kallitypes

[philip_sweeney]

After reading sandy king's article on kallitypes at the unblinkingeye

site I am curious. I've never done any pt/pd printing. I have read the

kallitype print if toned in pt or pd has all the qualities of a pt/pd

print. And overall it is apparently cheaper. So it sounds like if you

went that route there is no reason to try pt/pd?

 

Anyone printing kallitypes? and once you do, do you ever have any

reason to print pt/pd again?

[ed b.]

When this subject came up recently on the alt-photo-process list, various platinum/palladium printers stated that they prefer pt/pd due to its simplicity. I'm still working my way up to both kallitype and pt/pd, so I can't say, but the difference in price may ultimately determine my choice.

[roger hein]

Philip,

 

I print mostly in Pt/pd but lately have played around with kallitype, vandyke,

argyrotype, albumen, etc. Personally I don't find the kallitype process to be any more

'complicated' than pt/pd. Both can use various developers, both can accept

'additives' in the sensitizer (like gold), both can be toned and both can be just as

fussy and frustrating when it comes to paper choice, personal technique, etc. The

only extra step in kallitype processing is the fixing stage - pt/pd has no fixing stage.

Of course the one real advantage to kallitype is cost. Silver nitrate is a lot cheaper

per ounce than pt or pd. Would I go back to pt/pd printing again? Of course I would

- no process is the be-all-end-all. After experimenting with them I like them all -

they all have their own 'look'. My advice is - pick one, work with it for a year and then

try another. You'll eventually find a process that suits your style of images and the

way you work. Have fun!!!

 

Cheers,

Roger...

[dan_fromm2]

Take a look at http://perso.wanadoo.fr/apn/

 

If you can read french, that would help, but even if you can't I think you'll enjoy seeing the Burtschers' work.

 

Cheers,

 

Dan