Early Photographic Processes - Wet Collodion - Description of the process by Thomas Rodger Jun.

The Wet Collodion Process

described by

Thomas Rodger Jun.

Thomas Rodger Jun. of St Andrews read a paper, On Collodion Calotype, to a Meeting of the Royal Scottish Society of Arts in Edinburgh, in February 1854

This paper described how Rodger used the wet collodion process. A brief read of Rodger's comments, some of which are reproduced here, shows the patience and skill that must have been needed in the early collodion days.

Please click one of the subjects below to read a few extracts from Rodger's paper:

Please note that I have no first hand experience in using or knowledge of the safety of the methods and chemicals recommended in this paper by Rodger. I have attempted to quote accurately from the paper, but cannot guarantee to have done so.

1. Background

2. Prepare Gun Cotton

3. Prepare Collodion

4. Coat the Plate

5. Expose the Plate

6. Develop the Plate

7. Fix the Plate

8. Prepare the Paper

9. Expose the Paper

10. Fix the Image