Video 2: Wet Collodion Photographic Process

In 1851 Frederick Scott Archer introduced the wet collodion process.

• Bromide, iodide or chloride salts are dissolved in collodion (a solution of pyroxylin in alcohol and ether).
• This mixture is poured onto a glass plate and allowed to sit for a few seconds.
• The plate is then placed into a solution of silver nitrate and water, which converts the iodide, bromide or chloride salts to silver iodide, bromide or chloride.
• The plate is removed from the silver nitrate solution and exposed in the camera while still wet.
• It is then developed with a solution of iron sulphate, acetic acid and alcohol in water.

Demonstration by Michael Gray (YouTube video. No sound track).

[CW]