Advice on buying an Enlarger

[bibowj]

Hell all- Im going to go look at this enlarger from Craigslist today and I was wondering if some of you fine people can help me with a few questions.

I have a decent amount of experience in the darkroom, but mostly with an enlarger set up for MF work and being that I normally shoot mostly 66 and 67 negs, I avoided this model of enlarger (thinking that it can't shoot larger than 35mm). My question would be can this would be outfitted to shoot 67 with the right negative carrier, and if so what are my limitations? Also, is there anything I should be specifically aware of when looking at it today? I think $30 is a good deal for it assuming it works..... but I might be wrong...

thanks!

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/pho/4696129952.html

 

[bernard_L]

Beseler 23 can do up to 6x9 cm negs. Also 6x6, 6x7... and 35mm. You need the correct size negative carrier. Easily found on e**y. You also need the proper lens; in principle 80mm, but if the enlarger comes with a 100mm lens, that's alright. Check the proper condensers are present.

 

[fotch]

If in working condition, good deal.

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

Is the top cover is missing?

 

[mklw1954]

You should look at the manual to familiarize yourself with the enlarger before looking at it:
http://www.jollinger.com/photo/cam-coll/manuals/enlargers/beseler/Beseler_DualDichro23_head.pdf

It will handle your medium format negatives.

As someone else asked, is the top door missing?

And a bunch of obvious things to check:
It needs the power supply (voltage-stabilized or unstabilized);
Would be nice if it has both the plastic diffuser and glass condenser light boxes (the Conic Light Integrator piece is needed to use the condenser);
Rotate the filter wheels and check that the colors change;
Make sure you hear the fan operating;
Check that the bellows are in good condition;
Check that raising the negative stage is not a problem (the black plastic cams are not broken and the springs are not all rusted).

 

[Jesper]

make sure it comes with the negative carriers you need.