Convert Glass Negatives to Digital

Yes, in most cases. We can scan cracked plates by carefully aligning the pieces on the scanner bed. The crack will be visible in the scan, but the image on either side is usually intact. For particularly important plates, we can digitally remove the crack line as part of an optional restoration service.

Often, they produce stunning images. Glass plates are dimensionally stable and the gelatin silver emulsion is remarkably durable when stored dry. Victorian-era plates frequently scan with extraordinary sharpness and detail, revealing faces, textures, and backgrounds that are invisible to the naked eye when looking at the dark plate.

Wrap each plate individually in acid-free tissue or bubble wrap, and separate plates with rigid card so they cannot touch or shift during transit. Pack them vertically, on edge, rather than flat, as this reduces the risk of cracking under pressure. Our free media box includes protective materials, but glass plates benefit from extra padding.

We can often give a rough estimate based on the plate size, emulsion type, and photographic style. Wet collodion plates generally predate the 1880s, while gelatin silver plates are typically from the 1880s onwards. We will share any observations when we return your scans.

We handle all common plate sizes, from small quarter-plates (roughly 8×10cm) through to full-plates (roughly 16×21cm) and larger. If you have unusually large plates, let us know the dimensions before sending and we will confirm we can accommodate them.