Which Beseler lens board for Rodagon 135/5.6 enlarging lens?

[walbergb]

My enlarger is a Beseler 45 with a 45S diffusion lamp house. It takes the standard Beseler 4x4 lens board. I have been eyeing a Rodenstock Rodagon 135/5.6 lens (39mm thread) for 4x5 negs, but I don't know whether the lens fits a standard lens board or needs a special lens board. Does anyone know?

While I've got your attention, I'm also considering the Schneider Kreuznach Componon-S 135/5.6. I think the thread on it is 40.5mm. Which Beseler lens board fits that lens?

Bob Walberg

[jk0592]

The Beseler 45MXT manual specifies board 8029 for 135mm with 39mm threads, and board #8037 for 135mm with other threads.

[walbergb]

Thanks jk. I found a pdf of the manual on line. Very helpful.

The 8029 lens board is expensive to buy new ($84.50 at B&H), and I don't recall seeing many used ones. I'm rethinking my strategy and considering a Rodenstock Rodagon 150/5.6, Schneider Componon-S 135/5.6 or Componon-S 150/5.6. They all require a 50mm flat lens board. The flat lens boards are a lot easier to find and cheaper. I could even get a blank or 39mm one and get my friend the machinist to bore the hole to 50mm.

[jk0592]

The 8029 board has a "hat", thus setting the lens further away from the negative.This is why it is more expensive than the 8037 which is flat. I use the 8029 the board for a 105mm Rodagon. I recently bought a very nice used 8037 on a famous auction site in preparation for a 150mm Rodagon.

[joselsgil]

Bob,

Check your local listings for enlargers and darkroom items for sale. You can usually find many parts as part of the package deal. The Beseler 45M series share the same lens boards with the smaller 23 series. The 23 series is much more common than the 45M series.

If you want a new lens board with a 39mm bore, Freestyle has them for < $20.



Jose