Beseler 23c -> 45 negative carriers

HI all,

I know there has been much written here already on the differences between Beseler 23 and 45 negative carriers. I have used both enlargers. I know the 45 carriers are larger than the 23's and aren't interchangeable - I just don't have any 45 carriers at hand right now to measure. I have a 23 with tons of negative holders from 110 to 6x9, and have a chance to pick up a 45 enlarger. Has anyone ever tried to make a 23 -> 45 negative carrier adapter (to use 23 carriers in a 45)? I would think all it would take would be a flat piece of opaque wood, plastic, or sheet metal cut to fit the 45 negative stage with a counterbored hole just larger than the the 23 carrier cut into the center. Put the 23 carrier into the adapter, then put the adapter into the 45 negative stage. Just curious if anyone else may have thought about this.

All the best,

Paul

The negative stage on the 4x5 is flat open on 3 sides. Personally I would try to find 45M carriers

I like the 23 carriers better for smaller formats and use those in my Beseler and Omega 4x5 enlargers. It just needs a flat plate with a hole in the middle for the centering ring on the 23 carriers, then something to center the adapter plate. I glued some plastic pieces on for the Omega adapter, but rivets or screw would probably work. I think Beseler may have made an adapter at one time.

I've 3D printed Beseler 45 carriers for some odd size negatives with success. This includes the locating studs for the lower part of the carrier. I'd need to know the diameter of the 67 locating ring and the diameter of the whole carrier to be sure, but an adapter should be simple.

But a piece of plywood or Masonite and a router to cut a circle would also do it.

Thanks for the help! I think I might give a plywood or masonite adapter a try. I will update here when I have some results to share.

All the best!

Paul

A quick look at my 45 suggests that you need to keep the total thickness of the carrier and adapter to under 12mm (probably better less) so that the clamp is on the closing spring. The total gape is wider.

I didn't think, but should mention that my recent Beseler experience is with the 45V-XL. It takes the same carriers as the older type but has a head lift more like an Omega. I've had several of the 45MX type, but it has been long enough that I don't recall what carriers I used.

It would probably be a good idea to mention the model enlarger you're looking at. Sorry if I missed mention of that.

Hello @pdccamerqs have a look at this web site
he 3-D printed 2 negative carriers for a Beseler 45MXT to hold glass plate negatives
He might be able to whip something up for you

Dan McGuire said:

Hello @pdccamerqs have a look at this web site

BitByBit Photo Store – Customized Film Photography and Darkroom Accessories

www.bitbybitphoto.com

he 3-D printed 2 negative carriers for a Beseler 45MXT to hold glass plate negatives
He might be able to whip something up for you

Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip Dan! I'll check it out!

Paul