Tintype

The tintype ( Tintype, Melanotypie or plate photography) is a photographic direct positive process that was used between 1855 and the 1930s. The tintype was invented in 1856 by Hamilton L. Smith ( 1819-1903 ).

Towards the end of the 19th century came to a manual method, the processing by machines. A first such mechanically operated machine designed Conrad Bernitt in Hamburg in 1890. Bosco The machine has been used for decades worldwide and is considered the forerunner of today photo booths. The inexpensive tintypes were glued into an album or sent by mail; they were quickly popular and occurred mainly as a quick photography and as a fairground attraction in appearance.

Operation

The tintype is based on a nearly exposed and developed iodine and bromsilberhaltigen collodion, which is on a - is painted iron sheet - usually darkened with asphalt. The ( photochemical ) appears as a negative light value correctly because of the dark-field principle against the dark background. Tintypes are unique, because they are directly exposed and can not be copied to this technique.