Beseler 45 MXT, my new Baby

DraganB

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Hi Friends,

I am very proud owner of a Beseler 45MXT with a Aristo Cold Light Head ,

Just need to fit it into my little Bathroom.

The base board is bent, nett to put some weight on top to straighten it.

cant wait to work with it.



 

jk0592

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This is a wonderful enlarger, very versatile.
 

xkaes

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That baseboard doesn't look too bent to me, but if you want to straighten it, I would not get it wet. Some might suggest that. The baseboard has four bolt holes, so you can bolt it to the frame to get it straight.

Good to see that you have a manual.
 

grahamp

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It may pay to do an alignment check to ensure that the enlarger is engaging the two tracks properly. It it is out of alignment, or the back braces are not correctly adjusted, the frame can appear slightly warped.

If these enlargers are transported, especially not upright and with the right precautions, the gears can jump the track. An MX or MXT manual will have the instructions. You really need the instructions - there is a spring in the frame that you do not want to disturb by accident, but other wise the alignment process is straightforward.
 

Alan9940

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I've been using a Beseler 45MX for 45 years and it works as well today as the day I received it. I've moved through a few light sources over the years, starting with a simple Aristo cold light to nowadays an Aristo VC cold light system. Great enlarger that will provide years of service. Enjoy!
 

xkaes

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grahamp said:
It may pay to do an alignment check to ensure that the enlarger is engaging the two tracks properly. It it is out of alignment, or the back braces are not correctly adjusted, the frame can appear slightly warped.
Click to expand...

You can determine if in fact the baseboard is warped by putting on a flat surface, like a table. If it is not warped, then the enlarger head/frame is out of whack -- as suggested above. That's not an unusual occurrence. The gear sprockets may need re-alignment -- which as explained is in the user manual that you fortunately have.
 

Rick A

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I'm sure you'll love it once it's set up. I've been using this one for years.

 
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DraganB

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hi,

it looks like its really a good enlarger, it feels very solid.

i did manage to put it into my second bathroom and was trying to put the lens on the lensboard and find out its not working, only when i remove the back group from the lens i can "mount" it like some big LF Lenses are mounted. its wobbly i dont think its the right way. there is no thread on the lensboard only a 39mm hole, on the lens there is a 50mm thread.

do i really need to serach for a new lebsboard?


 

xkaes

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Several Rodagon lenses had 50mm threads. You need a lensboard that has a 50mm opening (Beseler #8037 -- with light port, or #8031 -- without light port). You'll also need a locking ring for the back side of the lens board. I don't see one in the photos. That might be harder to find that the lensboard.

The lensboard you have looks odd -- off-center -- and maybe with an odd 37mm hole?
 
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Rick A

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I have an adapter to make that lens fit an M39 lensboard. I use the same lens on my enlarger but I have the correct board.
 
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DraganB

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Rick A said:
I have an adapter to make that lens fit an M39 lensboard. I use the same lens on my enlarger but I have the correct board.
Click to expand...


found this one and just ordered, hope i am lucky, cant wait until everything is setup and i can print finally.


 

mshchem

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You have a MXT, the latest version. The M motor, X extra tall, T turret.

What you are showing is the adapter plate that is standard that adapts the regular 4x4 inch Beseler lens boards. What you have is an adapter.

When you remove the adapter from the enlarger you can mount a 3 lens turret (50mm, 80mm, 105mm for example)

The turrets are available new, very expensive, and used prices vary.

The 4x4 lens boards work great with your adapter.

The way this fits, the hole is centered correctly in the bellows
 

mshchem

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I've got several turrets I've picked up over the years, used usually no more than $100. The 4x4 boards work great and are not complicated.

Some lenses require short extension tubes to function on the turret. Larger beautiful lenses like the 150mm Rodagons and early El-Nikkors work best on a 4 inch board with a lens flange mounted on the board.
 

mshchem

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CORRECTION. YOU HAVE AN ADAPTER WITH A (39MM OPENING) LENS BOARD INSTALLED. YOU CAN SIMPLY REMOVE THIS BOARD AND REPLACE IT WITH YOUR NEW BOARD.
 
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DraganB

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waiting for the lensboard i cut a new base board and aligned the negative stage to the board with two mirrors
 

Tom Taylor

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I wouldn't put it in the bathroom if you can avoid it. I put my MXT in a corner of the bedroom where it is completely out of the way and invisible from the hall. and a black-out curtain on the window. You can set-up the wet side in the bathroom and use a paper safe/tank to transport the exposed sheet for developing.
 
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