120 Enlarger Purchase Question

[gedra]

I am looking for an enlarger to print 120 and 35 and am considering the Beseler 23CIII and Omera/Saunders LPL 670 each with the variable contrast head. Does anyone have thoughts on the relative durability and customer support from these manufacturers? Thanks very much.

 

[Pinholemaster]

We use 23C's in our school's darkroom. They've held up very well to students use. Can't speak from experience about the Saunders.

 

[winger]

I have a Beseler 23CIII. I haven't needed customer support (the manual is actually enough for what I've needed). It's sturdy and durable, I'd say. Several 23CII were in use at a museum school darkroom I used and they survived pretty well. They definitely got abused. For personal use, I think you'd have to be very rough to mess it up - regular use isn't going to hurt it. Mine has been moved from one darkroom to another (different state) and it's fine.

 

[Anscojohn]

The Beseler is a very rigid, rugged machine with no vices I can fathom.

 

[nworth]

I use the Beseler at home, but I have also used 4X5 version of the LPL. Both are excellent. The LPL may be a bit easier to use, but it is also more expensive. The Beseler may be a shade brighter.

 

[Dennis S]

The Beseler 23C II that I have is the most durable enlarger that I have used. Being without a permanent address such as mine it is a dependable part of my lifestyle. Not a lot of people I know (including me) have a residences for loner than say 3 yrs . Seems like the enlarger goes farther than me. So for me I prefer something like the Beseler to remain consistent in operation. Seems like a "tank" as enlargers go. But that is my style maybe not yours.

 

[2F/2F]

Beseler 23s are great and cheap, and they can print up to 6x9 if you go that route some day.

 

[gedra]

Thanks everyone for the valuable responses.

 

[aoresteen]

Beseler 23C. I have three of them. They are very good enlagers, good support from Beseler, and parts are easy to get.

http://www.oresteen.com/bess23c.htm