I don't have an enlarger yet, but the Cadet II is one I'm looking at. It comes with a 50mm and can only do 135/35mm frames, but I like to print very small images (4x2.67"). So I was wondering if I could interchange the lens on the Cadet? If I could fit a 80mm on it, do you think I could still focus with the lense all the way down?

-- Wayne C. Lee (wlee@s.psych.uiuc.edu), April 03, 2002

Answers

The exploded drawing of the Cadet II shows the lens is a standard PN which is also available separately for other enlargers. Thus it is likely to be interchangeable (though I don't know how easy it would be).

There is no indication that the bellows are long enough, though, for smaller enlargements.

I suggest you consider calling Beseler, as they can probably answer the question.

I'd also suggest you consider one the 23C enlargers in the Beseler line-up. The Cadet seems to me to be "shaky", which might give you some sharpness problems. The 23C structure is very stable. Admitedly, this is more money, but the 23C's are often available used at very reasonable prices.

It also gives you the ability to move up to medium formtat without buying a new enlarger!

-- Charlie Strack (charlie_strack@sti.com), April 03, 2002.