At a time when a tiny consumer microprocessor can contain 134 billion transistors, there is still something fascinating about vintage electronics, and particularly the lowly vacuum tube. Over one hundred years ago, vacuum tubes made the AM radios of the 1920s possible, ushering in the first mass-media tool that allowed people to receive news and entertainment in real time. Radar systems during WWII depended on vacuum tubes as did the introduction of TV sets in the 1950s. Vacuum tubes changed the lives of people during that era. For some of us, there is a nostalgic connection to these marvels of the past, and for others, sheer disbelief that electronic devices once required such things as key components.

Photographer Scott Dimond had always thought that vintage vacuum tubes would make a great photographic subject, but he never pursued the idea until he came across a treasure trove of old tubes at a 2nd hand store. The result is an ongoing project showcasing vacuum tubes using various photographic techniques including backlighting, light painting and focus stacking. Where possible, Scott also energized the heating cathode within the tubes using a laboratory power supply. To determine which pins at the base of the tubes were used by the heating element, he needed to identify the tubes and then research them to find the manufacturer's original data sheets. Once found, those data sheets provided the information on the pin configuration and voltage/amperage that he needed to apply to activate the heating cathode.

Not only did the data sheets provide that key information on each tube, but Scott also found them visually interesting and decided to use them as a subtle watermark-like background element to create a 2nd version of each tube photo.

Audiophiles with a passion for vacuum tube amplifiers take note. Scott is currently working on including tubes such as the 300B in this project, so check back for updates.