I just think in the long run, buying a larger frame will save you money -- you won't have to buy a larger frame in the future, and the larger frame in handy to use for 8x10.
I agree. My first contact frame was an old Kodak 14x17, which I used for 5x7 and 8x10. Then, Durn, didn't I go out and buy a 7x17? Whaddayaknow--that fits, too!
Beware the glass: much new glass is UV resistant--you'll have 1 hour exposures with that stuff. Bubbles and scratches will grace every print. Inspect that glass, and trust no one.
I was looking at the Bostick-Sullivan contact printing frames, and noticed that the 8x10 frame has an image exposure area of 9x11. So, how do you folks use these frames for 8x10? Do you cut down 11x14 paper to fit in the frame, or do you use spacers to print on 8x10 paper? I do not know of any paper that comes in the 9x11 size, hence the question.
Sanjay....
i built my own 16x20 inch printing frame using maple wood. I allow me to expose 2 'slightly' enlarged 'digital' negatives
printed out onto Pictorico OH film for making my 'alt-photo' process prints (Mostly VDB) under my home built UV light source.