I've started collecting old film tanks. All of these are stamped 1907, and the plate tank 1908. The plate tank is covered in grime and I think it would clean up nice, but is that a bad idea? If I should clean it any suggestions for cleaning? Thanks!

Use 409 or any equivalent spray cleaner to clean that tank. leave the aged look, just cut the grime that is on it. If the age patina that occurs is cleaned off to the point it is al shiny and new looking, it is not valued as a antique unless it has never been used and still in its orginal packaging.

You probably won't get the grime off that plate tank. The plating on those is not nearly as robust as the round film tanks which came along later. Aggie is right about just cleaning off the grime with soap and leave alone.

The ironic thing about the wood "tank" you have is that it is not really a tank but simply a box used to wind roll film on an apron which is then transferred into one of the round film tanks you have. The film tanks could use aprons for roll film or a metal holder for several pieces of sheet film.

Nice collection!

Sean, do we need to block 'trademe' from your computer again.....

Sean, do we need to block 'trademe' from your computer again.....
I might need a 12 step program -as in 12 more tanks and I'll be done!

I've got a Becoval (Birmingham Engineering Company) 1/4 plate tank. It's a really sweet piece of work, as it has a fairly complex light trap mechanism built into the lid.

I guess you're not TOTALLY alone on this one, but on the other hand I've no need to go out and buy more :-)

Ian

Hey, Sean, I thought you might like these ads from _The Photo Miniature_, vol. XI, no. 122, Jan. 1913.

That's awesome! Thanks!

Get yourself a copy of-
"The Modern Way in Picture Making" by
Eastman Kodak 1905-1907

It has a whole chapter on the loading and using of the old Kodak tank system. They are going for $15.00(average) on www.abebooks.com .