Beseler 4x5 questions

Is there any difference in heads between the CB7 and the 45M series regarding fit? Another words, will a color head from a 45M series fit a CB7?

Are the elevation motors of all the 45 series (M, MX, etc. CB7,CB-7) interchangeable?

I just purchased a CB7 (no head) for $1 and will pick it up in a few days. I may be getting a newer 45 (than what I have) with bad motor and would like to swap motors and use it.

Thank you in advance for any light you can share.

Beseler used to sell an adapter kit to mount the newer heads to a CB-7. The kit hasn't been sold for years.

OTOH you can mount a newer head if you're mildly handly. I used some cardboard to shim things. Worked fine.

No head on the CB7? Sad the condenser head is impressive.

I have had both but use a Durst L-1200 now. As my memory serves me the condensers on a CB-7 are an inch larger than a MC or MX or H. all else is the same. Beseler manuals are on line and Beseler is still in business. A simple collar should do what you need to do. The motors should be the same but there may be a difference in the mounting hardware.

A MX may be newer but not necessarily "better". Exploded views and parts listings were all on the Beseler site the last time I looked. Great company, Great product. The factory was a fun place to visit. Very relaxed. Utterly competent.

The CB-7 had a totally unique color head available. The Beseler/AGFA color head. A hybrid diffusion-condenser unit which had a little more snap and sharpness than the pure diffusion norm. Very bright and a joy to work with. Unless you do weddings or like low contrast color, finding one would be a real treasure.

Fred

This is a USED Beseler enlarger head lamp housing with light and two condensers. The condenser on the bottom measures 6 ½” and the whole housing measures 14” long

Ya the CB is larger. I think the condensors on mine are 7" or so across.