Is it possible to make cheap, large-scale photo transparencies?

T

Tuolumne

Veteran
Local time
1:19 PM
Joined
Feb 12, 2007
Messages
3,005
Location
The Negev, Israel
View My Gallery
I really like large photo transparencies, but the largest I can easily make is with slide film and a 6x9 rangefinder, which isn't really all that big. Has anyone ever tried printing on overhead or inkjet transparency stock? Are the results any good?

/T
 
I'd like to know this as well. I'd like to create a big lightbox installation with a big transparency. I bet there are ways to do this as it's used commercially for things like bus stops and such. WOuld be great if someone had a source or some experience doing it.
 
I think I recall the Kodak product was called Duratrans and was processed through a normal RA4 machine. This product was a colour-print type of emulsion, on a clear or opal estar base. A quick check on the Kodak site suggests that it was replaced by a product called Endura. Have fun.
 
Last edited:
Inkjet printing onto transparency doesn't give very saturated colours- the brighter the light source behind, the less saturated they become. The inks are not designed to work that way.

You can get enlargements done at labs that use lightjet printers which are transparent- e.g. using Kodak Enduratrans stock. These papers are processed like normal photographic paper, and give better colour saturation than inkjet printed transparency.

I think transparenct prints look much better than paper prints- they are like looking into a window to another place. The problem is the requirement for a good even light source behind them. I've often thought of mounting a light box on the wall, and having easily changable transparent prints to put over it.

The biggest collection of these prints that I've seen is the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year winner gallery at the Natural History Museum in London. Every year they print all the winners and commended entries (normally around 100) onto transparency that are about 24x16".
 
The Kodak Enduratrans stock seems very expensive, plus it sounds like you have to get it processed at a pro lab with special equipment. How much would an 11x14 (or some such size) cost on Enduratrans? Also, I was hoping I could get something to use at home. I'm a big fan of home inkjet photo printing. Are there any special inks, perhaps, that would let you do this better than the standard inkjet inks?

/T
 
nightfly said:
I'd like to know this as well. I'd like to create a big lightbox installation with a big transparency. I bet there are ways to do this as it's used commercially for things like bus stops and such. WOuld be great if someone had a source or some experience doing it.
Click to expand...

About 5 years ago I bought a museum grade transparency (about 20x24) of a Hubbel telescope shot, & built a lightbox. The transparency was about US$400 & in retrospect I always thought I should have just bought a huge TV/monitor & sent a computer image to it.

Obviously, not an answer to your question, but I think a relavent comment.

robert
 
These are commonly used for trade-show booths, because backlit transparencies have more "pop" than reflective art and allow exhibitors to stand out from their competition. Google for "Fujitrans lightjet".
 
I was wondering if the OP was considering BW transparencies, because you can print a negative onto a large sheet of graphic arts film (like Freestyle's APHS) and the materials are inexpensive. Of course, you need an enlarger setup.

~Joe
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom