Which filter set kit for Beseler 45?

[1kgcoffee]

I have a beseler 45mx and gearing up to use it.

Unfortunately it did not come with a filter set (but amazing deal, felt like I was robbing the guy).

It has a condenser head and a minolta 45a head. Suppose I use the condenser, which filter set is recommended. Suppose I use the 45a head for B&W, are filters necessary or does adjusting the colour have the same effect.

For large prints (16x20) which head is better? What is your favourite paper dev film combo?

 

[btaylor]

Just get the Ilford 6x6 filter set for your condenser head and print your b&w. If you fire up the Minolta head read the manual and figure it out, it is an amazing piece of technology, but not so straightforward to operate as the Ilford VC filters.

 

[MattKing]

The Minolta head will work fine to control contrast with variable contrast paper.
It is a really interesting light source, provided that it is functioning correctly.

 

[AWS_ATL]

Be wary of the minolta 45a, they like to die and replacement parts really aren't available.

 

[btaylor]

If you're looking for Minolta 45a info look up EdSawyer here on APUG, he is an expert. The main issue on the Minolta heads seems to be burnt out flash tubes. I have been finding new old stock tubes on eBay.

 

[Troy Grilli]

I came today to post this exact question! I just got myself a Beseler 45M and I was wondering what I should do. My two options are getting the 6x6in ilford set and just resting it on top of the negative carrier since the head doesn't seem to have a slot for filters.
OR there's a filter drawer that's right behind the lens but it takes 2 2/3" filters. So option two is getting the 3.5" ilford filters and cutting them down.
So to the brain trust: which is better?

 

[1kgcoffee]

I think the filter drawer above the negative is where you put them. I ordered the 6x6 ilford set recently but there seem to be other brands recently. If it is a 45m the 6x6 is the right size, I think 3.5" is for the 23c. Can anyone correct me if this is wrong?

 

[Troy Grilli]

My issue being that my head doesn't seem to have a filter drawer above the negative slot. Not like one I've used on other enlargers. Heres a picture for reference, sorry If I'm missing something silly!

 

[Larry the sailor]

The condenser head that came with my 45MX doesn't have a filter drawer either but does have an under lens, swing away filter holder. I've never used the condenser head other than to power it up and see it light up and so far have been just using the old dichro head that also came with it.

 

[wiltw]

The traditional wisdom is that acetate filters go between the source and the negative, while gelatin filters go in the optical path (the negative between the filter and the source)
because the gelatin filters do not degrade the projected image as the acetate filters do.

Kodak Color Compensating (gelatin) filters go 'below the lens', while Kodak Color Printing (acetate) filters go between the source and the negative (in a filter drawer of the condensor head).