Beseler 45 MXT - value?

[-chrille-]

I am looking for a 4x5 enlarger and have come across an old Beseler 45 MXT. I have not seen it yet but the seller describes the enlarger as being in good working order. A bit dusty and a broken bellow that is repaired with tape. It includes color and condenser heads and a cold light. Does not include a lens. I will make an offer but have no idea what the value might be.

Any input what a Beseler 45 MXT might be worth?

 

[F4U]

You didn't state their asking price.

 

[-chrille-]

You didn't state their asking price.

No asking price. A bid was requested, hence my question.

 

[F4U]

I just noticed you're in Sweden. Being in the US, the markets do not compare. If it was in the US and I could make an hour or 2 drive to pick it up, i'd offer $250.

 

[-chrille-]

Thanks!

 

[GregY]

I am looking for a 4x5 enlarger and have come across an old Beseler 45 MXT. I have not seen it yet but the seller describes the enlarger as being in good working order. A bit dusty and a broken bellow that is repaired with tape. It includes color and condenser heads and a cold light. Does not include a lens. I will make an offer but have no idea what the value might be.

Any input what a Beseler 45 MXT might be worth?

I can't say what the value /desirability in Sweden might be, but I've used one for 20+ years. Getting multiple heads is a bonus. A real workhorse.

 

[F4U]

Don't take my advice. Wait for other responses. I didn't notice the part about the broken bellows. $250 might be high. A few years ago I bought a plain 45M with a Schneider 150mm lens for 50 dollars. It's not like there's a thousand other people in Sweden are beating the fellow's door down waving piles of cash in his face.

 

[grahamp]

The MXT has two bellows. The upper one, between the light source and negative stage only really comes in to play with the condensor head. Diffuser heads use the collapsed position. So issues with that section are minor. The lower bellows, film to lens, is used partially extended all the time, so light leaks are an issue

Negative holders are necessary. Lens panels are easily made, and enlarger lenses should be easily sourced.

Transport: Try to do it upright (take the head off) to keep the system on its tracks. You can unscrew the base board (have a container for the screws) if you want to reduce the weight.

Beselers are not 'native' to Europe/Scandinavia, so parts may have to be sourced internationally.

Do you intend using it for 4x5, roll film, or 35mm? If 4x5 is not on your horizon, something smaller might be a better choice.

The MXT is motorized. Check that it is correctly wired and suitable for your voltage. And make sure the motor works. Operating the head without power is not easy.

The manual says the shipping dimensions (unassembled) are 1,270 x 737 x 432mm, but the unit assembled without the head is 1,143mm high (just measured mine). All up weight around 25 kg.

'Color head' may just mean the condenser head has a filter drawer, or it might be a Dichro 45s or similar.

Value is really what you are prepared to pay for it, based on your need, what alternatives are available, and if you feel that you can fix any issues. (never mind if the seller says something is an easy fix - they have not done it, and they will not be doing it!).

 

[-chrille-]

Thanks for the advice! Yes, will only be used for enlarging of 4x5 negatives.

So, around 200 USD should be a fair price?

 

[koraks]

So, around 200 USD should be a fair price?

Valuation of items like these is always tricky business. But from my perspective, assuming that the Swedish market isn't all that different from around here, that would be in the ballpark. A lot depends on general condition, accessories included and local availability (or lack thereof) of alternatives. In the end it's of course mostly a matter of determining a price that both seller and buyer are OK with, regardless of what the rest of the world thinks.

4x5" enlargers are overall a lot less common in Europe than they are in the US, it seems. Insofar as they're around, they're mostly Durst.