MG filters for Beseler 45

George Papantoniou · Jun 19, 2006

I am wondering, where can I find the cheapest solution for a complete set of large gelatin multigrade filters (that will fit my Beseler 45MX filter drawer)... Do you have any suggestions ? I have looked around a bit and only found expensive sets / or filters sold one by one...

I don't really want to only buy two filters and do split grade printing, because I only use MG paper for quick and unimportant prints and so I want to be able to work fast...

Nick Zentena · Jun 19, 2006

I've got this info saved:

"The September/October 2005 issue of Photo Techniques has an article by
Howard Bond titled "Variable-Contrast Printing and Rosco Filters".
That sounds just like what you're looking for. He suggested using the
Rosco Calcolor 15Y, 30Y, 60Y, 90Y, 15M, 30M, 60M, and 90M filters.
The article explains how he made those coices, and how to test for
your own use."

I doubt those are speed matched.

George Papantoniou · Jun 19, 2006

Yes, I remember reading about it here on APUG (or reading the article itself), but the problem is that I cannot find Roscoe filters here in Greece. Do you know if someone sells them online and how much a set of the ones mentioned would cost ? How large are they ?

Nick Zentena · Jun 19, 2006

Lee makes the same sort of product. Might be easier to find in Europe? The big photo shops carry them but I think all the movie places carry them to.

The small size is 20"x24" [50cmx60cm I guess] Price is usually between $6 and $7 for each one.

grahamp · Jun 19, 2006

Since this is not intended to be your best quality work, try holding standard above lens filters in the light path. You only need to locate a 6cm set for that. Although there is supposed to be some image degradation, I haven't seen any with smaller prints. For bigger prints and final versions I use the filter drawer on the Durst or the colour head on the Beseler.

Petzi · Jun 19, 2006

What filter size do you need for the drawer in your Beseler?

George Papantoniou · Jun 20, 2006

I think it's 16cm but I might be mistaken. I'll measure it later and tell you.

Yes, I can put the small Ilford filters under the lens, on the Red Filter holder, but it annoys me and it slows me down... I can also use the colour head, but then I have to turn on the huge fan module, that annoys me too (I know, I am a strange and obnoxious personality)...

Simon R Galley · Jun 20, 2006

Dear George,

We do make 15.2 cm square filter sets, its just that we do not sell that many in Europe mostly 8.9's

Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited

George Papantoniou · Jun 21, 2006

Simon R Galley said:
Dear George,

We do make 15.2 cm square filter sets, its just that we do not sell that many in Europe mostly 8.9's

Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited

Thank you Simon, I know that Ilford makes 15cm filters, the problem is that the 45MX filter drawer has the following dimensions: the opening is 15.7x15.5 cm and the size of the filter needs to be 5-6mm larger in order to hold in the drawer.... :-( this leaves some milimeters exposed from each side and will make the 15.2cm filter drop and fall on the negative.

If only you made them 1cm bigger...

Paul Sorensen · Jun 21, 2006

We use the 6X6 (15.2 cm square) filters for our Beseler 45s. We just trim the back edge to accomodate the curve at the back of the chamber and pop them in. This is above the condensors. Works perfectly. If we do not trim the back, then there will be a part of the image that is not filtered. I am not sure if you are using a different head, perhaps or what. Again, ours are above the condensors so there is no risk of anything falling on the negative.

Paul

argus · Jun 21, 2006

George Papantoniou said:
Thank you Simon, I know that Ilford makes 15cm filters, the problem is that the 45MX filter drawer has the following dimensions: the opening is 15.7x15.5 cm and the size of the filter needs to be 5-6mm larger in order to hold in the drawer.... :-( this leaves some milimeters exposed from each side and will make the 15.2cm filter drop and fall on the negative.

If only you made them 1cm bigger...

George,

I had the same problem for my Omega DII but I bought the Ilford 15cm filter set.

I made a cardboard holder for the filters that I put into the filter slot so they can't fall down. It also protects your filters from being scratched.
Just wach for vignetting.

The 0 and V are permanently fitted in a cardboard holder for splitgrade printing, the others go in a sleeve so I can change them quick.

G

Nick Zentena · Jun 21, 2006

George Papantoniou said:
Thank you Simon, I know that Ilford makes 15cm filters, the problem is that the 45MX filter drawer has the following dimensions: the opening is 15.7x15.5 cm and the size of the filter needs to be 5-6mm larger in order to hold in the drawer.... :-( this leaves some milimeters exposed from each side and will make the 15.2cm filter drop and fall on the negative.

Go to the glass shop and buy some plain glass the right size. Put an edge around it. Duct tape? The put that in the filter slot. Place the filter on the glass sheet. You don't want to know how big the filter drawer is on my Beseler :rolleyes:

George Papantoniou · Jun 21, 2006

Which Beseler do you own, Nick ?

I thought about finding a way to make the smaller gelatins hold in the drawer, but it will still leave a part of the opening exposed to unfltered light. Or, as my Flemish friend suggested, I can make a frame that is smaller than the drawer and fit the filters in, if it won't result in vignetting the light coming from the lamp.

Paul you're right, the 45MX filter drawer is between the condensors. Do, if the filter falls from the drawer it will not go too far, but this is no reason to let it fall...

Finally, I will have to order the Ilford set from somewhere on the internet, because the Greek importer will never bother bringing it for me...

Nick Zentena · Jun 21, 2006

I've got a CB-7 that takes 7"x7" filters. I think Beseler at one point sold a filter holder that held the filters in place. Odds are they did the same thing for your enlarger. At least I doubt it needs anything bigger then 6"x6" filters. Even if you're printing a 4x5 negative a 6x6 filter is at least 1" bigger.

MG filters for Beseler 45

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