Modifying 35mm carrier for full frame - Anybody?

[Tim Gray]

Well I have a Beseler 23C, so I just search for 'Beseler carrier'. That seems to show the most options. I have to weed out the models for other enlargers, but it's usually not *that* many. If you know the model number, that might help too, but they aren't always listed by model number.

[ic-racer]

I'd get another standard holder and file one of them to a larger size. When the file marks are included in the print they are a unique identifier for your prints.

If you are not interested in showing the file marks, but just want the black border, a glass carrier is nice.

[holmburgers]

The model I want is the Beseler carrier #6738, as opposed to 6737 for the non-FF one. I may just buy another **37 & experiment on that, or I found a FF for a considerably more reasonable price at collectiblecameras.com. We'll see.

[Colin Corneau]

You can't go wrong filing out a carrier. If you get far enough to get sprocket holes, you can crop them out (to get just the black frame edge) with your paper easel.

Be sure to sandpaper it smooth as glass afterwards - you don't want sharp metal edges scratching your negs. I've done several now and it's easy as pie - an hour or so work, tops.

[holmburgers]

well if you say so ;)

[Mike1234]

Just take your time and don't F it up. Remove a little at a time and you'll do fine. Filing/sanding is easy. I can nearly assure you that it's faster than trying to FIND a FF holder. Heck, even if you DO F it up (you WON'T) then just buy another standard carrier. :)

[awldune]

If you are not especially technically demanding, you might play around with a 645 carrier. If you tape the negative to the carrier then flatness is less of an issue. I've used a 6x9 carrier to print two 35mm frames (with sprockets) on the same print.

[Mike1234]

There are some good ideas floating about in this thread by well-intended posters. However... NOTHING will hold your film flatter or better aligned than an original carrier even if modified "slightly" to fit your needs. Cardboard, tape, etc., all okay... but they FLEX at least a little bit. I've tried those methods and they do work but flatness/alignment are ALWAYS better with carriers made to precisely fit your image.

[Tim Gray]

Just be careful filing. It will scratch your negative even if it looks really smooth. So have some old junk film that you can test first by rubbing it around, and go at it again with the superfine sandpaper.

[david James lee]

the ridiculous amount i paid for my 25x37mm leica carrier is worth every dollar. it has double anti-newton glass. i think you should buy it new.

[Mike1234]

Just be careful filing. It will scratch your negative even if it looks really smooth. So have some old junk film that you can test first by rubbing it around, and go at it again with the superfine sandpaper.

Yes, exactly correct. This is the reason for follow-up with increasingly finer sandpaper 360 through 1000 grit especially on the edge that meets the film. Final sanding is with a very light touch. Then paint the edges flat black.

[holmburgers]

I'm gonna go for it DIY. I can't imagine 2 mm is gonna make any difference in the ability to hold my film flat and I think it's absurd to spend even $50 for two pieces of metal (yes, that is oversimplistic).

Thanks to everyone who's contributed!