Lost on head choice for Beseler 45V-XL

I’m in the weird spot of having been wet printing for many years but always had the same couple enlargers that just worked, so I don’t know much about the equipment!

I have a 45V-XL with a color head and it’s acting inconsistent, buttons intermittently not working, etc.

What kind of options do I have in 2020 for a light source? I print 90% VC b&w and 10% graded.

For this enlarger if I get a cold light do I have to filter under the lens? I’m worried about that degrading quality.

Are there reasonable LED sources these days? Commercially built or DIY instructions?

Any other recommendations? Thank you!

Since you appear to have the Universal head, with an apparently malfunctioning controller (intermittent buttons), you could simply see if you can obtain a Universal VC controller and plug it in in place of the Universal Color Controller. Alternatively you can get a simple condensor head with filter drawer, or a 45S color head, or a number of heads from other manufacturers can fit, such as Chromega or Ilford...just something that mounts on the Beseler 45. Beseler even offers the new LED Dichro 45SL Colorhead.

Have you asked Beseler about repairs to your unit?

Not sure what model head you have. Used color heads are a gamble. First try Beseler, but if you have the Beseler Universal 45 VC head and controller. Beseler doesn't mess with these, too old, no parts etc. The individual button switches can be cleaned and even lubricated. I did this with a color controller that was giving me fits. I used a few micrograms of graphite applied with a tiny brush. If you break a switch they can be replaced. KHB in Canada can make mechanical repairs.

Really the most sustainable option is a condenser head and filters, or LED head from Heiland.

If it takes regular 45M lamphouses this is available commercially. https://heilandelectronic.de/led_beseler_45mxt

One thing to try with intermittent switches...electrical contact cleaner