Many photographers influenced me in college. Sally Mann was one of them. Her work has sat in the recesses of my mind for several decades. Interesting that my aesthetic appreciation has moved back to this style. (i.e. black and white and early photography methods) I’m trying to remember more. It’s like I have something to settle.

Unidentified African American soldier in Union uniform with wife and two daughters, Ambrotype photo, via Wikipedia

Invented in 1851, the wet collodion photographic process produced a glass negative and a beautifully detailed print. Preferred for the quality of the prints and the ease with which they could be reproduced, the new method thrived from the 1850s until about 1880.

(via Photography: The Wet Collodion Process)

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)

(via Tips From a Pro: B/W Wildlife Photography | Popular Photography)

(via Secrets of Digital Bird Photography)

Old Cameras sometimes take discontinued batteries.

PX625 cameras – Camerapedia

Many old cameras require batteries that are no longer manufactured. This link has a nice chart of cameras that use a particular type of old mercury cell called the PX625. Such as the Yashica 124G, Leica CL, Konica Autoflex, etc. So if you have one of the cameras on the chart look for adapters like this one to allow you to use new fresh batteries. (I haven’t used this adapter yet and can’t vouce for it. If you’ve used it let me know.)

(via Camerapedia)

You’ve heard about Camerapedia right? Well if you haven’t it’s like wikipedia for old cameras. A great way to learn about that old camera you found at a yard sale. So much amazing information!

KEH Camera Blog: Nikon Lenses: Non-AI, AI, AI-S, and AI’d

In Nikon F-mount manual-focus lenses, there are four main designations for lenses that refer to their meter coupling abilities. They are: Non-AI, AI, AI-S, and AI’d. The differences can be noticed by visually inspecting the area on the back of the lens around the lens mount, as well as around the aperture ring.

Nikon Lens Compatibility

Very helpful charts to understand Nikon gear. So many different kinds of lenses you need to look at this compatibility chart BEFORE buying used gear. Make sure it works with what you have.

Nikon Lens Compatibility

A Brief History of Photography: Innovations in Chemistry – Bytesize Science (by BytesizeScience)

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)