There are a few Civil War re-enactor events in my region, and I try to go to each. Earlier this month there was one at Ft. Sisseton, SD. I only took a 4x5 camera, a couple of early Petzval lenses (c.1845 Ross & c.1858 Derogy), and a bunch of film holders (FP4) and a couple of glass plate holders. I managed to get some shots of three guys dressed up as Union cavalry officers, and posed them by a field piece. Ironically, the three guys really ARE officers in the U.S. 7th Cavalry! There was a captain and two lieutenants, all three active duty! They are into the history of the unit. They gladly posed for me.
I shot two glass plates of them (ISO 2, 1s, f3.5 with 3 stops ND,) and two sheets of FP4 (ISO 125, 1s, f3.5, 10 stops ND). Only one plate came out; the other three were inserted into the holders reversed! All film shots were perfect, as was one of the plates! This is my second attempt at shooting dry plates, and I am very encouraged!
I bought another box of 10 and will continue practicing for the bigger Civil War event in August, in Minnesota. It's a lot of fun doing this, and the guys loved the way the shot came out.
I'll add I used the Derogy Petzval for both shots.
Kent in SD
