Beseler 23c-ii lens board sizes

[kbrede]

I bought a used Beseler enlarger. The lens board that came with it had a 50mm El Nikkor lens. An omega enlarger also came with the deal and it had an 80mm El Nikkor. I swapped the 50mm for the 80mm since I want to print 6x7 negatives. I was reading that there are different lens boards for different focal length lens ranges. 8021 would work for the 50mm and 8023 for the 80mm. I'm assuming I have the 8021 but there are no markings on it, just a pilot light.

How can I tell for sure which model board I have? Will the 80mm lens work OK with what I've got?
Thanks,

 

[Steve Goldstein]

Both boards are flat, the only difference is the counterbore location (front vs. rear). The counterbore is fairly minor, maybe 1mm, so at most it amounts to a 2mm difference in the lens location, which is basically nothing compared to the difference in focal lengths. I'd say use the board you've got and don't worry about it.

 

[Ian C]

There’s a list of Beseler 23C lens boards along with descriptions (counterbore locations) and catalog numbers on this site:

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

The 80mm lens will work fine on the flat board (4” x 4” x 1/8”) with the 23C, 23C II, and 23C III. The 80/5.6 EL Nikkor will fit both versions: 8021 counterbore on front or 8023 counterbore on back.