Читать книгу Photography in the Studio and in the Field - Edward M. Estabrooke - Страница 16

The Phenix Plate Co., the largest manufacturers of ferrotype plates in this country, and whose name is familiar with every ferrotypist, as well as most photographers, have lately placed on the market ferrotype plates, with surfaces coated or sensitized with gelatine emulsion, which they, offer as a substitute for the ordinary collodion positive or tintype.

The plates are cut to sizes and packed in much the same manner as the Stanley or any other dry plates are, and being extremely sensitive to light, they must be handled with the same care.

The manufacturers claim, that "the 'Argentic Dry Plate' will be found far superior to any other form of positive plate, giving as it does the maximum of beautiful effects with a minimum of labor, producing a rich and brilliant picture with a rapidity and cleanliness never before attained, doing away as they do p22 with the use of the silver bath and all its concomitant evils, pinholes, stains, fog, etc., not forgetting the vast saving in time and temper. The argentic plate is always ready-at-hand, and the working of it is simplicity itself. Their permanency and reliability is beyond question. These plates are extremely rapid. An exposure of from 1 to 3 seconds will suffice with a good light, 2 minutes to develop, 3 to fix, wash, dry and varnish, and the operation is complete, ready within ten minutes for delivery. For out-door views these plates work well with a drop shutter exposure, and the results, both for portrait and view work, are remarkable for fullness of detail, and great delicacy and softness of tone."

While these plates may be developed by the common ammonia pyro developer, the manufacturers claim, that "much finer effects may be produced by using the Phenix Stock Solution," that accompanies the plates, put up in 12 oz. bottles. By its use, greater rapidity of development, purer white, extreme brilliancy and finer detail can be obtained, the result being far superior to that produced by any other developer.

The following formula can be relied on to give excellent results, and by simply modifying the proportions, to "suit circumstances," will answer every purpose. As these plates are very rapid, six times more rapid than wet plates, guard well against white light.

Formula for development:

NO. 1.

Pyrogallic Acid	1 oz.
Water	12 oz.
Citric Acid	20 grs.

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NO. 2.

Phenix Stock Solution.

Keep the Stock Solution securely corked.

NO. 3.

Bromide Potass.	1 oz.
Water	12 oz.