Another of the "lost arts" of the film period

[DrEntropy]

The Vanishing Art of How to Spot (That Means Retouch) a Picture.

The Vanishing Art of How to Spot (That Means Retouch) a Picture.: Before we had digital retouching if there was a flaw or dust spot in a picture the way to fix it was with a brush and spot tone dye. Good retouching was an art in itself in the past but now it is something people have not even...

www.instructables.com

My "SpoTone" kit has a piece of 4"x5" glass as a palette, the retouching was part of my skill set from an early age. Surprised to learn SpoTone is still around! The brush in the pic is sable, a well-used #000 and the described "licking" of a brush was a standard practice, too.

 

[Basil]

described "licking" of a brush was a standard practice, too.

I hope the dye wasn't lead based!

 

[GregW]

I hope the dye wasn't lead based!

Or you'll have to change the spelling.

 

[GregW]

I had a photo or two touched up. I never learned to do it myself. I am also surprised Spotone is around since software does it so much better. I had a phone line removed in one shot, but I can still see it.

My girlfriend had a Marshall oil kit that I used from time to time.

 

[DrEntropy]

There's a Marshall's set here someplace as well. Lots of work to do it right. Thankfully eliminated with digital capability.

Another, now "quaint" period video: Photography as a career choice?