What is a TINTYPE?

A tintype is a 19th century form of photography which utilizes the wet plate collodion process.The process requires a tin plate to be coated with collodion and then soaked in a silver nitrate bath. After the silver has bonded to the collodion, the plate has become sensitive to the light, similar to a piece of film. The plate is then transferred to plate carrier to protect it from the light until it is placed in the camera for its exposure. Once the plate is exposed, it is then returned to a dark space for development. After being washed and dried, the plate is then varnished. When the varnish has cured, the plate is then ready to be returned to the patron.