Modifying 35mm carrier for full frame - Anybody?

[holmburgers]

Howdy,

I've got a Beseler 35 Printmaker (yippee) and with it came the standard 35mm holder. I've never understood why one would want to crop the negative in the first place (yes, I know, aspect ratios), I mean, 35mm is small enough, might as well squeeze an extra mm out of it!, RIGHT!? Regardless, it's my desire to have a full frame holder.

So, in lieu of spending $80 for a FF holder, I'd like to modify my current one. Has anyone ever done this? What tools, methods do you recommend?

I have access to a Dremel, and could buy the necessary bits.

Thanks y'all

Chris H.

[bdial]

You probably don't need to remove very much metal, a file, or even sandpaper will be better than a dremel. If you have a vice for holding it, that would be good. Just remove metal from all four sides of the opening, until you get it to the size you want.
If you do it with sandpaper wrap the paper around a small piece of wood or something so it stays flat. 180 or 220 grit would probably work well, and maybe finish it off with some 400.
The aluminum will load up the file, a wire brush or a file card will help to clean it out some.

[fotch]

If using a file, chalk it first to keep materiel from sticking in the grooves. Do this regardless of material your filing.

[holmburgers]

cool, that sounds very doable. thanks

[Jon Shiu]

Hi, file out each side separately, with a bevel from the outside. Smooth everything out so the negs won't get scratched. Have a scrap neg to put in as you are filing, to gauge the border. Paint the border with flat black paint (or not if you want a more messy border effect).

I've actually made a full-frame carrier for 35mm and 6x4.5 for the Beseler out of mat board before.

Jon

[holmburgers]

what kind/grade of file would you recommend? right now i've either got a rasp or a finger nail file. i'm thinking i'll need to split the difference, eh?

[perkeleellinen]

When I filed out a carrier I used small Swiss files, they were good for getting into the corners. You probably only need to take off 1mm.

http://www.rescuepearl.com/6-pc.file-set.jpg

[Jon Shiu]

I used a flat mill file and then finished off with a small automotive "points" file. It takes a surprisingly long time to file it out.

Jon

[holmburgers]

thanks guys. Sounds like a "free night and some beers" type of project.

[richard ide]

Easier if you only file 2 sides. The amount it will be off center won't matter.