Beseler 23C Enlarger with 67S Dichro Color Head

[Jin]

Hi, I want to start a dark room and I have just gotten into film photography. And I found this enlarger on Craigslist. It is being sold by the original owner. The owner had not used this item for over 12 years but stored it in the climate controlled storage. Comes with a 35mm carrier, 6x7 negative carrier, lensboard with 38mm opening and mixing chamber for 35mm film. It is tested and functional. It is being sold at $60 but negotiable. Is this a good item for the price and is it a good item for a beginner who just wants to have fun with analog photography? I am not looking to do any professional work.

Any advice or recommendation will be well appreciated! Thank you in advance.

 

[Neal]

Dear Jin,

Welcome to analog photography. Assuming the 6x7 mixing box is included it is well worth $60. I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Good luck,

Neal Wydra

 

[Rick A]

What Neal said, fork over three $20 bills, even if the 6x7 box isn't with it,and smile all the way home.

 

[mgb74]

Just be aware that you'll need to locate a 6x7 mixing box if you want to print negatives larger than 35mm. You mentioned a 38mm opening for the lensboard; it is probably 39mm (the most common size).

You'll need a lens if it doesn't have one. Good lenses are inexpensive these days.

 

[darkroommike]

Technically that's not a 23C it is 67CS, Beseler makes, or at least made, a 6x7 with a 23C type column but it is it's own beast. Uses 67 series carriers and accessories. A very nice machine at a great price.

 

[Jin]

Just be aware that you'll need to locate a 6x7 mixing box if you want to print negatives larger than 35mm. You mentioned a 38mm opening for the lensboard; it is probably 39mm (the most common size).

You'll need a lens if it doesn't have one. Good lenses are inexpensive these days.

Thank you for your reply. So the seller mentions that it comes with a 75mm lens which does not fit on the board. Would I have to buy or make a board?

 

[MattKing]

Thank you for your reply. So the seller mentions that it comes with a 75mm lens which does not fit on the board. Would I have to buy or make a board?

The lensboards for the 67 series are very simple and it shouldn't be hard to get one.
Here is a listing at KHB's online store - note Canadian dollars: http://store.khbphotografix.com/39m...-Printmaker-and-67-series-Enlargers-Used.html
I haven't shopped for my 67C for a while, but eBay used to be a good source.

 

[Jin]

Thank you everyone. Picked it up today for $40. Everything was in very good condition. Came with 6x7 box and 35mm box and 70mm lens and everything described. It was a steal.

 

[mgb74]

Excellent deal. You can use the 75mm lens, but will limit your print size with 35mm negative. Still should be able to get a 8x10 though.