Re: Kallitype archivality -Reply
Kevin Won (wonk@ohsu.edu)
Fri, 26 Apr 1996 15:36:58 -0700
Although this is simply anecdotal evidence, I have a couple of Kallitypes I
did five years ago with strict lab procedures. (Developed 2x5 min, cleared
EDTA 3x5 min, selenium toned 2 min, fixed plain hypo 2x5 min,
hypo-eliminated 10 min, washed 1 hour). I felt that with careful attention
to the details of the process, these images would last as well as any
silver print. Oh yes, I also frame all my prints, so while it's hardly an
inert environment in the frame, there is a certain limitiation to gasses
from the atmosphere to these Kallitypes. Today, there are some Kallitypes
that are getting eaten at the edges of the print. One has penetration to a
centemeter. I'm at a loss to what contaminated these prints--not all of
the prints from 5 years ago show these effects. Indeed, some show no
effects, even when displayed in sunlight.
These results suggest to me that the Kallitype *can* be processed to last
(if 5 years is any sort of indication whatsoever, which I think it starts
to indicate given the conditions I place the prints in), but the image is
so delicate that any kind of contamination, no matter how slight, destroys
the Kallitypes chance at a long prosperous life. However, as a practical
matter, it's too difficult to ensure that an image, though processed
absolutely perfectly, won't pick up just the slightest contaminant which
will eventually kill the print.
But on the other hand, Kallitypes are beautiful and cheap.
I'm looking forward to the next five years to see if my observations show
true. My guess is that the images that show no deteriation now won't
ever--we shall see.
Kevin