Help aligning Beseler 45MXT lens board

Michael R T · Nov 17, 2023

I am attempting to align a Beseler 45MXT enlarger using a Versalab Parallel. I can adjust the unit so that the negative stage is perfectly aligned, however the lens is then out of alignment left to right. If I put a negative in and focus the center with a grain focuser, I can see that it goes out of focus as I look towards the edges.

My 45 does not have the lens swing adjustment that some do. It also does not have set screws in the lens board to adjust it. I have taken the carriage off the track and remounted it to make sure the gears hadn't jumped a tooth. I also adjusted one of the rear struts because the support bars at the back were slightly out of level. They are now level, but the same issue persists.

I can't find any other way to adjust this part of the enlarger, nor can I see how the lens board could be at a different angle to the rest of the unit. Does anyone have any ideas? It's driving me crazy!

Kino · Nov 17, 2023

I think this will answer your questions:

fiddle · Nov 17, 2023

Shims.

Alan9940 · Nov 18, 2023

I have a very vague memory that Zone VI Studios many years ago offered some sort of adjustable lensboard for the Beseler MX series enlargers. I can't remember exactly how it was constructed, but there were three screws that enabled the lensboard to be tilted slightly in all directions. Maybe you could have something similar fabricated.

Ian C · Nov 18, 2023

The Delta 1 Bes-Align 4” x 4” board 13310 is no longer made, but something similar could be fabricated.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/15669-REG/Delta_13310_Bes_Align_4x4_Adjustable_Lens.html

Here are some user comments.

https://www.largeformatphotography....elta-Bes-Align-4x4-quot-Adjustable-Lens-Board

choiliefan · Nov 19, 2023

Great video.
I had absolutely no idea how far Beseler had evolved from my MCRX.
My Zone VI uses the same principal but much simpler adjustable lens stage.

Papa Tango · Nov 19, 2023

One of the redeeming values of the Delta Bes-Align was that it came with an alignment slide that combined with your focuser could do a fine trick!

The B&H graphic is not very good, here is a shot of the thing itself:

My experience was that it was a PITA. One must disassemble the thing to attach the ring nut, so you need one for each lens you use. Sold mine years ago and opted for a turret and a solid alignment of the stage and board...

GregY · Nov 19, 2023

Papa Tango said:
One of the redeeming values of the Delta Bes-Align was that it came with an alignment slide that combined with your focuser could do a fine trick!

View attachment 353976

The B&H graphic is not very good, here is a shot of the thing itself:

View attachment 353978 View attachment 353977

My experience was that it was a PITA. One must disassemble the thing to attach the ring nut, so you need one for each lens you use. Sold mine years ago and opted for a turret and a solid alignment of the stage and board...

Having each enlarging lens on it's own board is pretty common....same as LF camera lenses.....

mshchem · Nov 19, 2023

I have never aligned any of my enlargers. This will be a good thing for me to do when it's snowing and sleeting here this winter.

Papa Tango · Nov 19, 2023

GregY said:
Having each enlarging lens on it's own board is pretty common....same as LF camera lenses.....

In an ideal world, that is true...

One important thing to note is that the Delta only natively accepts 39mm lens mounts. If you have a larger lens such as a 150mm that is a 53mm mount which requires serious modification to the Delta to fit. For larger lenses such as 240mm, that is usually 72mm, and with the body size cannot be modified to fit the plate.

And then there are those times when you have that one, special lens. For me, it was a Wollensak that gave the creamiest finish... Plates were expensive even back then!

Factually, a lot of things can be taken care of by using thin brass sheet strips as shims to adjust the baseboard.

GregY · Nov 19, 2023

Papa Tango said:
In an ideal world, that is true...

One important thing to note is that the Delta only natively accepts 39mm lens mounts. If you have a larger lens such as a 150mm that is a 53mm mount which requires serious modification to the Delta to fit. For larger lenses such as 240mm, that is usually 72mm, and with the body size cannot be modified to fit the plate.

And then there are those times when you have that one, special lens. For me, it was a Wollensak that gave the creamiest finish... Plates were expensive even back then!

Factually, a lot of things can be taken care of by using thin brass sheet strips as shims to adjust the baseboard.

Unless you converted your MXT for 8x10 you won't be using a 240. I you think lensboards were expensive then....have a look at lensboards & negatives carriers at B&H....heart attack stuff.

Help aligning Beseler 45MXT lens board

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