Beseler 45 Mixing Chamber

Todd Barlow · Feb 25, 2006

I have a 45MXII with a 4x5 mixing chamber. I shoot both 35mm and 6x6 at this point. In your experience:

Is there a significant reduction in exposure times for 35mm?
Is there a significant reduction in exposure times for 6x6?
Are there alignment issues (always requiring an adjustment)?
Any other comments?

Thanks

Todd

Nick Zentena · Feb 25, 2006

I have a colour head on my CB-7 with the 4x5 mixing chamber. I've not seen any long times with 6x4.5 negatives. I haven't used it for much 35mm since getting it but it seems faster then my Durst 4x5. The Durst while slower then the Beseler had no problems with reasonable times for 35mm.

BTW I'm not sure what you're asking. The 4x5 box will increase your times some what. If you're asking if you should spend the money on the smaller boxes my answer would be only if you're having problems with the current one.

ann · Feb 25, 2006

we have found the exposures need to be increased.
How much is going to depend on other factors, magificant, density of negatives, etc.

Photo Engineer · Feb 25, 2006

With my Beseler 45s, I find about a 1 stop speed difference between mixing chambers. So that if I am enlarging a 35mm negative and use a 6x7 chamber, I open up one stop and if I use a 4x5 chamber I open up 2 stops. That depends as well on what Ann said above. It varies from 1/2 to 1 stop depending.

In all, the exposure times are so reasonable that I often leave in the 4x5 chamber for everything.

PE

Papa Tango · Feb 25, 2006

The Can's Go Round

I have all three mixing chambers, and often just leave the 4x5 in for large and 6x6. The 35mm one does shorten the time, and allows me to close down the lens a little more.

jeroldharter · Feb 25, 2006

I just use the 4x5 chamber for everything. The exposure times are increased for smaller film formats, especially for 35 mm but that is not a bad thing. It allows me to open up the lens a little for smaller film formats and use a more optimal aperture. If I make 8x10's from 4x5 negative, I have to stop the lens down to f22 to get a usable exposure time. The lamp is very bright. On the other hand, if you are making 20 x 24 Cibachrome prints from 35 mm negative, then the proper mixing chamber might be worth it.

Papa Tango · Feb 25, 2006

jeroldharter said:
I just use the 4x5 chamber for everything. The exposure times are increased for smaller film formats, especially for 35 mm but that is not a bad thing. It allows me to open up the lens a little for smaller film formats and use a more optimal aperture.

Jerold, mine does just the opposite. What head are you using?

jeroldharter · Feb 25, 2006

Pragmatist said:
Jerold, mine does just the opposite. What head are you using?

Dichro 45S.

Papa Tango · Feb 25, 2006

OOPS, didnt read that right. Thought you were saying the 35 can made for a longer exposure... Duh

Beseler 45 Mixing Chamber

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