bizarre beseler 4x5 enlarger question

eric · Aug 14, 2007

I've tried filing down my 4x5 glass carrier like I do with all my carriers so I can get to the edges of negatives but I still dont' have enough. The glass is barely on.

Has anyone just tried putting 2 pieces of 5x7 glass into a 4x5 carrier? Just the 2 pieces of glass. I was thinking or ordering the AN glass and regular glass from fpointinc but don't know if the weight of the top part of the enlarger (I have a cold light) will crack the glass.

Nick Zentena · Aug 14, 2007

Why not just use two piece of glass and leave the carrier alone?

On my Beseler [CB-7] I can't imagine the weight of the head hurting anything.

DannL · Aug 14, 2007

Wouldn't it be easier to compose within the constraints of your equipment. ie; Compose the photograph with a little extra margin. Or is it that you desire the edges of the negative frame show in the final print? Just thoughts.

eric · Aug 14, 2007

DannL said:
Wouldn't it be easier to compose within the constraints of your equipment. ie; Compose the photograph with a little extra margin. Or is it that you desire the edges of the negative frame show in the final print? Just thoughts.

No, its just my thing
I'm so used to printing everything full frame. Don't know why, been doing it for 20+ years now.

Rolleiflexible · Aug 14, 2007

Eric, I print 4x5s full-frame on an Omega D-2. I made my own carrier by buying a simple piece of glass, cut to a size that would fit where the negative carrier goes. Then I used black gaffers tape to mask off the areas where the negative does not sit. Instead of sandwiching with another piece on top, I just cut a top piece from black matteboard in the general form of the carrier, but with an enlarged hole whose edges do not come in contact with the negative. The purpose of this piece is to give the head something to rest on without touching the negative.

I use a cold light head so my negatives usually stay in place. But if one begins to curl, I tape it down with cellophane tape.

This works really well for me on the Omega. I've not used a Beseler but the idea works, assuming no structural reasons that prevent you from substituting glass for a carrier on the Beseler.

Sanders

jimgalli · Aug 14, 2007

Like Sanders, I've printed full frame 4X5 for a long time on a D2. I made my carrier with 2 pieces of matt board. Cut the "windows" to the desired size, trim and make a hinge with tape. I made this thing about 10 years ago thinking I'd just use it until I found a proper carrier. Still using it. Simple and elegant.

erikg · Aug 14, 2007

I've been doing the same as Jim for years. I tape the 120 negs flat. Isn't that a pain, taping the negs down you say? Not anywhere near as bad as cleaning a glass carrier and spotting out the dust spots on the prints. Works great, and it's cheap. I have a Bessler btw.

eric · Aug 14, 2007

Sanders McNew said:
Eric, I print 4x5s full-frame on an Omega D-2. I made my own carrier by buying a simple piece of glass, cut to a size that would fit where the negative carrier goes. Then I used black gaffers tape to mask off the areas where the negative does not sit. Instead of sandwiching with another piece on top, I just cut a top piece from black matteboard in the general form of the carrier, but with an enlarged hole whose edges do not come in contact with the negative.

I think this is exactly what I'm looking to do! And I have a piece of glass from a 5x7 wood contact frame that I have. Thanks!!!

So you guys don't think I need an AN glass on top?

Rolleiflexible · Aug 14, 2007

I've never missed a top glass. It's two fewer surfaces to keep clean of dust. I shoot TXP and occasionally Bergger and neither seems to want to bow or curl much. Unless you are using a film that refuses to stay put, I wouldn't bother with a top sheet. Sanders

bizarre beseler 4x5 enlarger question

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency