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Beseler 1620

Tom C

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Joined
Jun 25, 2011
Messages
25
Format
Medium Format
Hi,
I got a Beseler 1620 Universal Print Dryer. The unit is in good shape and everything works but the prints stick to the drum. I can peel off the print if emulsion is towards fabric but if the emulsion is against the drum it melts onto the drum. I'm currently using Arista fiber based paper but have had problems with other papers. Any helpful hints? Anyone have an owners/users manual. Beseler was no help and Craigs Camera is not available.
Thanks,
Tom
 
I was never able to get these to work when drying prints emulsion side toward the drum—they always stuck. I never bothered to figure out how to solve the problem (never was into the ferrotype look) but assumed that maybe they weren't meant to be used that way.
 

+1 I use mine (a Pako) with the emulsion towards the canvas.
 
The drum has to be very very clean and the print emulsion has to be hardened, either with the acid additive for the rapid fix or a Chrome alum bath, there may be others. Another thing that was commonly used was a ferrotype wax that was put on the metal to help shine up the gloss and enhance the separation of the paper from the surface. It's such a pain to get good results most folks just don't bother, but when it's good you get real snap to the image.

BTW I have one of thos 1620s, never use it anymore.
 
You don't happen to have an owners manual do you? Not even Beseler has a copy.
 
No but theres not much to know about it. Are you having a particular problem with it other than prints sticking?
 
Not really. The prints stick (actually melt) onto the drum if placed so the emulsion is towards the drum. The drum is as clean as I can get it. Seems like the only way to dry a print is face against the fabric. It still sticks a little but can be removed if you watch for it to come out from the drum.
This unit seems to be more trouble than it is worth. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
 
Sounds like the thermostat is not keeping the temperature down. Maybe rewire it with a dimmer control on the heater circuit?
 
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