The Biggest Drawback of the Collodion Wet-Plate Process

What was the biggest drawback of the collodion wet-plate process?

A. It had to be exposed when dry, processed when dry.

B. It had to be exposed when wet, processed when wet.

C. It had to be exposed when dry, processed when wet.

D. It had to be exposed when wet, processed when dry.

Answer:

B. It had to be exposed when wet, processed when wet.

The biggest drawback of the collodion wet-plate process was that it had to be exposed when wet, processed when wet. Unlike other photographic processes, the collodion wet-plate needed to be handled and developed while wet. This meant that photographers had to carry a portable darkroom with them to develop the plate immediately after exposure.