Quarter plate meaning

A quarter plate is a photographic format smaller than a half plate but larger than a sixth plate.


Quarter plate definitions

Word backwards retrauq etalp
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "quarter plate" is a noun.
Syllabic division quar-ter plate
Plural The plural of quarter plate is quarter plates.
Total letters 12
Vogais (3) u,a,e
Consonants (5) q,r,t,p,l

Quarter Plate: An Overview

Quarter plate refers to a specific size of photographic plate that was commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries. These plates typically measure around 4.5 x 3.25 inches, making them larger than a daguerreotype but smaller than a half plate. Quarter plates were popular among early photographers due to their convenient size and relatively high image quality.

History of Quarter Plates

Quarter plates were a standard format for amateur and professional photographers during the height of the wet plate collodion process. This format allowed photographers to create detailed images suitable for various purposes, from studio portraits to landscape photography. The size of these plates struck a balance between image quality and convenience, making them a popular choice among photographers of the era.

Usage of Quarter Plates

Photographers would load quarter plates into plate holders for use in large format cameras. The plates were coated with a light-sensitive emulsion, exposed in the camera, and developed in a darkroom to reveal the final image. The relatively large size of the quarter plate allowed for detailed and sharp images, making them ideal for capturing a wide range of subjects with clarity.

Legacy of Quarter Plates

While quarter plates are no longer commonly used in modern photography, they hold historical significance in the development of photographic techniques and processes. Collectors and historians often seek out quarter plate images and equipment as a way to connect with the early days of photography. The size and quality of quarter plate images continue to impress viewers to this day, showcasing the skill and artistry of early photographers.

Overall, quarter plates played a vital role in the history of photography, combining practicality with image quality to create lasting representations of moments frozen in time.


Quarter plate Examples

  1. The antique store had a beautiful quarter plate on display.
  2. The photographer used a quarter plate camera to capture the stunning landscape.
  3. My grandmother's collection included a quarter plate from the early 1900s.
  4. The vintage quarter plate added elegance to the dining table.
  5. I found a quarter plate with a floral design at the flea market.
  6. The artist painted a still life featuring a quarter plate and fruit.
  7. The museum had a section dedicated to the history of quarter plate photography.
  8. I inherited a quarter plate that has been in my family for generations.
  9. The set of quarter plates was a wedding gift from my great aunt.
  10. The collector was thrilled to find a rare quarter plate at an estate sale.


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  • Updated 27/03/2024 - 22:45:28