Really want to do tintype photography (Rolleiflex)

jusxusfanatic

jusxusfanatic

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Really want to do tintype photography (Rolleiflex)

I just remembered a documentary about tintypes, and now I really wanna try doing it! But with a 35mm camera.. Is it even possible? Or should I just buy a cheap holga and try it out first since someone actually did it? Thanks :)

Btw, what are the sheets called? Black aluminium plates? Bergger Prestige RC1 Multigrade Black &White paper 8''x10'' Like these? Are those for tintypes?
 
bostick and sullivan is a good source for wet plate materials

https://www.bostick-sullivan.com/cart/home.php?cat=397

I've shot some wet plate, from 4x5" up to 8"x8" on glass and aluminum plates, but have never tried to modify a smaller format camera.
https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=25136202%40N08&sort=date-taken-desc&text=ambrotype&view_all=1

Finally, take a look at Quinn Jacobson's youtube channel for all sorts of info. He's probably the best source of online info for wet plate, so hopefully this can get you started.

https://www.youtube.com/user/quinnjacobson
 
Wouldn't it be easier to do tintypes with a Hasselblad? Seems like you could rig something up behind a Hassy a little easier. IIRC there is a plate back for Hassy's as well that I saw somewhere...

Or a cheap RZ/RB. That way you could use the larger image area which is I think about 7x7.
 
Sure, you can use a 35mm camera. As long as you are OK w/ your prints being 1" X 1 1/2" :]

You never know, it might be the thing to do. I knew artists that painted miniatures, and the detail in them was pretty neat. There was actually no more detail in the miniatures than a big 'ol painting, but you had to get up really close to see the things, which made you pay much more attention to what you were looking at. The viewing experience was completely different. I'd love to see some 35mm tintypes. They would be jewel-like. Quite unusual.

There is someone over at APUG that is making some outstanding tintypes. Can't remember his name, but when you look at the photos in the gallery you will see his right away. Unfortunately, to see the images in a size bigger than a thumbnail requires a paid subscription, which is why I finally left. Too many fund raisers, everything seemed to require money. I understand supporting a site, but for me it was just a casual interest. For Sean, it's a business.
 
I do quite a bit of collodion / wet plate photography. I mainly use glass and make ambrotypes and a few tintypes. It's the same process with just the difference being the glass or aluminum.

No way I'd try it with a good camera like a Rollei. The plates are dropping wet with silver nitrate when you put them in the camera. Silver nitrate stains everything and is very corrosive. You'll destroy your Rollei.

I use a 5x7 & 8x10 deardorff with several lenses from the period. You can see a few of my images if you click the link below. I did however buy a $28 Kodak folding camera that shoots 2x3 roll film. It's easy to cut the aluminum / tin plates to the right size and make images. A camera like that doesn't matter if it ruined in time. It works great!
 
Agree with X-Ray. Unless you're willing to soak your Rolleiflex in silver nitrate solution (a potentially bad idea), then I'd say steer clear of that as an option. It will stain and corrode your camera, not to mention your hands/clothes if not careful and wearing gloves/protection. If you really want to do wetplate on a 6x6 TLR, I'd probably suggest buying something much cheaper, like a Yashica or something similar and modify it to accommodate a plate holder.
 
Like I sad earlier I bought a $28 folding Kodak camera from the 20's. The lens has great character, it's 6x9 and so what if it rusts away and the bellows dissolves. It makes great tintypes/ (WET)plates.

The Rollei back was made for dry plates or film. Big difference!
 
Great work!

Would you recommend a speed graphic or should I stick to wooden view cameras?

Thanks

x-ray said:
I do quite a bit of collodion / wet plate photography. I mainly use glass and make ambrotypes and a few tintypes. It's the same process with just the difference being the glass or aluminum.

No way I'd try it with a good camera like a Rollei. The plates are dropping wet with silver nitrate when you put them in the camera. Silver nitrate stains everything and is very corrosive. You'll destroy your Rollei.

I use a 5x7 & 8x10 deardorff with several lenses from the period. You can see a few of my images if you click the link below. I did however buy a $28 Kodak folding camera that shoots 2x3 roll film. It's easy to cut the aluminum / tin plates to the right size and make images. A camera like that doesn't matter if it ruined in time. It works great!
Click to expand...
 
From my understanding, it takes a lot of practice when you are just starting out. I was told to use an old Kodak box camera until you feel confident to move up to something bigger. The plate size is big enough to enjoy if you happen to get a good one, but no so big that you waste a ton of chemicals while learning. Also, the camera is dirt cheap so it's fine if it gets ruined. I still haven't gotten around to trying out wet plate, but that it what was recommended to me...

http://unblinkingeye.com/Articles/WPC/wpc.html

I'd love to see your results!
 
Haha, but the problem is that I can'f buy things online for now.... and buying like a brownie here is expensive as hell!!

Does the rolleiflex plate adapter work?
 
Lots of talk on this thread about "wet plates" in relation to tintypes. I think tintypes came in both dry and wet varieties. If dry plates are an option, say with the Rockland kit, that's the way I would go. No worries about ruining the inside of your camera, as long as the aluminum plate fits nicely. As long as you can get enough exposure, through some combination of flash, long exposure, and a fast lens, you can make the image. I'd love to see your output on 35mm.
 
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