Beseler 45m enlargement

[jonesp]

Was recently given an old 45M with a Schneider 150mm lens. I shoot 6x7 and when I tried to enlarge, the image was only slightly bigger than 4x6. I have set the guide to correct size and adjusted the lower bellows accordingly, but cannot get any larger, should I purchase a 90mm lens, or is there a way to use the 150mm??:eek:

[Bob Salomon]

You need a shorter lens. Your lens is for 4x5".

67 uses a 60mm wide angle or an 80 to 105mm regular enlarger lens.

[jonesp]

Thanks Bob, found a used 90mm Beseler 4.5-22 on B&H at a fairly reasonable price. How hard is it to change the lens out? I looked at the lensboard setup but did not see a release. Have ordered a 45M manual which should be here shortly I hope.

[Greg Lockrey]

Thanks Bob, found a used 90mm Beseler 4.5-22 on B&H at a fairly reasonable price. How hard is it to change the lens out? I looked at the lensboard setup but did not see a release. Have ordered a 45M manual which should be here shortly I hope.

Push it to the rear and pull down on the front.

[jonesp]

Thanks Greg.

[Greg Lockrey]

Anytime.:)

[PViapiano]

Hmmm...I use a 135mm on my Omega D5-XL for 6x7 all the time...no problems.

Wonder why?

[Robert A. Zeichner]

Hmmm...I use a 135mm on my Omega D5-XL for 6x7 all the time...no problems.

Wonder why?

I believe the "XL" stands for extra long girder. You can probably hoist the camera part of the enlarger further away from the easel. Also, the shorter lens you have increases the magnification slightly.

[al olson]

I believe that the MX has two stages of bellows. You can adjust the distance of the negative stage from the light source. This also will affect the size of the enlargement.

[Bob Salomon]

Do be aware that the 90mm 4.5 lens is not a high quality optic for very large enlargements. It is a student or starter lens.

If you are going to invest in a lens put your money into a 6 element modern 80 to 105mm enlarging lens that you can grow with.

[Jim Noel]

If you have a Camera Swap Meet anywhere close go there and look for enlarging lenses. Top quality lenses usually are available for a song, ususally far cheaper than the auction site.

[Brian Ellis]

Bob's advice is very good. You should be able to get a top quality enlarger lens - e.g. a 100/105mm Schneider Componon S or the Rodenstock equivalent - for about $50 or less. Darkroom equipment is literally being given away these days.

While you can get away with using an 80mm for 6x7, it will cover the negative with little room to spare so you'll be using the edges of the lens to form part of the image. I think it's better practice to use a 100/105mm lens for 6x7. That way you'll be using more of the center of the lens, where lenses are usually sharper, rather than the edges.