Enlarger needs new lens AND board??

optique · Nov 4, 2008

I need to purchase a used 150mm lens for 4x5 negatives on my Besseler 45.

I already have a 105mm lens already mounted on a board for MF.

Should I order the new lens on its own board? Or, do most people swap lens between boards?

I am considering KEH for lens and board.

thanks in advance.
Steve.

bdial · Nov 4, 2008

If the lenses have the same mount diameter and threading, you could use one board. However, swapping lenses on boards is a pain. Life is easier if each lens is on it's own board.

ic-racer · Nov 4, 2008

One case where swapping lenses is easy is if the lenses have the same thread and the lens board is threaded.

eli griggs · Nov 4, 2008

I personally prefer each lens on its own board but doesn't that enlarger have a three lens turret available? If so why not upgrade to that?

Edit: I just Googled the turret, it exist and it's pricey new, so keep your eyes out for a used one going cheap.

Cheers

ann · Nov 4, 2008

i use a separate board for each lens.
just an fyi, the 150 lens will not fit on a board for a 105

David Brown · Nov 4, 2008

I just bought a new Beseler 45 lens board on ebay for $10. Buy another board, you won't regret it.

Paul VanAudenhove · Nov 5, 2008

Having each lens mounted on it's own board is convenient, but not necessary. If you put your enlarging lens away after each session, or if you only print with one lens in each session, having one lens board isn't much of a problem. If you plan on changing enlarging lenses during a session, then it is much easier to have each lens mounted. I know some members have made their own lens boards (just use the one you have for a guide). If you are looking for one on an auction site, don't forget to check the listings for enlarging lenses too. I have gotten enlarging lenses already mounted to a board, and in some cases got the adjustable board with a lens.

Anscojohn · Nov 5, 2008

A board for every lens.

Martin Aislabie · Nov 5, 2008

Like pretty much everyone else here, each of my enlarger lenses are mounted on their own boards.

Swapping boards when swapping lenses is a real pain in the a*se

They are cheap - its a good value for money buy

Martin

ann · Nov 5, 2008

also, many , many years ago i had a custom made wooden rack made for my lens boards with the lens in place. the boards slide in a slot on each side of the boards and has worked out just fine. in fact i also had a similar device made for negative carriers.
both items have made keeping things better organized for me in the darkroom.

Tori8x10 · Nov 5, 2008

Ann, when you have a chance, would you post a picture of your lens rack? It sounds like it would be a great thing to have. Thanks!

optique · Nov 5, 2008

Thanks for the many replies. I will pursue a board and lens.

I am hoping to get both from KEH but they have been slow to respond to emails; guess a call is in order. I'm in Hou, Tx.

For 150mm, I am looking at 5.6 Componon s at 215.00usd
or a 5.6 Rodagon at 159.00usd

I know these are high compared to the bay, but KEH stands behind their goods.

What say ye?
steve.

ann · Nov 5, 2008

tori,

sure, if i can figure out how to do so

ok, here they are, ignore the dust. the darkroom is the next room to get remodeled.

lol

Martin Aislabie · Nov 6, 2008

optique said:
Thanks for the many replies. I will pursue a board and lens.

I am hoping to get both from KEH but they have been slow to respond to emails; guess a call is in order. I'm in Hou, Tx.

For 150mm, I am looking at 5.6 Componon s at 215.00usd
or a 5.6 Rodagon at 159.00usd

I know these are high compared to the bay, but KEH stands behind their goods.

What say ye?
steve.

Do it - get the Rodagon

Good luck

Martin

R W Penn · Nov 6, 2008

Get a piece of alum cut it to 4x4 inch drill hole for lens. Besseler enlarger boards snap in place.

nworth · Nov 8, 2008

It's nice to have more than one lens ready to go for your enlarger. Buy another board, either new or used. If you can't find one immediately, you can make one from printed circuit board material that will work fine until you can find the (more durable) real thing.

Nick Zentena · Nov 8, 2008

Most of my lenses are 39mm mounts. So I got the 39mm threaded board. It's a snap to mount lenses. No worse then any thread mount camera. The 150mm is on it's own board but that's because of the bigger mount.

Enlarger needs new lens AND board??

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