I can pack my entire wet plate collodion materials in a large tote for transport in the field, except for obvious exceptions like the dark box, folding tables, water jug, etc.
This list may help you consider items if you plan to take your wet plate collodion photography mobile.
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Mobile Wet Plate Collodion Packing List
- Mixed Developer – 1000ml
- Mixed Fixer – 1000ml
- Place the Developer, Fixer, Silver Bath, and Collodion bottles (pour and drain) in the padded tote bags.
- Fill the 7-gallon Water jug and place it in the milk crate.
- 8×10 camera, tripod, lenses, and holders.
- New metal or glass plates
- Pick-up stick for pouring plates.
- Dark box
- Folding Chair
- Two 2×4 folding tables.
- LED Safelight Stick (+2 extra AA batteries)
- Towel in the bottom of the dark box and clamps.
- Black tape for dark box material repair.
- Towel for the tailgate of the truck.
- Extra rags for cleaning up.
- Respirator Mask
- Nitrile Gloves (full box)
- Paper Towels (full roll)
- Silver Box
- Funnel and filters for Silver Nitrate.
- 50ml beaker for developer (plastic)
- Three 8×10 Trays (stop, wash, fixer)
- Empty boxes to transport plates back home.
- Rack to let plates dry in the field.
- Trash bags for collecting used paper towels, gloves, etc.
In addition to the wet plate supplies, I always bring drinking water, snacks, lunch, and/or dinner as appropriate. I seem to get very hungry when working in the field.
