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  1. #1

    Join Date
    Nov 2019
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    contact prints

    Will any glass do for holding the negatives flat to make contact prints?

  2. #2
    Eric Woodbury
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
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    1,637

    Re: contact prints

    Clear float glass, like window or picture framing glass, works fine. If you don't have a frame, use some heavy glass so that you maintain good, close contact between neg and paper.

  3. #3
    Moderator
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    Re: contact prints

    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Woodbury View Post
    If you don't have a frame, use some heavy glass so that you maintain good, close contact between neg and paper.
    ...but get the edges chamfered so that you don't cut your fingers handling the glass.

  4. #4
    Drew Wiley
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    Re: contact prints

    I prefer thick anti-Newton glass just like in an enlarger carrier, but thicker. Don't know if anyone makes that anymore; but something close could be homemade from float glass. Frosted picture framing glass is awfully thin and break-prone, and might show texture in the print.

  5. #5

    Re: contact prints

    There is a source of Anti Newton glass online you an search. Agree with Drew. Modestly thicker than clear float glass is best as is edge buffing.

  6. #6
    Drew Wiley
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    Re: contact prints

    Since I don't contact print anything bigger than 8x10, I just use my Condit 8x10 masking frame, which already has thick AN glass, and is certainly a premium quality item.

  7. #7

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    Re: contact prints

    In the past I've used a thick piece of glass I found at a Pier 29---I think it was for use on an end table, but I've replaced that with a Printfile CP-1 Contact Proofer. I just find it easier to work with the Printfile.
    "I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority"---EB White

  8. #8

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    Re: contact prints

    Quote Originally Posted by John Kasaian View Post
    In the past I've used a thick piece of glass I found at a Pier 29---I think it was for use on an end table, but I've replaced that with a Printfile CP-1 Contact Proofer. I just find it easier to work with the Printfile.
    Hmm, only $35 at B&H, I'll order one when I'm ready.

  9. #9
    ic-racer's Avatar
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    Re: contact prints

    I have a 1cm thick piece of glass about 12x10" but it won't hold Ilford Double weight paper flat. If I ever try contacts again, I'd go with a good quality print frame. If one prints with diffuse light, the paper and negative must touch over the entire surface. If one prints with collimated light (focused light under an enlarger lens) every piece of dust on both sides of the glass and both sides of the negative and the top of the paper can show.

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Jun 2014
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    Re: contact prints

    If you need AN glass depends on the film you use. With some types of film I do get newton rings, but often with sheet film I don't (except with tmax100). So give it a try with regular glass and upgrade if it proves to be necessary. A sheet of regular float glass of decent thickness isn't expensive.

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