 95% of the work myself. Was thinking of building a tent round the whole thing, protecting from wind, rain and onlookers. Lots to learn and figure out first. Very excited thou at the possibilities. The possibilities are always so exciting. The photos that MIGHT be!

2 Big Deliveries In 1 Day!!!!

Two big arrivals from the Czech Republic on the same day! The HF2024 (20x24 view camera) and my 35x35 silver bath tank, both came via FedEx. The tank got a bit of damage to one of the lid corners. It it should be OK, the damage is not to bad, no light leak that I can see. Everything else looks fine. The HF2024 arrived in mint condition. Another good day!! Now the most important part, making strong images. Gear is great, the the photos are what matters thou.

One side note, the HF2024 is relatively light. I will be able to use it in situations where getting the HF3535 is impossible. Very happy with this buy so far. It is a welcome tool for certain situations.

You can see the damaged tank corner in the first photo. Not sure what the best way to repair it is. Will ask around.

The HF2024 (20x24 inch view camera) on top of a used metal shipping case I bought several months back, I hope the camera will fit in the case, going to try to squeeze it in tonight at work.

The 35x35 silver tank/box. You can see the slight damage on the lid, upper right.

The tank does not fit in the back of the trailer. I would have to remove the shelving to make it fit. My hope is to put both the 16x20 and 20x24 tanks in the back of the trailer (less chance to knock over).

With the dipper pulled entirely out, there is still about 8 1/4 inches of working room.

My second 20x24 inch film holder, still need a 20x24 wet plate holder. MUCH MORE IMPORTANT