Leaky Dichro Head

Dick Sheppard · Sep 11, 2009

My ancient Beseler 4545 head has sprung a giant light leak. I opened the
top lid to check some stuff and now the #%//<*?+ will not stay closed!!
The plastic screw down bolts refuse to engage the hole in the case of the
head. These bolts are a two piece, spring-loaded affair that I cannot make
function. I suspect I am surely not the first person to become enraged
at these little rascals. Your suggestions appreciated, other than plenty of gaffers tape to hold it down.

Mike Wilde · Sep 11, 2009

Get a roll of cinefoil. Matte black on both sides heavy duty tin foil. It stops light leaks on 1000W theatre lights, so an enlarger head will not put a 'dint' to the coating. Fold it to suit and make a new lid.

This stuff has a ton of uses in stidio settings as well. Paired with a pair of pliers, and a collection of dying coat hangers, and light modifiers spring to life with almost no cost.

Dick Sheppard · Sep 12, 2009

Light Leaking Dichro Head

Thanks for your suggestion. The problem is that head has a 4x5 Diffusion
Mixing Chamber, and sticking out of this is yet another light sensor. The
inside of the metal the hinged metal cover has semi-circular spring steel
coil which rests on the light arttenuator and requires considerable pressure
to close, perhaps 10-12 pounds. I assume this device is designed to keep
the Diffusion Cahmber firmly in place. It also assures that if the bolts do no
do their part in holding it down, the lid goes sproooiiiiinggg open. So, the
solution seems to be limited to snugging the lid into place without the bolts
if I can't figure out how they are supposed to work. Yards of gaffers tape,
duct tape, or ropes maybe. Fortunately, I have a good condenser hear for
use, but I like the Dichro.

Anyway, thanks for offering a possibility.

ic-racer · Sep 12, 2009

Could you post a picture of the problem?

Chan Tran · Sep 13, 2009

I know the problem. I had to use tape for a while and then latter I use some screws to screw it down.

Dick Sheppard · Sep 13, 2009

Can't do it Chan. I have no digital camera equipment and don't know how to use it. I am still
operating photographically pretty much as I did before digital came on the scene.

Curt · Sep 13, 2009

Are they heat warped, is the fan working as it should?

Dick Sheppard · Sep 14, 2009

No heat warping, fan working just fine. It is just that the fasteners don't function, or that I don'how to twist them correctly after all these years.

Curt · Sep 14, 2009

I just push down and with a partial turn and it locks.

Dick Sheppard · Sep 16, 2009

Curt said:
I just push down and with a partial turn and it locks.

Curt, that was how it was for years, just turn and lock. Doesn't work
these days. Gotta come up with anotnher solution. Thanks for your
interest.

Leaky Dichro Head

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