What are the pros and cons of calotype?

Answer 1

Calotype-lit. beautiful image or type, is an obsolete photographic technique that is somewhat similar to Daguerrotype. As far as I knwo it is obsolete and no modern outfits make any kits or supplies for its usage. It may have used wet plates which pose operational and these days environmental-chemical disposal problems. It is not obsolete for nothing. I am only aware of calotype as a historical reference,not anything recent or revived. It"s a bit like talking about modern restaurants int he same paragraph with Western Chuck-wagons. Calotype is obsolete and to the best of my knowledge stays that way. on the other hand there have been both Black and white and color revivals (commercially) of pre-taken modern Daguerrotypes on metal*These are sold as the so-called refrigerator magnets, photos of celebrities. These are gift items, not hobby stuff or do-it-youself kits.l some caution is advisable. as far as is know Calotype is not only O(bsolete but as a living processk, EXTINCT.

Unlike the dunce above me, who doesn't recognize the historical significance of the calotype process, I would be more than happy to try to list the pros and cons of the calotype process. The advantages of the calotype process over it's rival the daguerreotype were the fact that it made use of a negative, which an unlimited number of copies could be made from. Another advantage was the calotype's use of printing on paper, which was easier to examine, and infinitely less delicate than the glass or tin daguerreotype mediums. The calotype made use of warmer tones, and retouching could be made to the image on the negative OR the positive. The cons however, were the calotype's main downfall in becoming popular in Europe or America. The materials the calotype used were less sensitive to light than those of the daguerreotype, adding more time to the already lengthy process. While the paper was far more durable, it also held imperfections that comprised the quality of the final print, and did not hold the same sharp definition as daguerreotype images. Other small cons included the fact that the prints tended to fade over time, and the process required two steps (making the negative, then the positive from the negative). Hope this helps!