Contact Printing Frame

James Bleifus · Jan 11, 2005

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 · Jan 11, 2005

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.

James Bleifus · Jan 11, 2005

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 · Jan 11, 2005

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 · Jan 11, 2005

I have one of the PF 8x10 frames and it is a bit of a pain...have had my I on one of these since someone here on APUG posted a link, http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3865320732&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

the user-id for this guy is sneakykeen, do a search or see the link. Price does not seem out of line and the look well made. Does anyone have one that could comment?

Jeremy · Jan 11, 2005

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

galyons · Jan 11, 2005

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

Cheers,
Geary

James Bleifus · Jan 11, 2005

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

James Bleifus · Jan 11, 2005

Jeremy Moore said:
I have a 16x20 contact frame from Brian Kennedy that is fantastic and a great deal.

Jeremy, I don't know who Brian Kennedy is. Can you offer more info?

Cheers,

James

James Bleifus · Jan 11, 2005

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 · Jan 12, 2005

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 · Jan 12, 2005

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!)

galyons · Jan 12, 2005

James,
Give Steve a try, if you are interested, directly through stephen.keen@comcast.net . I pitched him to join apug and become a sponsor. Your interest may help sway!

Cheers,
Geary

Jeremy · Jan 12, 2005

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 · Jan 12, 2005

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 · Jan 12, 2005

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.

James Bleifus · Jan 12, 2005

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

Contact Printing Frame

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