Eastman Dry Plate Company

Definition

The Eastman Dry Plate Company was established by George Eastman in 1881 and played a pivotal role in the development of the gelatin dry plate process, which revolutionized photography by making it more accessible and efficient. This company focused on producing high-quality photographic plates that utilized a gelatin emulsion, allowing photographers to create images with greater detail and sensitivity compared to earlier methods.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Eastman Dry Plate Company was one of the first to mass-produce dry plates, making it easier for photographers to carry their materials without needing to prepare wet plates on site.
2. George Eastman's innovations in photography included the introduction of roll film, which led to the creation of the Kodak camera in 1888, further democratizing photography.
3. The gelatin dry plate process allowed for shorter exposure times and more flexible shooting conditions, significantly improving the convenience of photography.
4. Eastman's company emphasized quality control and standardized production methods, ensuring consistency and reliability in their photographic materials.
5. The success of the Eastman Dry Plate Company laid the groundwork for Eastman Kodak Company, which became a leader in the photographic industry throughout the 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did the Eastman Dry Plate Company contribute to the advancements in photographic technology during its time?
  • The Eastman Dry Plate Company significantly contributed to photographic technology by pioneering the production of gelatin dry plates. This innovation allowed photographers to use plates that were sensitive to light yet could be prepared in advance and stored without immediate use. As a result, this led to greater flexibility in photographing subjects and reduced preparation time compared to the cumbersome wet plate process.
• Discuss the impact of the gelatin dry plate process on amateur photography and its role in expanding access to photography as a hobby.
  • The gelatin dry plate process made photography far more accessible to amateurs because it eliminated the need for complex darkroom setups prior to taking photographs. Photographers could now carry pre-coated plates, leading to spontaneous photo opportunities without the necessity of immediate development. This change played a key role in popularizing photography as a hobby among everyday people, culminating in an explosion of interest in capturing personal moments.
• Evaluate how the establishment of the Eastman Dry Plate Company influenced the future trajectory of the photographic industry as a whole.
  • The establishment of the Eastman Dry Plate Company marked a transformative point in the photographic industry by setting high standards for product quality and mass production techniques. It not only fostered advancements like roll film but also inspired other companies to innovate. The resultant shift towards user-friendly photographic equipment laid the groundwork for mass-market products like Kodak cameras, which ultimately revolutionized photography into an essential part of everyday life and culture.

Related terms

Gelatin Emulsion: A light-sensitive coating made from gelatin and silver halides that is used in photographic films and plates, crucial for capturing images.

Photography: The art and science of capturing images using light, typically through the use of cameras, which has evolved significantly since its inception.

Kodak: A brand founded by George Eastman, known for its cameras and film products that popularized photography for amateur enthusiasts and professionals alike.