Custom easel for 20x24 prints

MikeN · Mar 7, 2018

Hi Everyone,

While looking for equipment that can handle 20x24 prints I was somehow shocked about easel prices for that size. I looked for alternatives and came up with this:

So I'm wondering how you guys handle that size. Do you use proper (damn expansive) easels or do you also have custom solutions?

Thanks

gorbas · Mar 7, 2018

Like it! Well done!

photog_ed · Mar 7, 2018

Very nice! I’ve been eyeing the high prices of 20x24 easels, too. They’re going for about $500 used on the big auction site. I’ve already been thinking about making one.

I like the focus knob extension, too.

Ed

fdonadio · Mar 7, 2018

I’m definitely making me one of these when I need a big easel.

jvo · Mar 7, 2018

a craftsman!!! woodworker and darkroom aficionado, as well! thanx.

1kgcoffee · Mar 7, 2018

Foamboard with tape?

It's a beautiful easel, but I'm lazy and have such little free time to even print.

Steve Goldstein · Mar 8, 2018

Very nice. Do you have any sketches? I'm a bit unclear about the strips you inserted just before the exposure, do they fit under a lip in the top frame, or are they just weights to hold the paper down, or ???

Nice use of clamps, too. That focus extension is brilliant, and I also noted the clamp holding the hose in what appears to be your print washer. Did you simply mount a drain into the side of the tray?

Renato Tonelli · Mar 8, 2018

A very elegant solution.

Stephen Prunier · Mar 8, 2018

Looks really nice. I'll definitely be making mine when the time comes.

MikeN · Mar 9, 2018

@all: Thanks for the feedback!

photog_ed said:
They’re going for about $500 used on the big auction site.

True, and it's very hard to find a used one.

Steve Goldstein said:
I'm a bit unclear about the strips you inserted just before the exposure, do they fit under a lip in the top frame, or are they just weights to hold the paper down, or ???

They are metal ones just spending some weights to keep the paper down . I was also thinking to use a metal frame instead of a mat board/passepartout but the current solution works very well.

Steve Goldstein said:
Did you simply mount a drain into the side of the tray?

Yes, as simple as that .

tedr1 · Mar 9, 2018

I use a plain picture frame with the glass removed. If the image is cropped I make a custom mask using thin card that slips above the printing paper.

mshchem · Mar 9, 2018

I'm a Saunders easel addict. So you know my answer. I walked away from a Vacuum easel for an enormous process camera, 4x5 foot. That was a good call. I very rarely print over 11x14 so you are wise!

mshchem · Mar 9, 2018

MikeN said:
Hi Everyone,

While looking for equipment that can handle 20x24 prints I was somehow shocked about easel prices for that size. I looked for alternatives and came up with this:

So I'm wondering how you guys handle that size. Do you use proper (damn expansive) easels or do you also have custom solutions?

Thanks

Outstanding, better to spend your $ on those nice timers than a huge easel. Beautiful work start to finish.

M Carter · Mar 10, 2018

I cut a window in black posterboard - t-square and fresh exacto blade, very clean. Tape it (hinge-style) to the baseboard and use lines of tape to align the paper. I have a couple aluminum framing squares that I rest on top of it. Works fine - as much as I'd like a legit easel (they have one for $450 at the local used photo store) I think this will do for now. As far as the final print goes, it's perfect, you'd never know it was so simple.

Custom easel for 20x24 prints

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