Beseler 4x5 enlarger info request

[HartleyFalbaum]

I have just obtained a Beseler 4x5 condenser enlarger and am cleaning it up after 30 years in a basement. I contacted Beseler and they couldn't identify it! It has a non-motorized chassis, and a narrow stance upright like a 23C. There are no nameplates but "Beseler" in script is embossed in the lamphouse. It has a filter drawer between the condensers. The condensers are 6 1/2" diam and it has a 4x5 negative carrier. It is finished in a black crinkle paint. At the top of the uprights is a large X brace, about 12" in height, made of the same gauge sheet metal as the uprights and professionally made.
My question--Could this be some type of prototype, or do I have a well done hybrid?

[Jim Noel]

A picture would help, but this sounds like my first Beseler which was a 45 H , IIRC. It looked like a 4x5 on a 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 chassis.

[HMG]

There were a couple that fit your description: 45H and 45AF.

[HartleyFalbaum]

There were a couple that fit your description: 45H and 45AF.

I found a owners manual on a Canadian Site, KHB, and a 45H is precisely what I have. Thanks for the quick replies. It came with a Echo E 135mm lens. I'll test it, but I expect to replace it. First I have to finish the drywall for the darkroom, and Get new paper and chemicals. The heat absorbing glass is missing and the nylon elevating gears are buggered-new parts coming from Freestyle.
Thanks for the good help!

[MrFujicaman]

Does anybody know when these were made ?

[HartleyFalbaum]

Someone sent me a private message about the 45H. I can't find it now. Where do private messages go? email? I responded to it I thought. If that person would re-contact, I'll answer. Thanks

[Sal Santamaura]

Someone sent me a private message about the 45H. I can't find it now. Where do private messages go? email? I responded to it I thought. If that person would re-contact, I'll answer. ThanksThat was me; no response was received, so I just sent it again. PMs go to your PM Inbox, which can be accessed by clicking on "Notifications" at the top of each page, then "Inbox."

[Wayne]

Sal wants your enlarger. Its a very rare one

[Michael Carter]

I have a 45H and have been getting it ready to use. Just cleaned the glass today. I made an unboxing video that is on my YouTube channel, studiocarter1. A set of filters had to be bought as the size it takes is different than those for the 23c.
When was the 45H made? Mid 1940s?

[HartleyFalbaum]

I have finished the refurb of the 45H, total disassembly, replace missing and wrong screws, replace power cord, clean and lube, new gears and heat absorbing glass. I have finished the darkroom--operational by midweek. Reviewed the owners manual--mentions 1958-Beseler enlargers. So--I guess the manual, and enlarger are later than 1958. I also have replaced the D4 Chromega "Frankenstein Head" lamp house with a Aristo W54 unit---So---will do a bit of comparison printing next week. The Beseler manual says a 211 bulb is standard. It is rated for a 212 as well--we'll see which is better.