45mxt and contrast filters

[jtomasella]

I'm just about ready to print. The question I have is do you trim the filters to fit since the filter tray is rounded at one end and the filters are square?

[Louis Pacilla]

I'm just about ready to print. The question I have is do you trim the filters to fit since the filter tray is rounded at one end and the filters are square?

That's what I did when I used my condenser head. Sort of hurts but seems to be necessary for the filters to fit in correct position.

[jtomasella]

That's what I did when I used my condenser head. Sort of hurts but seems to be necessary for the filters to fit in correct position.

I'm guessing scissors will do?

[Louis Pacilla]

I'm guessing scissors will do?

Yes as I recall I made a template so I could trace out the necessary cuts lines needed. Just make sure your using a good set of shears and test by cutting one of your least likely used filters so one at either end. I had little trouble trimming them and once finished they become so much easier to deal with.

[tgtaylor]

Ilford sells (or sold) a mutigrade filter kit of round filters in rectangular holders with paddle handles that slide into the below the lens filter holder of the MXT and is an exact fit. The filters are grade 0 to 5 in 1/2 step arrangements and also includes a red filter. If no longer available new, look for them used. With the holders with paddle handles allows you to avoid touching the filters.

Thomas

[Doremus Scudder]

If you've got the below-the-lens swing-away filter holder, they take square 2 1/4-inch filters. The corners just stick out and leave some room for handling.

If you have the above-the-lens slide-in filter tray, they take the same-size square filters (I think it was a Beseler standard).

Or use the Ilford clip-on under-the-lens filter if you want and have one.

Best,

Doremus

[tgtaylor]

Ilford sells (or sold) a mutigrade filter kit of round filters in rectangular holders with paddle handles that slide into the below the lens filter holder of the MXT and is an exact fit. The filters are grade 0 to 5 in 1/2 step arrangements and also includes a red filter. If no longer available new, look for them used. With the holders with paddle handles allows you to avoid touching the filters.

Thomas

The Ilford kit is still available: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...t_with.html/qa

It comes with a holder but check the Q&A for fitting the under the lens holder Beseler supplied with the MXT. The kit I have is in a heavy duty plastic card-file style box with a see through top. Nice kit - although I don't use it as I use a Beseler 45S color head.

Thomas

[jtomasella]

I have both filter holders I bought the 6x6 filters for above the negative tray. It's just that one end of the tray is rounded. I guess i'll be cutting them.

[Corran]

I know what you are talking about and in my case I couldn't cut a filter in any way and make it work in the filter tray without blocking some of the negative (4x5). I don't think the upper-stage filter "tray" works for larger film. In fact I'm not even sure how it's supposed to work at all - what's the point of the curved end??

[Doremus Scudder]

You guys must have a different filter-holder than I do. I have a 45MCRX (with the tapered bellows) with an above-the-lens filter holder that takes 6x6cm filter (2 1/4-inch squares), no curved end. My 45MXT has the under-the-lens swing-away holder; again, 6x6 cm square filters... What do you have? Are you referring to the filter tray below the condensers? I have color and cold-light heads on my Beselers.