Gast
Hello
Meopta make a really affordable magnifying frame.
Has anyone had any experience with it? Is it good value for money (i.e. actually useful) or is it just cheap and, as you might expect...
Thanks for your help.
Gast
I haven’t had any problems with the Meopta frames so far. I’ve got both sizes and I’m happy with them. The frames are solidly built. I reckon they’ll last a lifetime.
The only potential issue might be the squareness. But other frames have that too (even more expensive ones!).
You should mark your formats on the frames; otherwise, it gets quite annoying if the frames are different widths. If you’re working on baryta paper, it’s not such a big deal, as you trim the edges anyway.
If absolute squareness is essential, nothing can be trimmed off, and you only use one or two formats, there are non-adjustable masks (frames). They consist of a base board and masks. One mask per format. It’s a bit pricey. Available from Phototec. Perhaps FOTOIMPEX stocks something similar too.
Regards
Andreas
cfb_de
Hi Martin,
I used to have the 18x24 frame from Meopta, but I wasn’t happy with it. It was too wobbly for my liking. I replaced it with a second-hand Kindermann frame in 20x30, which has two rails on both sides and can be adjusted to a right angle using a set square.
However, I rarely use it now either, as I’m now a grateful user of the Versamask mentioned earlier for my most frequently used formats (13x18, 18x24 and 30x40). In my opinion, there’s no better system.
Best regards,
Franz
Sandra
Hi Martin,
I’ve got the Meopta frame too, and it’s driving me up the wall. You can work with it, mind you, but in the long run I’m thinking of buying a better frame. As already mentioned, the problem with the frame not being square can be sorted out with a set square and some parcel tape.
What bothers me more, though, are the connections on the left and at the top. They aren’t properly secure, nor is the mask (I mean the metal rails) itself; it slips when I insert the paper, so I always have to check the fit with a red filter before I perform the exposure.
fotohuisrovo
Unfortunately, there isn’t a good, inexpensive solution.
As already mentioned, there’s the Versamask we discussed earlier. But, of course, those are fixed-size again. We can also recommend the Dunco enlargement frames (4 mask strips).
Leitz used to make some good ones in the past, and there are still a few American versions available.
Best regards,
Robert
Gast
Hello!
I own the large Meopta myself, and I can only advise everyone against this piece of rubbish (mind you: I’m very happy with my Meopta enlarger!); not only does the Meopta lack a right angle, but the edge adjustment is absolutely useless: either you tighten the screws so much that you can no longer adjust the edge width, or so loosely that it constantly adjusts itself (there’s nothing in between, and you shouldn’t fiddle with it too often, as the screw holes will eventually wear out). Furthermore, the frame can be moved 2–3 mm from left to right in its mounting – so repeatability and precise work are out of the question.
New enlargement frames are usually priced beyond the pale, and second-hand ones aren’t always cheap either – my insider tip: the English RR Beard Master Pro frames (also often sold under Photon Beard, RRB or Pelling & Cross); they’re usually available on eBay for around 50 euros, have a very good (though not infinitely variable, only step-adjustable) edge width adjustment system, a very sturdy, precise opening mechanism, and can be easily adjusted for squareness.
