Information on a Beseler 45 V with 8x10 conversion

[Bill Kumpf]

I have a lead on a Beseler 45V with the Beseler 8x10 conversion. It has been it storage for years. The lens and neg carrier may or may not be included. What do I need to look for when I inspect the unit? What is the price range of one in decent condition?
I have use Beseler 45M for years. How does the V series compare the M series?

Thanks.

[Tin Can]

Contact me last

I have a story

I am 4 hours away and have one

[Greg]

Finding a lens for an 8x10 enlarger should be no problem. Finding a negative carrier for an 8x10 enlarger could be akin to "looking down the rabbit's hole", rarely do they come up for auction. After looking for one for years(?), a friend had to have one custom made for him, and it turned out to be a rather costly proposition.

[ic-racer]

Not many lenses will work with that enlarger. Maybe locate the lens first before moving forward.
An 8x10 negative carrier can be made from a sandwich of two pieces of negative carrier glass and a tape hinge.

[Oren Grad]

Not many lenses will work with that enlarger.

My recollection is that the conversion kit was originally offered with the 240 Apo-Gerogon process lens, or a rebadged version of same. I'm not sure whether the geometry of the converted head required that particular focal length - hopefully someone with direct experience can weigh in.

[Bob Salomon]

My recollection is that the conversion kit was originally offered with the 240 Apo-Gerogon process lens, or a rebadged version of same. I'm not sure whether the geometry of the converted head required that particular focal length - hopefully someone with direct experience can weigh in.

The reason for using a process lens is that it would fit on the lens board. A 240 Rodagon would not.

[Neal Chaves]

I have an original Beseler 8X10 that I purchased from another photographer who bought it new about 1995. I think these were all built on 45VXL chassis. The one you have found might have had a conversion kit added. Beseler did sell those and there were several different designs prior to the latest one that I have. The lens stage was designed to accept the lens turret, a worthless device that can never be critically aligned. It is a simple matter to open the throat up with a sabre saw so that even a 300mm Rodagon will mount right up on a standard lens board. Some slight trimming of the flange is required. 240mm is really the most versatile focal length. For 8X10, I use a 240MM Rodagon. I tried a 300mm Rodagon but found it too long for bench top use, and I have a 45VXL chassis. I have a second 4X5 Beseler with a color head that I use for 4X5 and smaller.

[popdoc]

Seek out Alan Ross. He designed one of the conversions.

As Ricky Bobby would say” in all due respect fellow posters “… He probably knows more about this than anyone.


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[Tin Can]

The conversion 8X10 Head Kit also fits CB7

The El-Nikkor 240 on my XLV has a custom lens board, very little cutting needed, if any

Correct Wall mounting, it can make small and huge prints, one lens

Look for chassis warp as it is too easy to happen and does, hard to fix

There are OE weights available for heavy heads

The 2 optional long shaft knobs are essential

Make or buy a modern head

[John Layton]

If I'm not mistaken...I think that Beseler had a contract with Rodenstock for a 240mm f/9, specifically for use with the 8x10 converted Beseler 4x5 enlargers, and it was small enough to fit a standard Besler lensboard.

I actually owned one of these lenses and it was nice...but I cannot remember what it was called (Beseler Apo-something or other). Bob, are you around...do you remember this lens?