Crystallisation of membrane proteins as a precursor to high resolution structural studies is a significant research bottleneck. We are investigating alternative methods to achieve low to medium resolution structural studies. One approach we are investigating involves spreading at the air/liquid interface OmpF from vesicles to form stable Langmuir films which can then be manipulated using standard surface methods and deposited as ordered monolayers onto solid substrates. We have promising data from the first stage of this process, that is, films at the air liquid interface. Using a range of contrast variation this proposal will enable characterisation of the dimensions and relative proportions of subphase, lipid and protein in the layer.