Beseler 45MXT with Zone VI cold light and stabilizer

rolleiLeicafilm · Feb 24, 2017

I picked up a 'new to me' Beseler 45MXT with both condenser and cold light options. I thought i would first try the cold light option and I am struggling with the setup and work flow. I have a Zone VI stabilizer and timer which seem to be working fine, however, i am uncertain what version light i have. There is absolutely no visible markings and the glow looks white to me with no hint of colour. As far as i can tell from research online, this is the older version and requires graded paper.
Questions for anyone who can answer:
1. if i were to use multigrade paper - where would i put the contrast filters? Just slip under the plastic diffuser?
2. What are the issues with using this cold light with MG papers?
3. There is a yellow foam inbetween the bulbl and diffuser. Does this stay or was it just for storage by previous owner? The glow with the foam turns yellow - same as the filter color recommended for using this older lamp and graded paper?
4. Can anoyone point me towards instructions on using the Zone IV Stabilizer? It has A to L dial and a 'dry down' percentage dial. I have searched high and low for intstructions without any luck.

Any help or tips are greatly appreciated!!

mgb74 · Feb 25, 2017

There is an issue - as you noted - using older cold light heads with multigrade paper. As I understand, the "proper" fix is to add a cc40y filter. I could not find a cc40y filter to modify a Zone VI head so I used a cc30y rosco gel. Seems to work fine.

As to whether the yellow foam you have is for this purpose, you'll need to test and see.

Alan9940 · Feb 25, 2017

That looks like an older model Zone VI coldlight head to me (basically, an Aristo unit with Zone VI name on it.) The body of the older heads were silver; the newer black. No foam is needed. The diffuser sits down into a collar over the negative stage, and the head sits directly on the diffuser. When installed properly, the light should be immediately above the negative carrier.

All that said, and I can't tell from the pic of the head, but I don't see the light measuring sensor that enables the stabilizer to work. It could be that black piece tied in with the copper wire in the center? If you have a place to plug in the stabilizer on the head, then you should have the sensor. I'm sure I still have the instructions around here somewhere; I'll see if I can find them later today.

rolleiLeicafilm · Feb 25, 2017

Thanks, mgb74 and Alan.
Alan, i do have the newer black head and there is definitely a plug for the stabilizer. That would be great if you had instructions! Fingers crossed. Thanks.

Alan9940 · Feb 25, 2017

Instructions attached. I tried to make the images large enough that you can read clearly. If not, send me a PM with your e-mail address and I'll send along the full size image files.

Alan9940 · Feb 25, 2017

OK, so I don't know how to attach files properly!

ChuckP · Feb 26, 2017

It's probably easiest to use filters in a holder attached to the lens. Don't forget that you might need to use several different filters to make a print and changing them without bumping the carrier could be a problem. I modified my enlargers (Elwood C2 and Beseler 23C) to use oversized cold lights and put in filter drawers. But if you are not that clumsy you could try putting them on top of the negative carrier. Cold light directly on top of them.

rolleiLeicafilm · Feb 26, 2017

Thanks for the instructions, Alan. Greatly appreciated. The resolution is fine. Nice to have a copy and this clarifies a few other questions i had.

Chuck - Thanks for the tips.

Heinz Kahan · Aug 22, 2019

rolleiLeicafilm said:
I picked up a 'new to me' Beseler 45MXT with both condenser and cold light options. I thought i would first try the cold light option and I am struggling with the setup and work flow. I have a Zone VI stabilizer and timer which seem to be working fine, however, i am uncertain what version light i have. There is absolutely no visible markings and the glow looks white to me with no hint of colour. As far as i can tell from research online, this is the older version and requires graded paper.
Questions for anyone who can answer:
1. if i were to use multigrade paper - where would i put the contrast filters? Just slip under the plastic diffuser?
2. What are the issues with using this cold light with MG papers?
3. There is a yellow foam inbetween the bulbl and diffuser. Does this stay or was it just for storage by previous owner? The glow with the foam turns yellow - same as the filter color recommended for using this older lamp and graded paper?
4. Can anoyone point me towards instructions on using the Zone IV Stabilizer? It has A to L dial and a 'dry down' percentage dial. I have searched high and low for intstructions without any luck.

Any help or tips are greatly appreciated!!

View attachment 173748
View attachment 173749

It's been a while since you posted.
I have all Zone VI newsletters and #22 explains in detail about the Stabilzer and how it works.
Let me know and I will post a link to a pdf of that newsletter.

rolleiLeicafilm · Aug 22, 2019

Heinz Kahan said:
It's been a while since you posted.
I have all Zone VI newsletters and #22 explains in detail about the Stabilzer and how it works.
Let me know and I will post a link to a pdf of that newsletter.

Hi Heinz, a link to the pdf would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

Heinz Kahan · Aug 22, 2019

rolleiLeicafilm said:
Hi Heinz, a link to the pdf would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

Contact me directly via email and I will give you link that way.
heinz.kahan@gmail.com

Beseler 45MXT with Zone VI cold light and stabilizer

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