Whats the difference between a large format camera & an enlarger?

[tropicpine]

Originally Posted by venchka

Ilford makes large contrast filters.

I found these on freestyle. Unfortunately the filter sets stop at 6x6". Larger filters are $30 a pop. Ouch.

Could two grade 1 filters be sandwiched to make a higher grade filter? <insert laughter here>

[venchka]

Try it and see.

[KJ Smith]

No, it won't work.

But you can try if you want.

[tropicpine]

I believe Hank mentioned issues with filters placed after the lens. Does anyone know what these issues are?

[wclavey]

If the filters are scratched or marked, then they may show as blurred areas on the pictures.

[tropicpine]

If scratches are the only issue and given that filters 5x7" or larger are $30 a piece (vs $30 per set for smaller filters) I tihink I'll contine with my original plan of adapting a set of contrast filters to my Cokin P series filter holder.

[wclavey]

I have a set of 6"x6" contrast filters that I used when printing 4x5 contact prints, before I got an enlarger - - I laid the filter right on top off the glass cover on the printing frame. I treated them carefully, lightly dusted them with an anti-static brush, and they worked well. I had no problems with scratches - - I had much bigger problems with imperfections and tiny scratches in the glass cover of the printing frame... So I would not let that issue scare you away from doing it... could it happen? Absolutely! Can you be careful and reduce the likelihood? Absolutely!

Now that I use an enlarger as a light source, I use the small filters above the lens. You are welcome to borrow the large ones if you would like to try it out...

[tropicpine]

I created this by:
1. setting my exposure meter to f1
2. in total darkness (except for enlarger light) measure exposure of enlarger light from under grided ground glass
3. set enlarger timer
4. in total darkness(enlarger turned off), lay negative emulsion up on base board
5. Lay ground glass, gridlines down, on top of negative and trip enlarger timer.

This Grided Negative, when placed into the Enlarger Back, allows me to ensure that I am not producing a distorted negative. Distortions can be guaged by measuring the outer edges of the grid projected to the enlarger base board.

Another use I have found for this is that it much easier to focus on the grid than on the negative I tried yesterday.

[venchka]

Cool. Square & plumb is the way to go. They make enlarger alignment devices.