Long description
Penta Collodion represents the classical standard of collodion used by wet plate photographers for over a century. Made from pentanitrated nitrocellulose (penta), it is widely considered one of the most suitable forms of nitrocellulose for photographic use due to its ideal balance of solubility, film strength, and optical clarity.
Compared to higher-nitrated nitrocelluloses, penta dissolves readily in an ether–ethanol solvent system, producing a stable, uniform collodion that flows smoothly across glass or metal plates. The resulting film is thin, flexible, and highly even, with minimal tendency toward ridging, frilling, or uneven contraction during drying.
For the wet plate artist, this translates into predictable pouring behavior, reliable iodide and bromide uptake, and consistent results across varying plate sizes and environmental conditions. Penta collodion is equally well suited for tintypes, ambrotypes, and glass plate negatives, and is an excellent foundation for both traditional and modern collodion formulas.
This collodion is supplied ready for photographic use as a plain (non-iodized) base, allowing artists full control over their own halide formulations. It is especially valued by experienced practitioners who demand repeatability, clean highlights, and a well-behaved film during sensitization, exposure, and development.
Penta collodion remains a benchmark material — not because it is nostalgic, but because it simply works exceptionally well.
Technical details
-
Type: Plain photographic collodion
-
Nitrocellulose: Pentanitrated nitrocellulose (penta grade)
-
Solvent system: Diethyl ether / ethanol
-
Typical formulation (w/w):
-
Ethanol: ~48%
-
Ether: ~48%
-
Colloxinum (penta collodion stock): ~4%
-
-
Nitrogen content: approx. 11.5–12.0%
-
Film characteristics:
-
Smooth, even coating
-
Excellent flow and leveling
-
Flexible, crack-resistant film
-
High optical clarity
-
-
Photographic use:
-
Wet plate collodion (tintype, ambrotype, glass negatives)
-
Suitable for custom iodide/bromide formulations
-
-
Supplied as: Plain (non-iodized) collodion
-
Handling: For photographic use by experienced practitioners
