I just picked up a Beseler Vu-Lyte II for $10 bucks plus $40 shipping (it's a heavy, all metal enclosure). I read a post on diyaudio's forums about someone buying one of these and being able to use the 18" opaque projector triplet, the focusing mechanism, the FS Mirror, and the tempered glass out of one of these bad boys for their PJ. Since it is old and used, I can't say what parts I will be able to salvage, but hopefully all parts. Anyone interested in building a vertical pj on a budget should definitely keep these beasts in mind. Don't wait for an ebayer to sell just the lens... get the whole thing and save in the long run.

I don't know how this triplet compares to the pro triplet in terms of PQ since they are both long throw lenses but the price is definitely right. A FS Mirror can be a little pricey too so if it's still in good shape, it's a steal.

Just thought I'd pass this along to anyone looking on scrounging parts as there are a few for sale on ebay right now. Mine should be here on the 13th so hopefully I will post my own photos of it soon after.

Your not the first.

The heat glass is nice but only about 5x7.

The FSM in mine is about 1/4 thich and vary nice.

The triplet is fine on a 17" LCD for movies 16/9 is almost perfect for me a 500mm fl would be better.

I took the focus rack and used it for the PJ works great.

Just got my vu-lyte today and I have taken it apart. The triplet is huge! Only now that I'm holding it in my hands do I realize how big (and heavy) it really is. I am sad to report that it looks like the FS mirror is damaged. It has a few scratches on the front surface side that are noticeable from a few feet away. If you flip it over, the regular mirror side (the glass side) looks much brighter and clearer. I think I'll keep it for now but most likely I will have to buy another mirror.

What is the best way to clean the triplet lenses? It appears that they have oils from fingerprints on them (not mine).

Also I've taken some pictures but I will have to post them later because I have to run.

The Beseler Vu-Lyte II with 18" FL Triplet.



Next to my acoustic for a size comparison. The cats are not part of the size comparison! The gray one in the back is actually much bigger than the black one in the front.



Shown here moving clockwise from top left are: lens mount, triplet, FS Mirror, Focusing Mechanism, Tempered Glass. Missing from photo: lens cover (see the size comparison shots above for that).

Close up shots of the triplet. As you can see it is just a little bigger than a CD. The diameter is approximately 145mm (~5 1/4") and the length is about 165mm (just over 6"). My guess is that it weighs about 8 lbs. I don't have a scale here but maybe later I'll get it weighed.