Contact Printing Frame

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James Bleifus

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My Photographer's Formulary contact frame is failing rapidly. I just ordered a $160 frame from another company which arrive broken (the wood, oddly enough, not the glass) and apparently from the company's terse reply, they're interested in having me return the frame rather than exchange it for a new one. So, where should I get a new frame that is affordable? Thanks!

Cheers,

James
 

glbeas

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It's hard to imagine what would fail in something so simple. Can you describe the problem? There may be a way to salvage your old frame.
 
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James Bleifus

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The hinges themselves are failing (which, judging by other posts I've seen since buying the frame, is a common problem with the Formulary's frame). They twist in strange directions when I open them and fall off if I'm not careful. Working in the darkroom is becoming painful because my fingers are getting bruised from having to manhandle the hinges. After some research I'm leaning towards the Bostick and Sullivan frame. It looks easy (and painless!) to use and is nearly identical to the broken frame I just received. If anyone has feedback on that frame please let me know.

Cheers,

James
 

PaulH

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Hudson, New
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I have the Bostck & Sullivan 16x20 frame. It is a much better frame than the Formulary one, which I have in 8x10. For contact printing Azo, up to 8x20, I use 2 pieces of 1/4 inch plate glass.
 

photomc

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Jeremy

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I have a 16x20 contact frame from Doug Kennedy that is fantastic and a great deal.
 
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galyons

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May 27, 2003
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I purchased an 11x14 frame from squekykleen. Very solidly built to last a lifetime of printing. I would highly recommend.

Cheers,
Geary
 
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James Bleifus

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galyons said:
I purchased an 11x14 frame from squekykleen. Very solidly built to last a lifetime of printing. I would highly recommend.

Cheers,
Geary

Ah, yes. Now I remember these. I guess my only problem is I wish he had a "buy it now" price because I would. I'm not sure that I can suffer with my current frame for another couple of weeks. Maybe, though . . .

Cheers,

James
 
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James Bleifus

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Aug 18, 2004
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Currently Thailand
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PaulH said:
I have the Bostck & Sullivan 16x20 frame. It is a much better frame than the Formulary one, which I have in 8x10. For contact printing Azo, up to 8x20, I use 2 pieces of 1/4 inch plate glass.

Paul, Thanks for the info. I considered going with two panes of glass but I'm too clumsy and would probably break them. I'm going to research another day but I think your endorsement of B&S has convinced me to get their frame.

Cheers,

James
 

wfwhitaker

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James M. Bleifus said:
...So, where should I get a new frame that is affordable?

Doug Kennedy has made some fine contact printing frames and hopefully still does. I don't know if he's still in business, but this link, Dead Link Removed, appears to be active and has contact information. I have two of his frames, 8x10 and 11x14, in cherry and am very pleased.
 

John Kasaian

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FWIW, I've had excellent luck with a heavy glass table top from either Cost Plus or Pier One Imports(its been so long I can't remember where I bought the thing!)
 

Jeremy

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Sorry, it was Doug Kennedy. I purchased my frame in the past 6 months so he is probably still making them. It's fantastic and I have no problems with it other than operator error--dropped the glass while cleaning it and put a chip in the corner! The chip doesn't interfere with operation so I haven't replaced it.


Note: William pointed you in the right direction for Mr. Kennedy's frames.
 

colrehogan

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May 11, 2004
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St. Louis, M
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I have a B&S 11x14 frame and I think it's fine for use up to 8x10 (which is as big as I print).
 

glbeas

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James M. Bleifus said:
The hinges themselves are failing (which, judging by other posts I've seen since buying the frame, is a common problem with the Formulary's frame). They twist in strange directions when I open them and fall off if I'm not careful. Working in the darkroom is becoming painful because my fingers are getting bruised from having to manhandle the hinges. After some research I'm leaning towards the Bostick and Sullivan frame. It looks easy (and painless!) to use and is nearly identical to the broken frame I just received. If anyone has feedback on that frame please let me know.

Cheers,

James
Quite likely a piano hinge will do to replace the bad hinge. I'm assuming this is on the pressure pad inside the frame. Lay it on your workbench flat and unmount the old hinge, then lay the new one over the joint and mark new holes from the piano hinge. Drill and mount the new hinge and you should be back in business. Piano hinges are made to be cut to size so you don't have to have an exact match.
 
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James Bleifus

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Aug 18, 2004
Messages
375
Location
Currently Thailand
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Digital
Thanks everyone for the advice. Gary, I don't see myself fixing the Photographer's Formulary frame but I appreciate your hints. I think I'm going to follow Will and Jeremy's advice and order the the Doug Kennedy frame.

Cheers,

James
 
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