Beseler 45MX -- cracked condenser stage, no neg carriers, no lensboard -- need parts

[ScoopLV]

I just bought a 45MX that was in great shape. It didn't have any neg carriers or a lensboard. And the person who sold it to me wasn't into photography, so didn't know what these things were or if they were ever included with this particular enlarger. So I'm in need of the usual assortment of carriers, and at least one board.

Here's my sad story -- after removing the condenser head and placing it in the cab of my truck, I strapped the chassis to the bed of my truck and started the 300-mile drive home. Less than 20 miles into my trip, a truck in front of me dropped a 3" diameter hunk of steel pipe directly into my path. I swerved and avoided a major accident, but I clipped the pipe with my rear tire and literally shredded my tire. The stress of the maneuver cracked the condenser stage. (I don't know how, but it did.) Is there a place that sells 45MX parts? Are all 45mx condenser stages interchangeable (so I can just get one from Beseler)?

Thanks a bunch.

[Leigh]

Are you talking about the standard lamp housing with the condensers below it, above the film carrier?

If so, I have one that I removed from my 45MX when I installed the Ilford head.

Where are you located? You might want to add that to your profile.

- Leigh

[ScoopLV]

I'm talking about the hunk of cast iron with the silver sliding clips that holds the condenser head snugly to the assembly. I'll shoot a picture and post it if it helps. I was on the Beseler site looking at the parts diagram. "Condenser stage" is the part from the exploded diagram.

I'll edit my profile. I live in Las Vegas.

[Brian C. Miller]

... hunk of cast iron ...

You can probably get that repaired. There are solders for cast iron and such, so check around your area for metal repair. Maybe ask at some place that sells cast iron wood stoves for repair leads.

[joselsgil]

ScoopLV,

Post a photo of the part that you need. I might have a spare. I have one enlarger that was switched to cold light and does not use the condenser lamp housing or parts.

[ScoopLV]

Here's a picture of the cracked piece:

[EdSawyer]

JBweld? Might just be cheaper to get another whole 45MX for parts. They go for a pittance these days it seems.

[ScoopLV]

JBweld? Might just be cheaper to get another whole 45MX for parts. They go for a pittance these days it seems.

From a cash perspective, yes. From a living space, workshop space, garage space standpoint, no. I'd really rather just buy a replacement stage than mess around with JB Weld (which has never, ever, ever worked for me). I have friends with welding equipment, I could convince them to do a quickie spot repair. But I'm afraid I'd burn the bellows if I did that. I'm going to have to remove the bellows anyway to replace the stage, though. So there is THAT. I assume the bellows are attached with contact cement?

[AuditorOne]

You can still contact Beseler directly about this. Go here http://www.beselerphoto.com/contact-us/

I think the part is the Lens Stage #10-49511.

Let us know how it works.

[ScoopLV]

You can still contact Beseler directly about this. Go here http://www.beselerphoto.com/contact-us/

I think the part is the Lens Stage #10-49511.

Let us know how it works.

I removed the condenser stage. I'm absolutely certain that it's the condenser support stage, not the lens stage. That would make it part #10-04540-01. I already contacted Beseler, and I'm awaiting their reply. Now that I have the piece in hand, I'm just going to take it to work with me. (I work at a major Las Vegas casino. Our engineering department can weld anything. It'll probably cost me a bottle of Jack Daniels.) I'd still rather have a replacement than a welded-back-together-condenser stage.

I'm still in need of a lensboard and negative carriers. (At the very least 35mm and 4x5.) I used to use fixed-grade papers. But I suppose some VC filters wouldn't hurt. Is there a preferred supplier for such things? I'd like to send my business in the direction of a company that supports film photography.

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