glass for contact printing

[mando_morlos]

Is non reflective glass better for contanct printing?

[doug_paramore]

Mando: No. The non-reflective glass has a texture that will probably

show up on your prints. I can't see any advantage in trying to use

non-reflective glass. I got my glass at a local glass shop and asked

them to cut me a piece of pristine glass without any scratches. I

explained what I wanted it for and they were happy to help. It only

cost four dollars for a 14"x14" piece.

 

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Regards,

[sal_santamaura]

Actually, if you're having problems with newtons rings between the

film base and glass, AR coated glass could be beneficial. The "non

glare" glass Doug refers to is a completely different animal, and he's

correct that you shouldn't use it.

[mark_stevenson]

I bought a 20x24 contact printing frame for doing this size

negative from the formulary for $65 which uses standard window glass

and I've yet to notice a newton ring or any other problem except for

minor dust, which can easily be remedied, in any of the many prints

I've done. Mark

[josh2]

I would try to get the thicker 1/8th in thick instead of the standard

1/4 in. Its always been my experience the 1/4 is not heavy to hold

the glass flush against the neg.-J

[erik_gould1]

ordinary glass is fine, and i think josh has it backwards: 1/4" glass

would of course be heavier than 1/8". I have 1/8" in my contact frames

and its not a problem, but i do like a heavier glass for roll film

contact sheets, esp. through the sleeves.

[jan_eerala1]

I've always had problems with newton rings in contact printing. Now I

have a plastic filmsleever taped to the glass and I'm printing with

the film inside it. The problem with this is that there's eight(!)

surfaces collecting dust. An AN glass can't be used because the

pattern will be printed through. What is the AR glass Sal mentioned?

Is it a sandblasted glass, like a GG?

[sal_santamaura]

Jan, it's anti-reflection (AR) coated glass. The same AR coatings

used on lenses. Available for use in picture framing. I've also

heard some say that there are sources of optical quality AR coated

glass sheets, but don't know where they might be.

[josh2]

My bad it should be 3/8ths not 1/8th. I dont even think there is a

1/8th. oops.-J