Beseler 45

[Terry Breedlove]

So I bought this baby and I do want to shoot with my 4x5 cameras. Mostly I shoot 6x6 though. This lens on the enlarger is 150mm f 5.6 That should be good for 20x24 prints from the 6x6 film right ? To be honest I am a little intimidated by this machine but I am in the process of building a darkroom right now and will need to be learning how to set it up and use it in a couple of months. Scares me

 

[mgb74]

I'm not positive, but I think you'll have a problem achieving a 20x24 print from a 6x6 negative on the Bes 45 with a 150mm lens (assuming you're projecting to the baseboard). You'll probably want to acquire a high quality 80mm lens for that much of an enlargement. The good news is that your 150mm Schneider will serve you well for enlargments from 4x5.

 

[wiltw]

That looks like you have a 45V-XL with a Universal 45 head...with the VC controller. I have the 45V-XL with 50, 80 and 150mm lenses with the color controller for the Universal head. Unless you use the enlarger in a room with >8' ceiling height, you will need to set the enlarger baseboard lower than usual...I had mine on a low TV rollabout cabinet when I was in an apartment with it.

The brochure for the 45V-XL says that with 150mm lens a 4x5 film can be projected on the baseboard to 24.25" x 30.75" because of the extra long column of the 45V-XL. That is magnification of 6.7X...applied to 56mm x 56mm neg, result is 14.75" x 14.75"

If you have an 80mm lens, the 45V-XL can magnify to 12.5X, so 6x6 neg results in 27.75" x 27.75" print on the baseboard.

 

[Terry Breedlove]

Perfect thank you guys. It is on a Beseler Adjustable Table and I was worried about the height in the darkroom will have to check on that.

 

[Terry Breedlove]

I will start looking for a 80mm lens.

 

[wiltw]

Perfect thank you guys. It is on a Beseler Adjustable Table and I was worried about the height in the darkroom will have to check on that.

The column is 57", but if you run the chassis all the way up, the height is dependent upon the light source type. Unfortunately Beseler did not publish height with Universal 45 head. (I'd measure mine, but it is not currently set up.) I would estimate it at being 60-61" tall (Beseler condensor color heads get up to 66").

Unfortunately the dimensional specs for the Adjustable Table fail to label Width vs. Depth vs. Height, but simply state: 31 x 25 x 32", and it is also stated that "Maximum full frame print size on the Adjus-Table is 24x36""

Height is either 25" or 32"...if 25" tall table, the fully extended 45VXL+U45 head would be >84" standard ceiling (25" + 60" = 85") but the max full frame print size makes 25" sound like Depth, not Height. In that case on 32" tall table the fully extended 45VXL+U45 head would be >92" standard ceiling (32" + 60" = 92") As I stated earlier, I used a low TV rollabout cabinet with doors, and I just measured that at 18" (18" + 61" = 79"), and 79" is well under the 84" standard ceiling

 

[M Carter]

I will start looking for a 80mm lens.

If you'll ever do 6x7, look for a Nikkor - fine-qaulity lens but designed for a bit wider neg coverage.

Can't tell from your pics, but looks like an MX or MXT? Big metal frame vs. a center column, motorized lift?

I got one last fall, moved up from a 67c. Yeah, it's kind of big and scary looking, but a very nice enlarger and easy to use.

When friends say "Wow, you have a darkroom? Do they still make film?" it's always impressive to show them the Beseler and run the motor up.

 

[bdial]

I have no connection with the seller, but there are a few good choices for 80's here in the classifieds;
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

 

[Terry Breedlove]

If you'll ever do 6x7, look for a Nikkor - fine-qaulity lens but designed for a bit wider neg coverage.

Can't tell from your pics, but looks like an MX or MXT? Big metal frame vs. a center column, motorized lift?

I got one last fall, moved up from a 67c. Yeah, it's kind of big and scary looking, but a very nice enlarger and easy to use.

When friends say "Wow, you have a darkroom? Do they still make film?" it's always impressive to show them the Beseler and run the motor up.

Yep the 45MXT with the motor. Huge I also have a 23C II and that is the one I have been using. I do have a 6x7 camera an old but good Mamiya RB67 but I bought the Hasselblad and really like shooting it. Though I do miss the close focusing of the RB. It was my Portrait camera fora very long time so I just kind of keep it around.

 

[Terry Breedlove]

I have no connection with the seller, but there are a few good choices for 80's here in the classifieds;
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Darn I bought 80mm on Ebay just yesterday for $45 should have thought and checked here first. I got a Schneider-Kreuznach 80mm f/5.6. I am also looking at a Turret so i can make life a little easier since I shoot 4x5, 6x6 and 35mm formats. The 150 and the 80 and the 50 I have on the 23c would be handy all in one place.