Beseler 4x5 questions

[fotch]

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.

 

[Nick Zentena]

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.

 

[Fred De Van]

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

 

[Fred De Van]

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

Item number: 260420561298
BESELER Enlarger Head Lamp Housing with Condenser​

 

[Nick Zentena]

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