Making your own plates?
On: Thu, Oct 11, 01 12:46:25 AM
Don Petreycik wrote:
| <![CDATA[I just got back into holography after a three-year leave of
absence and used up my remaning BB plates (which still
worked quite well after all this time).
I was disappointed to find out that the BB plates are no
longer available.
I can start using Slavich, Red Star, or Kodak plates; but
who is going to stop production next? Besides, the cost of
these materials is ridiculous. Maybe it's time I tried
making my own plates.
Has anyone tried the diffusion method of fabricating plates
(http://www.holoworld.com/holo/worksheet.html)? The
procedure does not appear to be rocket science and the
chemicals are inexpensive. Better yet, how about
revisiting dye-sensitized dichromated gelatin now high-
powered]]> |
RESPONSES
Don Petreycik - Thu, Oct 11, 01 12:50:22 AM
<![CDATA[Sorry...I accidently posted before completing the last
paragraph:
Better yet, how about revisiting dye-sensitized dichromated
gelatin now that high-powered visible laser diodes are
available and relatively inexpensive.]]> 64.252.201.26
Don Petreycik - Thu, Oct 11, 01 01:00:43 AM
<![CDATA[Sorry...Here's that last paragraph again.
Has anyone tried the diffusion method of fabricating plates
(http://www.holoworld.com/holo/worksheet.html)? The
procedure does not appear to be rocket science and the
chemicals are inexpensive. Better yet, how about
revisiting dye-sensitized dichromated gelatin now that high-
powered visible laser diodes are available and relatively
inexpensive?]]> 64.252.201.26
Vidar - Thu, Oct 11, 01 03:19:05 PM
<![CDATA[Hello - I have the same opinion. The prices for plates and
film is totaly crazy these days. I have heard that the
prices are very low in Russia, but when shipping to other
countries the prices are increased a lot. This is bad, I
would have purchased a lot if it wasn't for the high prices.
The description of how to make plates are still to
complicated for me. If someone could translate this paper
into a even more understandable form I will for sure try. ]]> 213.236.155.35
Martin Mueller - Fri, Oct 12, 01 12:16:58 PM
<![CDATA[The making of such plates/films is not that complicated.
Around 1900 many amateurs of Lippmann photography coated
their plates.
I have tried Jeff Blyth's diffusion method. It worked
extremely well. Speed almost reached the levels of HRT -
definitely faster than PFG-03 - and could probably be
improved by different spectral and chemical sensitizers.
However, the price for the chemicals (Aldrich) was rather
high.
]]> 62.2.52.16
John K - Sat, Oct 13, 01 07:53:00 PM
<![CDATA[About a year ago I went and bought the chemicals and lab
ware to make my own plates. About the same time I got a
good deal on large amount of ilford film, so I put the do
it your self plates on the back burner. I did try one run
of plates but I didn't an image. I think this was
because,1. I used the wrong developer, and 2. because I was
cheap,and used methanol from a bottle of gas line
antifreze. I have coresponded with three people that have
used Jeff Blyth's method they all had good results with it.
I have also coresponded with Mr. Blyth and He helped with
some questions I had. Aldrich has very high prices on their
products. I shopped around and was able to get every thing
I needed except the dye, pinacyanol chloride from other
sources. I got most of my chemicals from the photographers
formulary. The best price at the time for silver nitrate
was city chemical. Other places to check are artcraft and
the chemistry store, all are on the web and have better
prices than aldrich. American science and surplus is a good
place to get lab glassware and front surface mirrors. If I
got time I may try it again this weekend. The process isn't
much more complicated weighing, mixing, and using
developing chemicals. I would be interested in hearing
anyone else's resultes and modifictions this method. ]]> 65.103.10.183
Don Petreycik - Mon, Oct 15, 01 10:24:23 AM
<![CDATA[City Chemical has all the ingredients (including the dye),
and the prices are reasonable. My main concern however, is
applying an even coating of gelatin. I practiced
the "Victorian curtain" method with Knox gelatin, and it's
a bit tricky; and yes, there always seems to be a void at
the lower far corner of the plate. Before I go any
further, I'd like to explore spin-coating. Well, time to
go scrounging for more equipment again.
John K, what is this Ilford film I've been hearing about?
I can't seem to find it on their website.
PS. As a warning to those about to explore homegrown
plates. Do not pour unused gelatin solution down the
drain. It's notorious for causing blockages. I was
fortunate enough to hear about this in advance. Throw the
waste out in the yard. It's organic and biodegradable.]]> 208.252.57.135
John K - Mon, Oct 15, 01 09:35:30 PM
<![CDATA[ilford stopped making film several years ago, but Nick
Hardy has been selling tins on e-bay. I e-mailed him a
while back and bought a tin from him directly. There is 400
feet by 9.5 inches of film in a tin, I film is good , I
make holograms with it, and as I get better with practice I
get brighter holograms. I contacted ilford, and they did
say that the dye that makes the film red sensitive may
deterorate with time, but I find that I can expose and
develop the film opaque. He seems to sell a tin every 2 to
four weeks. He is selling a tin on e-bay now. Just type
in "holographic film" on e-bay once in awhile. The thing I
don't like about the pour and tilt method is it wastes
gelatin. I coated my plates with a homemade meyer bar. It
is a wood dowel with wire wound on it. The small spaces
between the wire meters the gelatin out on the plate. It
took me a few tries to get the hang of it. ]]> 65.103.20.56
John K - Mon, Oct 15, 01 09:43:38 PM
<![CDATA[Correction, liford stoped making holography film, they
still make other film. ]]> 65.103.20.56
dave battin - Mon, Nov 12, 01 07:04:55 PM
<![CDATA[have you tryed spin coating? i used that method for
dicromate and had good results. i always used a large sheet
,pre-scored it ,then placed it on 45/rpm player ( also warm
plate first) poured gelatine,dry,and then snap your plates!
the edge always had a buildup of gel so i always allowed
an extra 1/2inch arround the edge.]]> 64.12.107.53
Colin Kaminski - Tue, Nov 13, 01 02:55:05 AM
<![CDATA[Dave,
Are you in a position to share your dichromate recipe? Have
you ever tried to red sensitize it?
TIA]]> 63.193.192.14
Tox - Thu, Dec 13, 01 06:28:34 AM
<![CDATA[Check back copies of SPIE proceedings on holographic
materials. I'm wading through notes now, making emulsions
of <10nm crystal size appears reasonable. My problem as an
amateur is balancing for panchromatic dyes.]]> 63.39.139.164
dave - Sun, Feb 03, 02 10:58:12 AM
<![CDATA[colin yes i have made many Dicromate holograms ,and quite
easly. im now interested in red sensitising. ill give it a
try. heres a start, use the Knox gelatine it worked great
for me and was always on the shelf at the supermarket.]]> 152.163.201.73
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