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Thread: contact printing

  1. #1

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    contact printing

    If you no longer have an enlarger what is the "best" way to make contact prints (B/W) of 4x5, 5x7 and 4x10 sheet film?

  2. #2

    Join Date
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    Re: contact printing

    The simplest way is to lay a sheet of glass over the neg/paper sandwich and expose using a hanging light fixture. If you search a bit on YouTube, I'm sure you'll find videos covering contact printing.

  3. #3

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    Re: contact printing


  4. #4

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    Re: contact printing

    A thick piece of glass is easy to get and inexpensive. Don't just use single strength window glass -- too easy to break. 1/4" is good. When you order the glass, have them "smooth" the edges so you can handle it without gloves. Make it slightly larger than you need, and keep the Windex ready.
    Keep your light in a fixed position -- (not too close) some testing is necessary -- and use time to control the exposure.
    Last edited by xkaes; 19-Mar-2022 at 08:24.

  5. #5
    Niels
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    Re: contact printing

    Some low sensitivity paper like Adox Lupex may make it easier to control exposure.
    ----
    Niels

  6. #6

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    Re: contact printing

    Brainstorming this: how about rigging something up using LED array inside a large film changing tent, then loading the paper (8x10) into a drum for processing.

  7. #7

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    Re: contact printing

    Incandescent bulbs are not as easy to find nowadays, but were easy to get in a wide variety of brightnesses. I use 7.5W and 15W in my safelights -- and 25W might be a good choice for you. I haven't seen the same variety in LED's, etc. What type of bulb were you planning on using?

  8. #8
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Dec 2011
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    Re: contact printing

    I bought a couple small pieces of thick glass for small contacts

    Most glazers don't want small Biz sales, cutting a small 12X15" glass must come from a much larger piece

    But my eveready AMAZON has it for sharpening chisels

    I wanted 4X4" thick glass for hand grinding bigger DIY GG

    So

    https://www.amazon.com/Peachtree-Woo...ps%2C87&sr=8-5
    Tin Can

  9. #9
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Re: contact printing

    Thanks Chuck!

    Few read

    Quote Originally Posted by Chuck Pere View Post
    Tin Can

  10. #10

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    Re: contact printing

    Quote Originally Posted by nitroplait View Post
    Some low sensitivity paper like Adox Lupex may make it easier to control exposure.
    Yep, but the downside is that you need brighter illumination. I use a 250 watt flood about 4 feet above my work table.

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