Beseler questions

mooseontheloose · Oct 18, 2008

I picked up a 'new' (probably never used by the original owner) Beseler 45MX last weekend but this is the first chance I've had to have a go at it -- it needs to be cleaned, put together, adjusted, etc. I have to pick up a few extra accessories for it but for the most part it's ready to go. I do have a few questions though, that seem pretty stupid, even to me, but here goes:

I'm going to need filters -- it seems to me that 6x6 inch filters would do the trick, but the filter holder is slightly larger than six by six. Are the filters also somewhat larger? I'd hate to buy them only to have them fall through holder.

Also, I noticed that it comes with a 150W bulb, but that it's possible to buy bulbs of different wattages for this enlarger. I'm assuming 150 is standard, but would like to know why one would go stronger or weaker.

Finally, I picked up a negatrans carrier for 135 film but for the life of me, can't figure out how to open it. If someone could let me know I'd really appreciate it.

I do have the manual for the enlarger, but it doesn't address any of these issues that I'm having.

Cheers.

Jon Shiu · Oct 18, 2008

The filter holder should have clear plastic surface to support the filters. (Also the back end is curved so you have to cut them.)

Jon

ann · Oct 18, 2008

you don't open the negatrans you slide the negative into the slot and then turn the dial which will move the negative from one end to the other.

the bulb could be either number 211 or 212

mooseontheloose · Oct 18, 2008

Thanks Ann -- it took a while but I have it figured out now.

Jon -- there's no clear plastic support at all -- just a piece of cardboard which would obviously need to be removed. I suppose I would have to cut a clear support myself for the holders.

Jon Shiu · Oct 18, 2008

Hi, the filter holder is metal framework with a wire hold down arm and a clear plastic surface to support the filter. You may use under the lens filters instead - in my experience, these work fine. Here is a picture:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Filter-Holder-f...9673684QQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

Jon

mooseontheloose · Oct 18, 2008

Hi Jon,

Thanks for the link. I definitely have the holder -- but instead of the acrylic it's got cardboard. I'm sure it'll be much cheaper for me to buy the acrylic than the whole system. But I'll look into under the lens filters as well. I've never used them, but they might be cheaper than buying new filters.

optique · Oct 18, 2008

Home made plastic base a possibility?

Jon Shiu said:
Hi, the filter holder is metal framework with a wire hold down arm and a clear plastic surface to support the filter. You may use under the lens filters instead - in my experience, these work fine. Here is a picture:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Filter-Holder-f...9673684QQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

Jon

My Besseler 45 did not arrive with the acrylic plastic base that the filter sits on, and the plain filter sits on the metal framework awkwardly.

Instead of spending almost $40 from ebay or so, why can't I just cut some clear plastic stock of similar thickness and use that? But, I am worried about two things: Heat, and if my home made clear plastic stock would another "factor" to the VC paper response...?

Anyone have ideas?
Thanks.

Jon Shiu · Oct 18, 2008

A thin piece of plexi cut to fit should work fine.

Jon

mooseontheloose · Oct 18, 2008

Optique -- that was the same thought I had as well. But since everything is before the neg and the lens it should work out fine (I hope!).

ricksplace · Oct 19, 2008

Rachelle -you are right. So long as the glass or acrylic is above the condensors (which it is on the Beseler 45 series), you won't notice any imperfections. It's also the reason most people don't like to use under-the-lens filters, as they will degrade your image somewhat.

Optique -I don't think you have to worry about heat. The filter drawer is far enough from the bulb. My 45MX came to me with a glass carrier in the filter drawer. I use 6X6" Ilford multicontrast filters placed on top of the glass carrier. I have never had an issue with heat affecting the filters.

Enjoy your new enlarger.

Rick

marke · Oct 19, 2008

Rick, had the same question at RFF, and it seems that it doesn't matter, unless the under-the-lens filters are in REALLY bad shape.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64744

ricksplace said:
Rachelle -you are right. So long as the glass or acrylic is above the condensors (which it is on the Beseler 45 series), you won't notice any imperfections. It's also the reason most people don't like to use under-the-lens filters, as they will degrade your image somewhat.
Rick

ricksplace · Oct 19, 2008

You're right Mark. I have used under the lens filters. My old 4X5 enlarger did not have a filter drawer, so I had to use under the lens filters. I didn't see any difference in sharpness, etc. All the pundits seem to think that anything between the lens and the paper will degrade the image, and intuitively that seems correct. While there is probably some degradation, I couldn't see it, particularily with 4X5.

If you have a nice clean set of under the lens filters, they should work fine.

Rick

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