Zebra 2.25×3.25 Wet Plate Holder for Baby Graflex
The Zebra 2.25×3.25 Wet Plate Holder brings a modern and practical approach to shooting Wet Plates with Baby Graflex cameras.
Designed specifically for 56×82 mm photographic plates, the holder combines an ultra-lightweight and compact construction with Zebra’s convenient magnetic back loading system. It provides a simple way to load, secure, expose, and remove freshly sensitised plates while working in the darkroom, studio, or field.
Whether you’re creating Tintypes, Ambrotypes, or Wet Plate glass negatives, this compact holder gives you the freedom to explore Wet Plate Collodion Photography with your Baby Graflex.
Magnetic Back Loading System
Wet Plate Collodion requires plates to be loaded and exposed while they are still wet, so simple and efficient handling is essential.
The Zebra 2.25×3.25 Wet Plate Holder uses a magnetic back loading system that allows quick and straightforward access to the plate chamber.
The system is designed for one-handed loading and unloading, even when working in complete darkness.
All magnets are hidden and secured with epoxy to protect them against corrosion caused by silver nitrate (AgNO₃).
After your shooting session, the holder is also easy to clean using water or isopropyl alcohol.
Ultra-Lightweight and Compact Design
The smaller 2.25×3.25 format deserves equipment that keeps the entire camera setup compact.
The Zebra holder is designed to add minimal bulk while providing the functionality required for working with freshly sensitised Wet Plates.
A lightweight carbon fibre darkslide provides excellent rigidity with minimal flex or sag. The compact holder construction also helps protect the darkslide against accidental damage during transport and use.
Exposed/unexposed indicators on both the holder body and darkslide make it easier to keep track of your plates during a shooting session and help prevent accidental double exposures.
Adjustable Magnetic Springs
Different photographic substrates require secure and consistent positioning inside the holder.
The Zebra 2.25×3.25 Wet Plate Holder uses adjustable magnetic springs to keep your plate securely positioned.
Springs can be added, removed, or repositioned depending on your setup, allowing pressure to be applied exactly where it is needed.
The individual magnetic springs are also easily replaceable in case one becomes damaged.
Designed for 56×82 mm Plates
The holder is designed specifically for 56×82 mm photographic plates.
This compact format is ideal for photographers who want to explore the unique character of Wet Plate Collodion Photography while keeping their camera, plate holder, chemistry consumption, and portable darkroom setup relatively small.
The holder can be used with compatible glass plates and black aluminium Tintype Plates, giving you several creative possibilities from a single compact system.
Accepted Plate Size: 56×82 mm
Create Tintypes
Use 56×82 mm Black Tintype Plates to create classic direct-positive Wet Plate photographs.
The black aluminium surface provides the dark background required for the developed silver image to appear as a positive, producing the distinctive appearance associated with traditional Tintypes and Ferrotypes.
Aluminium is also lightweight and resistant to breakage, making it particularly convenient for field photography and portable Wet Plate setups.
Create Ambrotypes and Glass Negatives
Load the holder with compatible 56×82 mm Clear Glass Plates to explore traditional glass-based Wet Plate processes.
Depending on your exposure, processing, and presentation method, clear glass can be used to create beautiful Ambrotypes or Wet Plate glass negatives.
Having the ability to work with both glass and aluminium gives you the freedom to explore different aspects of the Wet Plate Collodion process using the same holder.
Made for Baby Graflex Wet Plate Photography
The Zebra 2.25×3.25 Wet Plate Holder makes it possible to combine the compact character of the Baby Graflex formatwith one of photography’s most fascinating historical processes.
Its small size makes it particularly interesting for portraits, experimental photography, travelling Wet Plate setups, workshops, and photographers who simply enjoy creating small, unique photographic objects.
From pouring your Collodion to loading the freshly sensitised plate and making the final exposure, the holder is designed to make the plate handling stage as straightforward as possible.
Key Features
- Designed for Baby Graflex cameras
- Accepts 56×82 mm photographic plates
- Designed specifically for Wet Plate Collodion Photography
- Magnetic back loading system
- One-handed loading and unloading
- Suitable for loading in complete darkness
- Hidden epoxy-protected magnets
- Adjustable magnetic spring system
- Carbon fibre darkslide
- Compact and lightweight construction
- Exposed/unexposed indicators
- Suitable for glass plates
- Suitable for black aluminium Tintype Plates
- Ideal for Tintypes and Ferrotypes
- Suitable for Ambrotypes
- Suitable for Wet Plate glass negatives
- Easy to clean with water or isopropyl alcohol
- Suitable for studio and field Wet Plate Photography
Technical Specifications
Product: Zebra 2.25×3.25 Wet Plate Holder
Camera Compatibility: Baby Graflex
Accepted Plate Size: 56×82 mm
Loading System: Magnetic back loading
Darkslide: Carbon fibre
Spring System: Adjustable magnetic springs
Plate Materials: Glass and aluminium
Primary Process: Wet Plate Collodion
Suitable For: Tintypes, Ferrotypes, Ambrotypes and Wet Plate glass negatives
Cleaning: Water or isopropyl alcohol
Why Choose the Zebra 2.25×3.25 Wet Plate Holder?
The Zebra 2.25×3.25 Wet Plate Holder provides a dedicated solution for photographers who want to explore Wet Plate Collodion with a Baby Graflex camera.
Instead of adapting larger holders or improvising a plate mounting system, you get a compact holder designed specifically around 56×82 mm plates.
The combination of magnetic back loading, adjustable magnetic springs, a carbon fibre darkslide, and exposed/unexposed indicators creates a practical modern system while maintaining the hands-on character that makes Wet Plate Photography so unique.
Whether you’re shooting glass or aluminium, in the studio or in the field, the Zebra 2.25×3.25 Wet Plate Holder gives your Baby Graflex a new way to create one-of-a-kind photographs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which camera is this Wet Plate Holder designed for?
The Zebra 2.25×3.25 Wet Plate Holder is designed for compatible Baby Graflex cameras.
What size plates does it accept?
The holder is designed for 56×82 mm photographic plates.
Can I use glass plates?
Yes. Compatible 56×82 mm Clear Glass Plates can be used for Wet Plate Collodion Photography, including Ambrotypes and glass negatives.
Can I use Black Tintype Plates?
Yes. Compatible 56×82 mm Black Tintype Plates can be used for creating classic direct-positive Tintypes or Ferrotypes.
How are the plates loaded?
The holder features a magnetic back loading system that provides quick access to the plate chamber and makes inserting and removing freshly sensitised plates straightforward.
Can I load the holder in complete darkness?
Yes. The loading system is designed to allow one-handed loading and unloading, making it convenient when working under darkroom conditions.
Are the magnets protected against silver nitrate?
Yes. The magnets are hidden and secured with epoxy to protect them against corrosion caused by silver nitrate.
Can the pressure on the plate be adjusted?
Yes. The holder features adjustable magnetic springs. They can be added, removed, or repositioned depending on your setup.
What is the darkslide made from?
The holder uses a carbon fibre darkslide, providing a lightweight and rigid solution with minimal flex or sag.
What photographic processes can I use with this holder?
The holder is designed primarily for Wet Plate Collodion Photography, including Tintypes, Ferrotypes, Ambrotypes, and Wet Plate glass negatives.
Is this a Dry Plate Holder?
No. This holder is specifically designed around the workflow and loading requirements of Wet Plate Collodion Photography.
How should I clean the holder?
The holder can be cleaned with water or isopropyl alcohol as appropriate after use.
