i'm looking to buy a new/used 4x5 enlarger. is the Beseler cb 7 (i think that's the name) any good? it's an older unit being sold without a lens for 750$. it comes with condenser and cold light head. any info on whether or not this is a good deal would be helpful. advice on other enlargers also welcomed. thanks-tyson

-- tyson fisher (lowflyingfish@hotmail.com), January 10, 2000

Answers

The one we used to have in the commercial darkroom had the green colored cold light head, and took up to 5x7 negs. I havent seen the condensers for it -- I suspect they use a fair amount of glass. The cold light will probably not work with multi-grade papers, although you may be able to work out some filtration. It will work fine with graded papers. The enlarger is built like a tank. I think it is probably strong enough to hold up the ceiling if it has to.

-- Tony Brent (ajbrent@mich.com), January 10, 2000.

I have a CB7 and think it is agreat enlarger.I found mine at a state surplus,and am not aware that it would do 5x7.I have a zone vi vc head on it and have been getting beautiful results for the past two years.I think you would be happy with it.The price seems reasonable.Good luck.

-- Emerald Estock (llw@deltacomm.com), January 11, 2000.

I have been using a CB7 for over 10 years and love it. It is extremely rugged and rigid. fully motorized. I have been using the Besseler/Minolta computer controlled head with great results. I think that it would be well worth $750.00.

-- Eric Shaver (eshaver@earthlink.net), January 12, 2000.

Tyson,

We have a CB-7 sitting around in our supply room, but it is unfortunatly in about 20 pieces. I've asked around about it and been told that it was one of Beselers most sought after enlargers, and still commands a good price. It does not take 5x7, though. (As far as I knew, all of the CB-7's were 4x5.) You could use the cold light with graded papers like Portriga and Ilford Gallerie. Just make sure the light source stabilizes itself! The one we have must have something wrong with it, because it flickers like crazy......I haven't found a way to fix it yet.

-- Adam DeKraker (adam.dekraker@wmich.edu), January 14, 2000.

I guess I mis-spoke about 5x7 being possible on this machine. It's been almost 40 years since I played with it. I do remember the bright green light though. Ours did not flicker.

-- Tony Brent (ajbrent@mich.com), January 15, 2000.