The Ambrotype

The Ambrotype/Tintype are a different process from the Daguerreotype.

The Ambrotype/Tintype process is a collodion process; the emulsion sits on the substrate.

The best way to tell the difference between the Ambrotype/Tintype and Daguerreotype is to tilt the image back and forth. With the Ambrotype/Tintype you will be able to see the image at all angle, the image on Daguerreotype will "fade" in and out as the image is tilted.

Another difference is that the finish of the Ambrotype/Tintype is dull and subdued. The Daguerreotype is flashy, silvery and vibrant.

See Daguerreotype: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheMereMortal#play/all/uploads-all/0/0lnFgST5qKU

The difference is a great diagnostic. Many, many eBay and other online sellers often sell Ambrotypes as Daguerreotypes. If you are unsure then ask the vendor how it looks if the image is tilted. If the image can be seen clearly at all angles then it is not a Daguerreotype.

(Note: The Ambrotype is a "tintype" on glass instead of sheet metal.)

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Howto & Style

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• Ambrotype

[brescialeonessa]

This presever frame is mounted in the wrong way: it's upside down :-)