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Quantity33, approximate period: 1839 – today

1839circa1865
1839circa1869
1841circa1865
1842circa1909
1850circa1929
circa1850circa1860
1850circa1869
18511880
18511865
1852circa1869
1853circa1865
1855circa1959
1855today
1860circa1949
1865circa1900
18671920
18711899
1873circa1939
1874today
1875today
18781926
18821920
18851970
18851930
1887circa1955
1894circa1939
1904circa1939
1907circa1945
1907circa1935
1908today
1909circa1949
1929today
1938today

In principle, all photographic papers could be made transparent by additional treatment with oil or wax and used as negative papers. In addition to transparency, the light sensitivity of the papers was also decisive for the quality of the positive prints. After the calotype, albumin papers or celloid papers were temporarily used as negative papers. However, the photosensitive silver bromide negative paper soon replaced the earlier paper negatives.

In most cases, collodion wet plates and gelatine dry plates can be reliably distinguished from each other on the basis of external characteristics. References to a collodion wet plate:

  • Thick glass with irregular edges
  • The colors (grey, cream, yellowish) are high-contrast
  • The irregularly applied collodion layer is visible on the surface
  • Glossy front and back

References to a gelatine drying plate:

  • Thin glass cut by machine
  • The shades (grey) are rather low-contrast
  • Semi-matt front and glossy back

The different negative films often have similar external characteristics. However, certain properties may refer to certain film types.
Hints for celluloid film:

  • In addition to grey tones, the carrier material can also have a yellowish-brown colouring.
  • Possible smell of nitric acid
  • Highly flammable

Hints for acetate film:

  • Often labeled "Safety Film" at the margins.
  • Possible smell of vinegar
  • Blistering on the emulsion

Hints for color negative film:

  • Multicolored negative, rather cold colors
  • Matte layer side and glossy reverse side