I've been given an old image, seemingly "printed" onto black shellack or what ever photographers used instead of plastic in the 1920's. The Image itself was shot in 1924 and measures 4 x 6 cm. I need to get a scan of it and a flatbed of the quality I have just doesn't have a low enough D-max since the image is on a black shiny surface and can only really be seen in all it's glory when viewed obliquely. The image has the qualities of a daguerreotype. Also it does not bend like film so although a drum scan sounds perfect I am concerned as to how it might fit onto the drum (though I admit my knowledge of the mechanics of Drum scanning is sketchy at best).
Hi,
I have copied these a long time ago. I did one on a flatbed and was surprised at the detail that came out of it, with manipulation in PS. Trouble is they tend to be crinkled unless well looked after, so end up patchy.
I seem to recall it was better to use bellows etc to photograph them, and use very strong lighting. Maybe a polarizer would help, but then you lose even more light. Also you have to angle the lights right so you get it reflected properly to show up the image.
Anyone know the name of these things? I believe they were used to do "instant" pix on Blackpool promenade, but before my time even.
It took some playing with but gave very acceptable results.
I'm pretty sure a drum scan would be out of the question, they're like tin plates.
Cheers, David
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