Hi folks, my first post in ages. I am in the process of putting together an 8x10 field camera kit. I plan to use the 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10 backs of the camera. And since I am no longer in photography school, I'm planning to do contact prints at home in a really simple set-up in my bathroom. (I don't have an enlarger and I'm not going to get one). I've done plenty of contact sheet prints of sleeved 35-6x6-6x7-4x5 film onto 8x10 paper. Not a problem, really. I got that.
Here is my problem:
How do you center, or otherwise register, a sheet film that is smaller than the paper being used? Example: How do I keep a 5x7 negative from moving from where I've placed it as I (a) lower the glass [using simple hinged printer], or worse (b) keep both the film and glass motionless after replacing the felt backboard, cinching the spring clamps and then turning it over [spring-back type printer]?
I can imagine that by using a 11x14 paper in a hinged printer with a 4x5 negative, I could possibly eye-ball it, develop the print, and then cut it down to 8x10 size after it dries. I can also imagine that would be a shameful waste of resources and money.
So can you tell me how you do it?
Thank you in advance for any illumination.
ps: I also have no intention of buying a vacuum device, so please try avoid that one.
Bookmarks