Photography Tray Dishes
Photography tray dishes are used to process pictures in a photography darkroom. The processing of photographic films is a chemical process, and photography trays are made to hold the chemical reactions going on inside of them.
What are the different tray sizes?Developing trays come in different sizes, and remember that the developing dishes have to be bigger than the papers that are to be developed in them. Some of the different sizes of trays that are available are listed here, with the measurements indicating the dimensions of the tray, not the photographic paper that will be developed in them:
- 5 x 7 inches
- 10 x 12 inches
- 12 x 16 inches
- 14 x 18 inches
- 8 x 10 inches
Photo trays are made of materials suitable for withstanding the photo developing reactions of the chemicals used to develop photos. These materials include the following:
- Polypropylene
- Heavy-duty plastic
- Porcelain
- Metal
- Enamel
- Semi-porcelain
The bottom of the dish is grooved or flat. One of the corners of the tray has a pouring lip, and another corner has a thermometer rest or a couple of thermometer rests. Depending on the model, the trays come in different colors and sizes.
What are other parts of the photo developing set?Tongs come as part of the photo developing set. Some developing trays come with tongs that are made of the same corrosive resistant materials as the photo dishes. Lids for the trays are also part of the set. They cover the chemical processes occurring in the darkroom.
How do you care for photo trays?After each use, the trays must be thoroughly washed with water to remove all chemicals and reaction residues. Avoid putting substances that are not specially designated for photo development in the tray. Dry the tray completely before its next use, and clean the crevices on the bottom of the dish to remove any processing residues.
Are dishes different depths?Developing dishes usually have a standard depth, but there are some small variations in their depth. Which one to use depends on the personal preferences of the photographer.
What are vintage models of developing dishes?Vintage versions of developing dishes refer to ones that have been used in the developing of photographs in the previous century. These dishes are different from the synthetic, man-made materials used in ones produced today, and they are usually made of metal or porcelain with an enamel coating. The vintage models have a flat bottom.
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