Beseler 4x5 enlargers
Jon Hunt
I have seen the recent posts re: Beseler 4x5 enlargers. I too am
thinking of buying one second-hand (from interstate), but was concerned
about how I might be able to transport it. The shop selling will not
ship it because of the possibility of breakage. I was wondering - how
large they are and how much do they weigh (it is an older model of the
late '60s). Will it fit on say the back seat of a car?
I suspect the answers will be very and lots respectively.
Thanks for your replies.
Jon Hunt
Jean-David Beyer
Jon Hunt wrote:
>
> I have seen the recent posts re: Beseler 4x5 enlargers. I too am
> thinking of buying one second-hand (from interstate), but was concerned
> about how I might be able to transport it. The shop selling will not
> ship it because of the possibility of breakage. I was wondering - how
> large they are and how much do they weigh (it is an older model of the
> late '60s). Will it fit on say the back seat of a car?
>
condenser head, which can be moved around. It came in a box a little
smaller than the ones refrigerators come in. The truck driver could lift
it OK, but I could not. Before moving it, I suggest you remove the
baseboard (screwdriver req'd) and the condenser head and carry these
separately. The frame can also be removed from the base with a screwdriver.
You will wish to check the alignment after you get it all back together.
I moved mine once and it did not require re-alignment, but it should always
be checked after a move.
Better have a big car. Better yet is to have a friend with a van or
pick up truck. Drive gently to avoid shaking the thing up. It may be
stronger than your car.
--
Jean-David Beyer
Shrewsbury, New Jersey
Bill Harris
That would depend on the car, I guess <s>. You would most likely have
a better chance with a four-door Marquis de Sade than with a two-door
Mini-Cooper <g>. Since your domain appears to be Australia, it may
even matter if the car is RHD or LHD.
Talk to the shop who is selling the enlarger. They should be willing
to break the enlarger down for transport-- once the lighthead is
removed from the column and the column removed from the baseboard the
enlarger ought to be very transportable.
Bill Harris
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Jon Hunt <jon...@cobweb.com.au> wrote (in part):
>I have seen the recent posts re: Beseler 4x5 enlargers. I too am
>thinking of buying one second-hand (from interstate), but was concerned
>about how I might be able to transport it. The shop selling will not
>ship it because of the possibility of breakage. I was wondering - how
>large they are and how much do they weigh (it is an older model of the
>late '60s). Will it fit on say the back seat of a car?
>I suspect the answers will be very and lots respectively.
Bob Spencer
Th 45M series enlargers are fairly easy to break down (The following
assumes you have already removed the head): remove the rear support rods
(that screw into the base); remove the baseboard, separate the main column
(frame) from the baseboard. That's what I did last time I shipped one: it
is pretty managable this way. Official shipping weights (for 45MXT) are:
Chassis 56lbs, 46"x26.5"x13.5" and baseboard: 21lbs 31"x22 5/8"x 1 5/8".
Check out Midwest photo (either on line at www.mpex.com or in Shutterbug)
they usually have an older 45m series around and know how to ship them;
current ad shows an MCRX w/resistol base board and 4x5 carrier in 8+
599.00 or an MXII bassis and baseboard 8+ for $550. You will need to
realign the enlarger (you can get copies of the instruction book from
Bessler, or Midwest if you buy from them).
Jon Hunt <jon...@cobweb.com.au> wrote in article
<3428D813...@cobweb.com.au>...
> I have seen the recent posts re: Beseler 4x5 enlargers. I too am
...
John Youngblood
Jon Hunt wrote:
>
> I have seen the recent posts re: Beseler 4x5 enlargers. I too am
> about how I might be able to transport it. The shop selling will not
> ship it because of the possibility of breakage. I was wondering - how
> large they are and how much do they weigh (it is an older model of the
> late '60s). Will it fit on say the back seat of a car?
>
> I suspect the answers will be very and lots respectively.
>
> Thanks for your replies.
>
> Jon Hunt
Jon,
I have such an enlarger that I used a truck to transport when I
purchased it. It can be easily broken down however and transported in a
car backseat, IMO, although I haven't tried it. I had an older model
that had struts coming in front of the main column which got in the way
of using a 16x20 easel, you might want to check that possibility.
It's a good enlarger for the price and has lots of used accessories
that are available. I especially like the no-nonsense Dichro S head
which I use for both b/w and color. It gives a good strong and even
light with easily replaced bulbs.
John Youngblood
Matthew Hoffman
I've hauled a few of the beasts. Although they're unwieldy for one person
to carry, it's not difficult to fit them in a car. Last one I moved I slid
into the truck--taking advantage of the fold-down back seat and a bungie
cord to hold the trunk lid down. If I did it again, I'd probably take a few
tools and take off the baseboard. They it would easily fit in a back seat.
Good luck!
Jerry LeCroy
Once separated from the baseboard the Beseler 45 I have (an MXT) will fit
in the trunk of my Honda Accord - would probably fit in the back seat as
well. I'd take off the lamp head to transport - that only takes a minute.
Close both the bellows (focus and condenser sides) all the way tight, so
they won't be exposed to the slings and arrows. The old Beselers aren't
very delicate, but would cost a bit to have a shipping box made to ship one
assembled. I think that they require a good bit of assembly when they come
in the box from the factrory, judging from the manual. By the way, you can
get manuals from Beseler - I think I paid $8 plus shipping for mine.
Good luck.
Jerry