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?
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?
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.
Check out this: https://www.largeformatphotography.i...ntact-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.
Some low sensitivity paper like Adox Lupex may make it easier to control exposure.
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Niels
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.
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?
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
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