Beseler 23C II Fine Focus Knob and Focus Lock

This not about the elevation handle and lock.

I had the chance yesterday to use my new (to me) Beseler 23C II with dual dichro head to make some prints in my temporary darkroom (aka bathroom). This was my first time printing at home and about the 4th time printing ever. It was an enjoyable experience overall and other than stupid beginner mistakes, like forgetting to set the aperture to the printing setting after focusing, I didn't waste too much paper.

Now the first question - Although I did not have any issues focusing, I found the focus knob to be "touchy". You barely turn it and it quickly goes from in focus to out of focus. I did use a grain enlarger (micro site). Did Beseler, or anyone, make any sort fine focus mechanism or upgrade for this enlarger? This would be almost like a third focus adjustment knob, elevation - coarse - fine.

And the second question - Is there a focus lock feature on this enlarger? I had no trouble with focus creep yesterday, but was a bit paranoid that without a lock, focus could creep.

For what it's worth, I was printing from a 6x9 negative using a 105mm lens with the appropriate lens holder.

Thanks and regards,
Rob

Rob - There is a "box" that the focus knob and stem are mounted on (between both stainless steel rods that the focus assembly slides up and down on). The back of the box can be pried off and you will see two spring steel bands and the screws that hold them in the assembly. The bands' screws can be adjusted to whatever tension you need. This comes from my 23C II - XL but I do believe it applies to all of the 23C models. I have a PDF instruction book on file for mine with a diagram and text that describes the adjustment. You can PM me if you want and I'll send it to you. Otherwise best of luck. BTW I've never in all my decades using Beseler 23C's heard of a "fine focus" adjuster although I am sure one could scratch build one. Cheers! Sam

You might need to increase the drag on the focus shaft. See Page 6

D. Adjustment for Condenser or Focus Adjustment and Figure 11

Dead Link Removed

The Beseler 23C, 23C II, and 23C III enlargers have no focus lock, and I’ve not seen an auxiliary fine-focus mechanism offered for these machines.

Right.
Just to add another possible issue:
If the bellows get too compressed (sometimes when using short lenses, like some 50mm ones, -and specially if you use 3rd party adjustable lens boards-), it tends to expand, despite of the focus wheel tightness... I fixed it by using a recessed lens board, in order to extend the bellows just a bit from the limit. Beseler bellows are too tough, too "springy", or maybe cutted too long for a realistic use of short lenses. Just my experience.
BTW, you can build a "fine focus" wheel... simply add-on a bigger one. There is not too much room, I`m afraid.

Thanks all. I think I will increase the tension slightly just for peace of mind.

Regards,
Rob

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Never had a problem, just the nature of things that need to be focused. Perhaps with experience, one learns to have a lite touch.