contact printing frames

[JG Motamedi]

Doug Kennedy's frames are really top notch. They have a very well designed latch system. They are also relatively cheap; He made me a beautiful 15x18 frame for $135.

http://e.neilsen.home.att.net/dougkennedy.htm

The PF frames are junk. Don't waste your money.

[Jeremy]

Doug Kennedy's frames are really top notch. They have a very well designed latch system.

Yep, I'm even planning on having Doug change my PF frame over to his design some day.

[David]

They're expensive, but beautiful, well conceived and built. Lotus View Camera in Austria makes them. They have an aluminum inset on each side where the spring ends seat. The wood doesn't wear out, the glass is thicker and they seem to last forever.

[micek]

Thank you all for your replies, they have been very helpful.

[Neil Poulsen]

What are the outside dimensions of the Doug Kennedy 16x20 print frames? What's the largest sized paper they'll take? How tall are they?

[dr__red]

Can anybody comment on Paterson Contact Proof Printer? The one certainly doesn't look as glorious as above custom built wooden frames, but it is certainly robust. Also pivot glass construction seems more convenient than back spring load types. I'm mostly concerned of usability with 4x5 contacts so to speak

[doughowk]

Just received a 16X20 contact printing frame from Photo Formulary. I already have their 8X10 which I consider barely adequate; but their latest is much improved in workmanship. The back, for example, fits properly in the frame. Except for the snaps, which do seem to loosen up over time, I think their latest version is a good deal especially at only $78.

[wilsonneal]

I bought an 11x14 frame from Doug Kennedy which arrived the other day. Just a fantastic piece of equipment. I realize a contact frame is pretty simple, but this is well thought out and well made. The clamping system is very strong and elegant. The joints are very fine. AND, it bears mentioning, that the packaging for shipping was very thoughtful and well done. All around a very good experience.
Neal Wilson

[Charles Webb]

Interesting information! Few have stated their favorite woods for these frames to be made of. I personally am a Hard Rock Maple fan! My old Kodak 8x10 Maple frame is well over 100 yes old and still looks an performs well. Are the other woods Birch etc. as good?

Charlie......................

I have used a Patterson hinged glass proof printer for many years, while not in the spring back category the old device has performed very well for what I intended it to do.

[Formulary/Bud Wilson]

Well folks thanks for the comments on the Formulary frames. If any body has a Formulary printing frame that they are not happy with please let us know. We offer a full refund on any of our products if you are not happy with them.
Just for your information we have continuously sold 1000-1100 of these frames every year for over 10 years. We apparantly need some better QC on this product, but will continue to offer the least expensive contact printing frame on the market.
I must make one more comment for the sake of all of the companies that sell anything to anybody. If you have a problem with a product tell the company that sold it to you. Any company wants the customer happy and will strive to keep someone that way. Running down product on the internet without first talking to the producer, well you know what I mean.
Its a Great day for Chemistry.
Thanxs Bud