The Top Ten Ways That I know I am a Daguerreotypy Hack

[RonF]

It seems too quiet in this forum recently. Thought I would try and get some discussion going. There are a number of things that I have been afraid to admit in this forum until now, so I thought I would just tell all now.

Please note that when it comes to safety I am not a hack. I have an effective vent hood, I go through a lot of rubber gloves, and I store my chemicals (new and used) safely.

But when it comes to some of the finer points of daguerreotypy, I don’t always strive for perfection. I am prepared to defend my techniques, but I am also open to making fun of myself.

So here it is…The Top Ten Ways That I know I am a Daguerreotypy Hack:

1.My plate holder is packing tape.

2.I will use a plate even when there are some prominent scratches.

3.I sensitize my plates in a room that is not a darkroom. My fuming box is sheltered from light but not completely. So there is no possibility to turn off the lights and sensitize for a few seconds more after I get the right color. (Keep in mind I am doing becquerel).

4.I have been working on this occasionally for a year and have about five dags to show for this.

5.My camera was an enlarger until recently.

6.My plate holder is a piece of cardboard with a rectangular hole cut out.

7.My ground glass substitute is a piece of a white plastic bag stretched over said hole.

8.I can describe the color I sensitize to (salmon/purple turning blue/violet), but I couldn’t tell you if this is first or second cycle.

9.As soon as I get to the point that I am confident I can get the next one right, I change two factors at once.

10.I don’t mind the circular polishing marks I get when sometimes I use a random orbital sander for a final polish.

[Andy Stockton]

Hi RonF-

I think the quiet is mostly related to the upcoming holiday season in so many countries. I know the three editors are all bogged down in non-daguerreotype related life business right now. I suspect your list of “hacks” is more widespread than you might think. I believe many of us struggle to attain and even afford the level of professionalism that we are able to imagine. Having followed our few “world class” members for quite a while now, I have seen the resources and dedication required to be among the best of the best. It can be daunting.

Then again sometimes “hacks” can also be re-labeled “innovative solutions”.

Being still at the bottom of the D-List as far as my own daguerreian output, I just try to chalk my errors and primitive equipment hacks up to my apprentice status and get on with the work as I can. Your thoughtful honesty will no doubt help others feel free to be more open.

What does seem to stir conversation in the forum is when less experienced members ask specific questions about problems they are trying to solve. I find the pros don’t want to waste time on generalized queries, but often respond generously when our questions are specific and show that we have done some homework before asking them. This can be about either equipment or technique. Sometimes the more experienced members just have better hacks.

I am glad to hear you are not short cutting safety. As a licensed public health nurse I have continued to educate myself about daguerreian hazards, and I believe there are still people – professional and apprentice, who are damaging their health through inattention to these matters.

Happy holidays!

[Mercury]

Hey RonF, we might just have to change your member name to “McGuyver.”

And, just like the Beatles, you spoke volumes with Number 9!

[Author]

Posts