Dave (dpayne@pacifier.com)
Tue, 09 Mar 1999 13:50:39 -0800
Adam,
I bought the argyrotype kit from Luminos for about $50.00. I think it was 25ml size. Then I
bought the 25ml zia kit from B&S and it was something like $60.00. However the kit from
Luminos included the glass rods and syringe. I guess the raw chemistry is cheaper for
argyrotype. I think I was mistaken. I still prefer the Zia for tonal range but the mahogany
color of the argyrotype is beautiful.
Dave
Adam Kimball wrote:
> Great, the comments are rolling in. Much thanks - and keep them coming. However, I'd
> like to address one issue now. A number of people have written me offlist with comments
> similar to Dave's. I have done a lot of Pt/Pd printing, and have even managed to get
> great deals on my precious metal salts- however, I really think it is unfair to suppose
> that Pt/Pd/Zia are as cheap as Argyrotypes. Taken from the Bostick & Sullivan website:
>
> All in 100ml Kit:
>
> Argyrotype: $28.70
> Ziatype Kit (Lithium): $167.70
> Ziatype Kit (Cesium): $184.00
> Classic Palladium (25ml $70.17): $140.00
>
> Granted the Argyrotype doesn't include the Hypo, but we can say $5.00 worth will provide
> plenty if bought in quantity (say, Bryant Lab).
>
> So, what gives? It looks to me like Pt/Pd/Zia is going to cost about 5x more. And when
> you are considering 16x20 and beyond- this does get costly.
>
> -Adam
>
> Dave wrote:
>
> >
> > However, if you are going to go to the trouble and expense of making large
> > negatives, then why not do a Ziatype? Zia isn't any more expensive than argyrotype
> > and the tonal range is much better. Plus the contrast is easily controlled with
> > dichromate. A standard neg. (not high contrast) will work with the ziatype. With
> > Ziatype you have to do a little mixing of the individual chemicals but it isn't
> > difficult at all. Whether you do zia or argyrotype be sure to try a small neg first
> > to get some practice.
> >
> > Best wishes,
> >
> > Dave
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