Which 4x5 enlarger

RalphLambrecht · Dec 12, 2018

Tim Stapp said:
I currently have a Beseler CB-7 with condenser head that I picked up 3 years ago for the large sum of $20. I'm currently using the Ilford under lens filters with it. With the 150 mm lens on the desk height table that it's on, I can only print to 11x14 before the head hits the ceiling.

Currently, there is locally (3-1/2 hour drive each way) a Beseler 45V-XL with the 45S Dichro head for a reasonable price (although substantially more than I paid for the CB-7).

Would this be a worth while upgrade or not. I would like to start printing RA-4 in the future.

I'm not sure it's worth the upgrade but. is it really ab enlarger question or rather a question of ceiling height, focal length and projection distance?

KenS · Dec 12, 2018

If I were 'in need' of a new enlarger... I'd 'go fer' a Durst 138S. I spent many years using one when 'working' BUT...I'm not sure if they are still in 'production'... but using the point-source for making 'enlarged' inter-negatives from 35 mm 'chromes'
was a "Joy" I can but suppose that there are film scanners capable of 'matching' the results of the many 4x5 inch B/W inter-negatives made with the PS illumination.

Ken

mshchem · Dec 14, 2018

Tim Stapp said:
mshchem: Thanks, I'm really thinking about picking this up. I'm capable of replacing components on PC boards, if necessary. Regarding the guns. they are only used to put holes in targets. I'd rather shoot wildlife with a 150-500mm lens than with one of my target guns. Additionally, I can do it year round without disrupting their normal life (nor ending it).

Regarding "the assumption that someday I'm going to need it:" I'm a field service technician covering a 3 state area. I have at least a duplicate of everything that I might need on my service vehicle. Someday, I will need it!

Now, I just have to convince the "SWMBO" that I need it

So what did you do? I've been known to drive 800 miles round trip for darkroom stuff I don't need. You can make a short detour and visit Gary Camera in Indiana, I bought 6 old cans of ethol LPD from them earlier this year. .

Mainecoonmaniac · Dec 14, 2018

Tim Stapp said:
I currently have a Beseler CB-7 with condenser head that I picked up 3 years ago for the large sum of $20. I'm currently using the Ilford under lens filters with it. With the 150 mm lens on the desk height table that it's on, I can only print to 11x14 before the head hits the ceiling.

Currently, there is locally (3-1/2 hour drive each way) a Beseler 45V-XL with the 45S Dichro head for a reasonable price (although substantially more than I paid for the CB-7).

Would this be a worth while upgrade or not. I would like to start printing RA-4 in the future.

I have owned a Beseler 45MX with a Dichro 45S head for over 30 years and it's my old friend. I had to replace the optoisolator on the head and it all works fine.

Tim Stapp · Dec 15, 2018

Well, I received an email from the seller yesterday that everything had sold. So I guess that it wasn't meant to be mine.

mshchem · Dec 15, 2018

Tim Stapp said:
Well, I received an email from the seller yesterday that everything had sold. So I guess that it wasn't meant to be mine.

That's the Universe telling you to hold out for a Durst Labrador 10x10

CropDusterMan · Dec 16, 2018

I have a Beseler V45XL and it is a wonderful Beast. It is heavy!!! If you can get it for a good price, you'll love it.

Tim Stapp · Dec 17, 2018

Here is another Craigslist ad - it looks like it's in northern Kentucky or southern Indiana. I just don't need an 8x10 enlarger at this point.

https://louisville.craigslist.org/pho/d/enlarger/6753760011.html

Which 4x5 enlarger

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