Beseler 6x9 carriers - size of opening

mgb74 · Apr 8, 2014

Beseler lists 2 6x9 carriers for the Beseler 45:

#8314.....2¼ x 3¼ roll film negative
#8315.....2¼ x 3¼ sheet film negative

Does anyone know what the actual opening size of either of these? I could measure film (and will if I need to) but I figure Beseler must have put some thought into the opening size.

I plan to file out a 6x6 carrier for 6x9; using a dremel for most of the metal removal and then a file clean up edges and corners. Not sure yet how I'll blacken the newly cut edges.

mfohl · Apr 8, 2014

I have at least one Omega 6x9 carrier, and I have to ask the same question myself. I have a Zero Image pinhole camera that goes up to 6x12, but I use it at 6x9. And the negatives are always larger than the opening in the carrier. I had a carrier filed out to 6x12 a while ago, and that works OK.

PS - make sure you get all the burrs off the carrier.

Rick A · Apr 8, 2014

The opening on mine is 2-3/16x3-3/16 inches or 56x81mm.

ic-racer · Apr 8, 2014

mgb74 said:
but I figure Beseler must have put some thought into the opening size.

Perhaps not. Seeing as there is not an agreed 6x9 standard negative image size, let alone any standard for camera viewfinder-to-film framing accuracy. In general a glassless negative carrier for 6x9 should grab about 3mm of film around the perimeter.

I don't use glassless 6x9 much any more, but when I did I would keep the light on until the negative popped or stopped moving while viewing it under the grain focuser. Then put the lens cap on and put paper under, then quickly (without bumping the enlarger) turn the enlarger light off, remove the lens cap, wait an undetermined amount of time for the enlarger to stop vibrating (but not let the negative cool) and then hit the timer button.

mgb74 · Apr 8, 2014

I'm not where (location) I can measure any developed film. Is there much difference between 6x9 sheet film and 6x9 roll film in terms of image size? Or is it totally dependent on the specific camera model film gate?

nworth · Apr 9, 2014

The opening for the sheet film holder is a bit smaller than that for the roll film holder. (Sheet film drops right through the roll film holder.) The opening for the roll film holder is 2-7/32 X 3-1/4 inches (56.5 X 82 mm). I don't have the regular sheet film holder. I use the glass holder for sheet film. It's opening is 2-7/32 X 3-7/32 inches, with rounded corners.

mgb74 · Apr 9, 2014

Another member also mentioned that the guide posts are different on the sheet film holder.

John Koehrer · Apr 9, 2014

there is some variance in film gates too. That's only to make things more interesting.

Whiteymorange · Apr 10, 2014

Just a suggestion, but wouldn't using a 4x5 negative carrier (with glass) and a black paper mask make more sense? I use mine with different sized negatives, such as 127 or panoramic images shot on an old 3A. I tape the mask down (off the glass to avoid any tape residue later) and fit the film into the hole- no problem and no drilling, filing and blacking. I keep a stock of masks in in an envelope by the enlarger.

mgb74 · Apr 10, 2014

It would - but I don't have a 4x5 glass carrier. And I do have 2 6x6 carriers.

I've avoided acquiring a glass carrier due to concern about newton rings. Plus the fact that I haven't found a used one locally or from a trusted source. New ones are so expensive.

If you're using a paper mask over the negative, that bit of separation should (as I understand) avoid newton rings assuming the negative is flat.

Whiteymorange · Apr 11, 2014

The mask can offer as much flattening help as any open holder can give. I have never had a newton ring problem with any of the glass negative holders I have used, and they are good for lots of sizes. keep an eye out- they do show up sometimes as part of larger darkroom clean outs. I have picked up lots of what I use by being willing to take more than I need. I then pass it on to others who can use it.

mgb74 · Apr 11, 2014

Good point. I have done that, but no 4x5 glass carrier yet.

Problem is the orphan enlargers you end up with. I now have 2 enlargers in my darkroom (there's really only room for one) plus 3 in the attic over my garage. I even tried giving one (a B22) away, no takers. If you scrap them, you end up in analog hell after you die, so you can't do that either.

If I rescue yet another one, I may have to save the key parts (like heads, carriers, etc) and scrap the frame and baseboard. But that just seems to be such a waste. But perhaps it keeps an entire enlarger out of the trash.

Beseler 6x9 carriers - size of opening

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