[ropel]

Hi all –

Brief update on my second serious attempt today, finally being able to also use some bright sunlight.
So thrilled to have my first image on a silvered plate!

I know it ain’t pretty: neither the polish, nor the exposure and surely no gilding yet, but I am still pleased to see a proper image appear. 🙂

As it turns out, the main issue was the exposure time for contact printing. Measured EV value now and steered from there toward a 10 minute exposure (EV 6). I guess it would have required more time still.

It’s been quite a journey to craft and collect stuff (at reasonably low cost) to get to this experiment.
Wouldn’t have been able to manage without the wealth of info here.
So glad to now have a starting point from which to optimize and improve.

Cheers,

Roy

Attachments:

You must be logged in to view attached files.

[ropel]

Hi Dragos –

Thanks for crafting up a fast reply. Appreciated!

In response: surely my steps are experimental, but experimentation is part of the game and part of the fun IMHO (keeping it safe of course). I am well aware that Daguerreotype is one of the more difficult processes to master and sensitive to missteps along the way. At this point I aim for image formation, not for a top notch plate any time soon.

I don’t think I started fully in the blind. Of course I have explored information here. As mentioned, I decided to start my journey based on Jon Hilty’s article. I chose this route primarily because the povidone iodine is less hazardous (though clearly still needs to be handled with care), and I am willing to spend longer waiting times and slower learning cycles. So I wonder when do we really do things by the book? Indeed, few people do this, but I assume also today’s masters had to go through the learning curve? I am eager to learn and see where it takes me.

In my efforts, I have so far managed to electroplate nicely and get a first polish done. I have crafted simple but decent holders (with Rubylith) and a fuming box (with a glass slide closure). The 10% povidone iodine makes the box design somewhat less critical, but does demand for much longer fuming times.

Most uncertainties for me are in the realm of exposure and development I guess. Trying to move forward slowly, and take out some of the more experimental steps. Maybe this will indeed put me on the trail of frustration, we’ll see. There can always be a point to bail out. Grateful for any more advice forward.

[ropel]

Some time has passed. Finally I managed to get a piece of copper nicely silver plated.
Polishing skills are yet to be developed, but pleased to get a decent layer of silver in place.

The Tifoo.de materials are easy enough and affordable for home use (https://www.tifoo.de/en-uk/silver-plating-solution)!
Also important – cyanide free 🙂

[ropel]

Thanks for your suggestion Murphy!

I have been trying to find resellers for Wilaplat, but all seem restricted to professional use.
Now I found a silver electrolyte via Tifoo.de in Europe.
Materials just arrived. Once DC power supply is in I’m ready for first tests.

[ropel]

Hi all –

Just a quick introduction. My name is Roy, and I work as an innovator in the area of clinical imaging in the Netherlands. As a hobby, I am a hybrid photographer, embracing both digital and analogue techniques, combining new and old, from 35mm to large format.

I have been tinkering with Cyanotypes and Van Dyck brown, both on paper and glass. At the start of the new year, I am looking for a next step and am intrigued with Daguerreotypes for some time now.

Like for many, there are quite some challenges to address before holding a beautiful dag. The page is a wonderful resource and I hope to be able to reach out on this forum for some more practical tips and tricks.

Cheers,

Roy

[Author]

Posts