beseler 45MX condenser bellows vs focus bellows

[Doremus Scudder]

Here's a positioning guide for the Beseler 45M condenser enlargers that I've compiled from various sources over the years. Possibly helpful here.

Doremus

[monochromeFan]

Just to clarify: If you are using the condenser light source, you need to adjust the upper bellows to the right height for the size of negative you are enlarging. Originally, the enlargers equipped with condenser heads had a scale marked by negative format as a guide (35mm, 6x6, 6x9, etc.). You'd set the bellows using that.

If you are using a color head or a cold-light head, the upper bellows need to be completely collapsed to get the diffusing screen as close to the negative as possible. That goes for all Beseler color heads and after-market diffusion/cold-light heads of any brand.

Best,

Doremus

Is this general rule of thumb take everything into consideration? Likea 23cII being run with a dichroic color head set to condenser mode?

And does it take lens to film format into consideration?

[H Gloriant]

My 45MX enlarger restoration https://35mm-compact.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=63585

[Doremus Scudder]

Is this general rule of thumb take everything into consideration? Like a 23cII being run with a dichroic color head set to condenser mode?

And does it take lens to film format into consideration?

Not sure what you mean by the question. I posted information specific to Beseler 45M... series condenser enlargers regarding positioning of the upper bellows. Nothing whatsoever to do with the 23C or dichroic heads in any mode.

Best,

Doremus