Making a negative carrier 4 Durst 138

[Jersey Vic]

..actually some negative masks for a Nega138 carrier. Would black matboard be suitable for such a project when using a condensor head that will be used for long exposures ?

Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in Advance
Victor

 

[JLP]

Hi Vic,
I had the same thoughts when i purchased my 138 and i eneded up cutting a 5x7 sheet of film (Unexposed and undeveloped) to the smaller negative size that i am using. At least for 4x5 it will be the same thickness as the film you are enlarging. Works well for me.

jan

 

[Ole]

What format are you using, that there aren't original masks available?

 

[Jersey Vic]

I have alot of older negs that were my grandfathers images and they're 1/2 plate and 1/4 plate;
For my work I need 6x9 and 62mm x24 mm (Horizon 202)

I saw a 6x9 on ebay but for that much money I hope to make all of them.

 

[eli griggs]

You can make a very good negative carrier, especially for smaller formats, out of quality, medium/heavy weight mat-board. Hinge it with black paper tape and take a Sharpie to the cut edges of the window and black it out really well. Use a new razor or other blade to get the cleanest cuts possible and use a new one for each carrier you make.

Long exposures can be problematic regardless of carrier, mat board or metal, but in my experience the well made mat carrier is as good as a factory model for everyday usage.

Cheers

 

[dogzbum]

As my G139 only came with single glass carrier (5x7") I made a full set of glassless carriers (35mm, 645, 66, 612, 617, 4x5") from 3mm aluminium sheet. I wore out a couple of files but they're permanent, stable and don;t take long to make.

As an aside I also made a hot mirror (it was missing) at the front of the filter box from two sandwiched 3mm clear glass pieces with an air gap between them. Even with long exposures (up to 6 mins) I don't get heat accumulation at the negative.

 

[Jersey Vic]

Thanks Jan, Ole, Eli and DB; This is all very helpful informtion.

Be Well

Victor