Can someone recommend a not too expensive printing frame manufacturer here, in Europe? I will print maximum size of 13x19".

The one (http://www.argentumcamera.com/eng/pages/other/catalogues.htm) (manufacturer) I know is pretty expensive. (But they goods are premium quality - Remember it's a once in a lifetime purchase...) What about surfing ebay? You may find pretty nice vintage frames for good prices...

BTW there's Lotus Cameras (http://www.lotusviewcamera.at/accessories/contactprintingframes_e.html) too. (Not cheap though...)

Thanks, i will ask Argentum for a quote. Lotus Cameras is way out of my league :) I've watched ebay for almost a year now and all i could found was zero. Either liliputan frames (3x4" or so) or larger but crappy ones.

What is your application for contact printing? For the first ten years of my platinum printing, I used a 5 cm (1/4") thick piece of glass.

I know they look really nice, but who besides you will know?

Wow, 1/4" glass will eat up a lot of UV, right? I'm using too a glass sandwich for the moment but I want to print a 13x19 later this year and i don't think that the plain glass will provide the uniform pressure for such a large paper/negative.

piticu - Accidentally deleted your PM yesterday. Please resend.

Thanks.

Piticu, both for heavy glass or split-back printing frame, it depends on paper and backing. Sometimes even my 11x14" (oversized, not exact dimensions) high quality B&S contact printing frame gives me unsharp spots. I'd suggest that you hunt (locally) for unwanted used vacuum frames. Sometimes they can be purchased for less money than a brand new well-built split back contact printing frame. OTOH, let me remind again: it's a once in a life purchase...