about Versamask system

pluto · Jan 26, 2010

Hi friends,

I'm not able to find information in english about versamask system.
First of all, is there someone who is using it? Is it worthwhile? Can I use it for many paper size or there is a frame for any paper size? Can I modify the white edge on the paper as we usually do with a common easel?
Thanks really,
J.

ath · Jan 26, 2010

Hi Pluto,

versamask became quite popular here in Germany.
I haven't used it becausee I want the fexibility of a classic four blade easel.
The versamask consists of a PVC baseboard with holes for alignment. These holes hold pins which are used to align the paper and the black 1.5mm steel mask. These masks are heavy enough to hold FB flat and are FIXED. This means for every paper size and window size you need a seperate mask.
There are standard masks but I think custom windows are available too.

The big advantage is the precise rectangle or square.

If you use more or less always the same paper size and the same window, this is for you. If not, not.

www.versamask.de is the homepage, google might help with translation.

pentaxuser · Jan 26, 2010

Robert Vonk gave a link to the Versamask here on APUG. I think he may have sold them. Problem is that the search engine on APUG isn't very good. Try googling it and it may refer you to the APUG thread. I think Andreas' link is probably the same as the one given on APUG. It looks like there still isn't a translation into English.

The mask gives you very precise black keylines as well around the white border when required. Don't know where you are but if you are U.K. based then the £ euro exchange rate makes the Versamask quite expensive. Looks to be very well made and should last forever.

pentaxuser

pluto · Jan 26, 2010

Thanks ath,
please help me to understand something more about cost. On the site you've kindly posted I read "40x50 fur die Papiermate 18x24, 20x25, 21x30....... euro 89,90". Does this mean euro 89,90 for each frame, then?
Thanks for your kindness,
J.

Trond · Jan 26, 2010

I have a Versamask easel, and I am very happy with it. The easel itself is made of thick and heavy PVC and the masks and the easel are very well made. You will need a mask for every paper size/format you want to use. The masks are quite expensive, but I think they are worth it.

I print a limited set of sizes, so it works well for me.

The

Trond · Jan 26, 2010

pluto said:
On the site you've kindly posted I read "40x50 fur die Papiermate 18x24, 20x25, 21x30....... euro 89,90". Does this mean euro 89,90 for each frame, then?

No, it means 89,9 for the easel. The masks generally cost 40-50,-

Trond

pluto · Jan 26, 2010

Trond said:
No, it means €89,9 for the easel. The masks generally cost €40-50,-

Trond

Then I don't understand very well, Trond.
There is a PVC baseboard with holes for aligning paper and there are many masks according with papers size?.
So have I to purchase one baseboard and masks as many as are the papers size I'm going to use?:confused::confused:
J

phaedrus · Jan 27, 2010

pluto said:
Then I don't understand very well, Trond.
There is a PVC baseboard with holes for aligning paper and there are many masks according with papers size?.
So have I to purchase one baseboard and masks as many as are the papers size I'm going to use?:confused::confused:
J

You're right. It sounds and is expensive, but it is very exact. The trick is that the registration pins that you push the paper against also hold the masks.

RobertV · Jan 30, 2010

For every frame size you need a different mask. So it will only works if you have a limited amount of paper sizes.
If you have a lot of different paper sizes you can better buy a 4 blade easel. E.g. Dunco 90/5 for a 40x50cm version : http://www.dunco.de
Versamask is sold only in Germany since 2008. Phototec was sold to another German company and therefore stopped int. sales of Versamask.

Trond · Jan 30, 2010

You can order by sending an e-mail to the address mentioned on versamask.de. I think they will send their products worldwide.

RobertV · Jan 30, 2010

They stopped selling via Int. distributors and due to their new simplified invoicing system they will handle only inquiries with 19% German VAT including only.

AgX · Jan 30, 2010

pluto said:
Thanks ath,
please help me to understand something more about cost. On the site you've kindly posted I read "40x50 fur die Papiermate 18x24, 20x25, 21x30....... euro 89,90". Does this mean euro 89,90 for each frame, then?
Thanks for your kindness,
J.

It's just for the baseboard. The seperate masks and their prices can be found here:
Dead Link Removed

Trond · Jan 30, 2010

RobertV said:
They stopped selling via Int. distributors and due to their new simplified invoicing system they will handle only inquiries with 19% German VAT including only.

Last time I ordered (a month ago) I got the Versamask order included in a Phototec order, and they are able to deduct the VAT. This is an option if you need other supplies as well.

Ulrich Drolshagen · Jan 30, 2010

Most is said already.
You will have to decide on the size of the baseboard. It is dependent on your largest print size obviously(40x50cm² for me). Then you will have to decide, in which sizes the frames you will need. There are two type of frames for every paper format. One frame for 10mm margin and one for 5mm margin. The frames with the broader margin are meant for fiber paper dried with the tape-method where you will loose about 5mm of the margin, when the print is finally cut out.
I use the versamask with 40x50 base board and two sets of frames for square and rectangular prints for 16x20 and 10x12 paper. Since I use it it's the first time to have strictly square prints (as long as I don't dry RC-Prints hanging on one corner from a clothesline )

Ulrich

gamincurieux · Feb 17, 2010

Even though I can kinda speak German, I'm still not really sure, if anybody could please clarify for me...... you use the Versamask to print full-frame with the NATURAL black edge of the negative?

I will read all of this again properly later, might answer my own question

hunnch · Feb 20, 2010

pluto said:
Does this mean euro 89,90 for each frame, then?
Thanks for your kindness,
J.

No, 89.90 is for the baseboard 40x50cm only (there exist two baseboard 30x40cm and 40x50cm, 69.90 and 89.90)
There are different masks, about 42.90 each. And logically you can't use a greather mask than the baseboard offers. You need 1 Baseboard and 1 mask at minimum.

At least, look for the difference from KB-Mask to Baryth-Mask also!

kindest regards
Hermann

AgX · Feb 21, 2010

gamincurieux said:
Even though I can kinda speak German, I'm still not really sure, if anybody could please clarify for me...... you use the Versamask to print full-frame with the NATURAL black edge of the negative?

The idea behind that system is to provide framing masks of a few given sizes to cover the edges of the paper from getting exposed, thus yielding white borders.

Whether you print full size or crop does not matter, as long as you can live with a given size and side-ratio.

about Versamask system

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