Beseler 45 S Color Head transplant

[Greenbergst]

I have gotten myself into a pickle here and if I don't act quickly my wife may murder me. I got my hands on a Beseler 45 S Color enlarger but it is on this chasis http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3994-REG/Beseler_8545_02_45V_XL_Enlarger_Chassis_Only.html

This chassis is way to large for my apartment but I also have a 23C on this chassis http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._XL_Variable_Contrast_Black.html/prm/alsVwDtl

Is is possible to put the 45 on the smaller chassis?

Also, is it practical to make the 45 my only enlarger? I currently use a 67S. I do 35mm 6x7 and now hopefully 4x5

 

[bdial]

Many things are possible. But mounting the head on the 23C column is probably not practical.
If the height of the column is the problem, you could eliminate the base board and wall mount it, or mount the column base below whatever counter surface you have. Those solutions will require varying amounts of carpentry though.

As a bit of a last resort you could shorten the column, but that would be a problem if you get into a larger space and want the full height again.

 

[Greenbergst]

carpentry is not an option, I am in a NYC apartment (specifically a bathroom) that I will be moving out of in a years time. I will be primarily printing 11x14 and never bigger than 16x20.

 

[angusparkengusparker]

I have some experience with most of the kit you mention. Wall mounting really is the only way you are going to get the Beseler V-XL to work in a room with regular height ceilings. While the head won't work on the 23C it will work on a Beseler 45MXT. That enlarger is a lot smaller and lighter than the V-XL and is fairly easy to find for under $100 in most metro areas. It will get you 11x14 prints for sure. You can do 35, 120 and 4x5 although exposure times may increase with the smaller formats.

The Beseler 45S is a nice affordable color head, sort of a B+. Moving up to an 'A' would need a larger enlarger like a 4x5 Durst or Devere. The Beseler V-XL is not quite the same quality as the brands mentioned above and the metal holding the bellows up from the chassis is a definite weak point. Still people like them because parts are easy to find. I'd sell it and get the 45MXT if you want to do 4x5, otherwise keep your current enlarger for 35 and 120.

 

[Greenbergst]

The enlarger market in NYC is not great. I have 3 enlargers right now and I need that number to go to 1 (2 at most) and that 45 Chassis has to go away in any situation. The space is simply not there, my wife would murder me. A darkroom I work at has a 45 mounted to the 45MXT chassis so I know that is an option but finding that chassis here is not something that I would count on happening soon if at all. I realize that what I am asking about it far from optimal but I need the 4x5, 6x7, 35mm capabilities in as little equipment as possible and I don't mind if it means a 60% stable Frankenlarger.

 

[Neal]

Dear Greenbrgst,

- Put the enlarger and chassis in storage for a year. Buy a cheap Omega D2 and wait the year out.
- Put the enlarger in storage and go Dead Link Removed for printing 4x5.
- Use the Ilford darkroom finder for other options.
- Put the enlarger on a rolling cart. Store it next to a chair in the living room and use it as an end table and reading lamp. ;-)

Good luck,

Neal Wydra

 

[jerrybro]

PM sent.

 

[fotch]

....Also, is it practical to make the 45 my only enlarger? I currently use a 67S. I do 35mm 6x7 and now hopefully 4x5

Absolutely, it is all you need. If its to tall, find a lower table, bench, etc to set on.