Hello--Hope someone can help me with some problems I have been having with using Ilford multigrade glossy to make 11x14 negative prints by contact printing of enlarged 11x14 positive prints, also the same Ilford [positives originally made from 35mm negs using Plus-X film]. The problem is that areas of the negative print come out "smushed"---as if rubbed with vaseline, or even out of focus. I use a fairly solid piece of glass or contact printer that locks the sheets securely in place. The problem occurs about 75% of the time, and the areas that appear "smushed" or out-of-focus sometimes changes places.

Appreciate any help on this! Thanks!--------Rosalie Frost

-- rosalie frost (einczig@yahoo.com), May 11, 2002

Answers

You need really good contact, and might have to make something to get it. I use a wooden frame for such things that clamps the glass on both ends. Then you need a soft rubber, felt, or whatever, pad under the paper or neg. Look for an old fashioned contact frame. They usually have a backup piece that consists of several pieces of wood, hinged together, with a separate spring on each one. That's how they get good contact all over. If you have fuzzy areas, it almost has to be a contact problem.

-- Conrad Hoffman (choffman@rpa.net), May 11, 2002.

You might benefit from using the old style wood contact printing frames. eBay is a good place to find one though you might need to refinish, get new glass(something you end up doing every now & then anyway) and put new felt on the pressure side of the back. Easy to do in all cases. If you want one new check with Great Basin or Bostick & Sullivan. The Great Basin contact printing frames are some of the finest made today. You might want to step back & look at it more than use it, they are than pretty. Bostick & Sullivan will cost a bit less and not look as beautiful. Both work well. Your description sounds as if you are getting air bells or bubbles between the negative & paper so the contact is not complete. You might try letting the negative 'settle' a bit after making the sandwich, though if you are getting this often it probably won't make much difference. Getting one of the old style contact printers should make for a much better and more consistent result.

-- Dan Smith (shooter@brigham.net), May 12, 2002.

Here is a source for contact printing frames:

http://www.photoformulary.com/

chris

-- Christian Harkness (chris.harkness@eudoramail.com), May 12, 2002.

Rosalie - try making your paper negatives with a positve print that is not completly dry. When I make paper negatives, I start with a RC positive. After fixing and washing the positive, I just wipe off the excess moisture from the print with a paper towel, and carefully place it, emusion side to emulsion side, in contact with another piece of paper. I place a heavy (1/4 inch thick) piece of glass over the two papers, and expose. Your problem sounds like poor contact between the two papers. Hope this helps.

-- Dwane (dwane@netnitco.net), May 13, 2002.