Inglis or Radeka?

[Mike Lyons]

Hi to all. Can anyone give me opinions of the pros and cons of the masking kits (negative carriers and pin registration kits) from both Alistair Inglis and Lyn Radeka? Both seem pretty comprehensive, particularly the info kit from Radeka, but has anyone who has used them have any comments? Thanks in advance.
Regards- Mike

 

[Donald Miller]

I purchased Radekas previous incarnation of his masking system. I realize that he has upgraded things a bit since then. His guidance in technique was good in the system that I bought. His hardware sucked pretty badly and thus I ended up doing my own design and modifications to allow pin registration for masking.

I have heard very good things about the other system that you mention. I have no experience with it personally. I imagine that you will find that Radeka's system will be less expensive but I would really check into things like what the guaranteed departure from true registration would be in repeated removals and insertions of film into the negative holder and negative holder into the negative stage of the enlarger.

I would want a guaranteed departure of no more the three one thousands of an inch. That means a total of no more then three one thousands of an inch throughout the entire spectrum of film into negative holder and negative holder into negative stage of the enlarger. That is a very tight tolerance and is required for good results in sharp masking techniques. Whomever would guarantee me that degree of precision would be who I would purchase from irregardless of cost.

 

[hortense]

Alistair Inglis' masking system is, by far, the best. Radeka's device don't even compare (I've seen them and talked to him). However, is "how to" written material is great. I've used Inglis' system for a long time and can attest to its perfection.

 

[Mike Lyons]

O.K, thanks for the advice- I'll take it on board.
Regards- Mike

 

[GreyWolf]

Hi Mike,

I also can confirm that Alistair Inglis's system is very well made. I did a review with pictures on Tuan's LF site should you wish to check it out.

Kind Regards,

 

[Paddy]

Mike; while I've not yet purchased his unsharp mask kit, I can attest to the quality of his production methods. I've met Alistair a number of times, and had extensive discussions about his products. He's passionate and knowledgable about what he does. His product quality is very high, as are his machining skills/tolerances. BTW, he also makes a great dye/dodge mask kit too.

He's also supplied his masking kit to a number of very well known shooters in the States.