8x10 enlarger alternatives

[John Kasaian]

I know there is/was an 8x10 head available for Beseler 45s and Zone VI 5x7 enlargers. Has anyone used these? How do you like them?

 

[ic-racer]

I think one of the keys to success with the Beseler is mounting a 240mm lens.

 

[jp80874]

I know there is/was an 8x10 head available for Beseler 45s and Zone VI 5x7 enlargers. Has anyone used these? How do you like them?

Let me preface by saying that I have no personal experience with this unit. When looking for an 8x10 enlarger 4-5 years ago I was warned, by a source I can not remember, that this Beseler conversion was top heavy and easily tipped over. If pursuing this avenue I would simply keep this caution in mind and explore whether there is a way to bolt the head to the wall.

I ended up buying a Durst 138S Aristo Cold light conversion that Michael Mutmansky had built. It’s post is bolted to the concrete block wall of my basement darkroom. Pictures in my gallery. Ic-Racer wrote the book over on the LF forum on restoring the next larger size Durst.

John Powers