Collodian material list-What don't I need to start?

[mark]

Thank you Mr. Smigiel for creating this wonderful PDF.

As a rank beginner I would like to know what, on this list is needed, to begin and what can wait.

Any advice would be nice.

http://my.net-link.net/BA/D5/jsmigiel/pdf/WetplateCollodionSupplies.pdf

[nick mulder]

http://www.collodion.com/forum/

Not wanting to distract from APUG but there really is a wealth of info at the forums linked above ;)

[smieglitz]

collodion usp
potassium iodide
190 proof grain ethanol (or denatured alcohol)
distilled water
silver nitrate
ferrous sulfate
acetic acid (or vinegar)
sodium thiosulfate
glass stuff to hold and measure the volatile stuff above
glass or trophy aluminum sheets
coffee filters
ethyl ether would come in handy but you can probably do without initially

You might also want some bromide salt to extend the spectral sensitivity and moderate contrast. Typical formulas to make ~300ml of working salted collodion use a couple grams of iodides to bromides in about a 4:3 ratio.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the MSDS for all the wetplate chemicals before you attempt the process. Ether and collodion have fire and explosion hazards, silver nitrate can cause blindness if splashed in the eyes, cadmium salts are toxic, etc.

The classic wetplate manual The Silver Sunbeam by John Towler MD, 1864 (http://books.google.com/books?id=C68aAAAAYAAJ&dq=silver+sunbeam&printsec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=en&ei=ZbcdS77GJc6WtgeUt-GfCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CCgQ6AEwBg) is available online. Lots of formulas & science, troubleshooting section, etc., is contained within.

Glad you found the pdf useful.

[mark]

http://www.collodion.com/forum/

Not wanting to distract from APUG but there really is a wealth of info at the forums linked above ;)

I have tried to register there a couple of times in the past but never heard back. I just tried again so we will see if anything happens this time.

[billschwab]

Quinn leads a busy life and it on the road a lot it seems. You might try sending him another letter.

[mark]

I got in right away. Good stuff over there.

I did see that Bostic and Sullivan sells a complete starter kit sans dip tanks and other tankage. I'm going that route to get started. A bit expensive but if I don't like it I will not have bought bulk chemicals and have a crap load hanging around.

[77seriesiii]

I've found that the forum rejects free email sources as spam. If you want to register you will need to use a real email account.

good luck that forum is a huge source of info.

./e