In dissolving the Pyroxyline, any fibrous or flocculent matter which resists the action of the Ether, must be allowed to subside, the clear portion being decanted for use. The Iodide of Potassium is to be finely powdered, and digested with the spirit until dissolved; it is better not to apply any heat. Both Iodide of Ammonium and Iodide of Cadmium dissolve almost immediately, if the salts are pure.
The Collodion must be kept in a cool and dark place. When prepared with Iodide of Ammonium or Potassium it becomes at length high coloured and insensitive. The free Iodine may then be removed by a strip of pure zinc or silver-foil.
When sensitiveness is not an object, many prefer working with an old, coloured Collodion, finding that it gives more intensity. It has been shown at [page 97] that a peculiar change takes place in Collodion after iodizing, by which the intensity of the image is increased.
Directions for using Glycyrrhizine in Collodion.—The action of this material has been described at [page 114]. The Collodion should be iodized with the Iodide of Cadmium only, or with a mixture of the Iodides and Bromides of the alkalies. The condition which calls for the employment of Glycyrrhizine is that often found in a newly made and rather glutinous Collodion, viz. sensitiveness of film, with good half-tones, but insufficient intensity in the high lights. Dissolve the Glycyrrhizine in Alcohol (not Methylated) in the proportion of 5 grains to the ounce: this solution may perhaps keep unchanged for three or four months. To each ounce of the Collodion add from one to four drops, and expose in the Camera a few seconds longer than before. The effect of the Glycyrrhizine upon the Collodion may not be fully produced immediately; if so, the fluid must be set aside for twenty-four hours.
Use of Nitro-glucose in Collodion.—Nitro-glucose is a substance analogous to Pyroxyline, but more unstable. When added to Collodion iodized with the alkaline Iodides, it slowly decomposes, liberates Iodine, lessens the sensitiveness to a certain extent, and confers intensity. Like Glycyrrhizine, it may be used to remedy feebleness of the image, and to give opacity to the blacks. Prepare the Nitro-glucose by the directions given in the Vocabulary, Part III. Dissolve twenty grains in an ounce of pure spirit, and agitate with powdered chalk to remove free acid. Add from five to eight drops to each ounce of Collodion. In a few days, more or less, according to temperature, the Collodion will deepen in colour, and will be found on trial to produce a more vigorous picture.
Collodion for hot Climates.—In this case the Iodide of Ammonium should be avoided, as unstable and prone to change colour. Iodide of Cadmium may be substituted, which has been shown to remain quite colourless when dissolved in Alcohol and Ether.
Collodion iodized with the Iodide of Potassium will usually keep for about six weeks or two months; but no certain rule can be given, much depending upon the condition of the Ether and the heat of the weather.
Plain Collodion may retain its properties unimpaired for five or six months, sometimes much longer; but there is a tendency to a formation of the acid principle ([p. 85]); and hence, on the addition of an alkaline Iodide to old Collodion, the coloration is commonly very rapid. The structure of the transparent film may also be injured by keeping plain Collodion for too long a time.
Photographers who wish to operate with Collodion in hot climates will find it advantageous to carry with them the prepared Pyroxyline and the spirituous solvents, observing that the bottles are carefully luted, and that a bubble of air is left in the neck of each, to allow for the necessary expansion, which might otherwise burst the glass or force out the stopper.
THE NITRATE BATH.