Beseler 23C Negatrans

BKeeper · Mar 29, 2016

Hello, All.

I am new to the forum, and have a question I hope one of you can help answer.

My son has developed an interest in film photography, and we are wanting to revive my old darkroom equipment. I have a Beseler 23C enlarger, which I believe is the "version II" (blue color) from the 60s-70s. My question is regarding the Negatrans accessory. On the auction website I have seen two versions of what is listed as a Negatrans for the 23C - one has a round flange or collar on the bottom, and the other does not. Which is correct, and what purpose does that collar serve? I have uploaded photos of the two versions.

Thanks for any info you can provide.

BKeeper

CropDusterMan · Mar 29, 2016

If you're referring to the ring (top photo) vs the bottom photo, the one on the bottom has
little pins, and they are for centering it in the enlarger...I have 3 of the negatrans for
35, 120 and 6x7 for my Beseler 45V XL. Mine are like the one pictured on the bottom.
I will take a closer look at my enlarger and see if it indexes into the round hole or if it
has corresponding holes....

Were you looking to buy one for your system? They are a cool tool, but definitely not
necessary. I filed mine out slightly to allow for some framing. The do hold the negative
nicely in place.

BKeeper · Mar 29, 2016

Thanks for the quick reply. Yes, I was considering the purchase of one since they seem to be fairly inexpensive and I have heard that they are handy and work well as long as the o-ring is in good condition. I already have one of the standard holders that I know I can use instead. I suppose the collar/ring/flange is perhaps present on earlier (or later) Negatrans versions, but wasn't sure which version I should be purchasing or if it even matters. Thanks again.

CropDusterMan · Mar 29, 2016

There is a company on Ebay that sell the o-rings for them. I do like the Negatrans, but personally,
if I could, I'd use a glass carrier all the time if I had them for all formats. Very cool that your son
is getting into photography!

frobozz · Mar 29, 2016

It's been a while since I've had a Negatrans, but my recollection is that the little pins were removable, and possible even MOVE-able, to make it work with either the 45xxx enlargers or the 23xxx enlargers. As pictured there, I would say the one with the ring is currently set up for the 23 model, while the one with the pins is currently set up for the 45 model. Note the one with the ring has holes for the pins (but oddly I don't see properly spaced holes on the one with the pins, that would allow them to be moved to a 23-friendly position...hmmmm...)

Duncan

BKeeper · Mar 29, 2016

frobozz said:
Note the one with the ring has holes for the pins (but oddly I don't see properly spaced holes on the one with the pins, that would allow them to be moved to a 23-friendly position...hmmmm...)

Hmmmm, indeed. I also just noticed that the top edge of the top one is three sided, while the top edge of the bottom one is straight. It's a head scratcher.

Ginette · Mar 29, 2016

The first will fit the 23C but the second fit only in the 45. Even if you moved (or removed) the pins, the back will hit the side strings.
Beseler did some Negatrans that fits the 2 models you will see clearly by the sketch on the back of the carrier.
Even if the O-ring seems fine, it will break when you will use! Better to replace, the replacement o-ring listed on eBay are correct.

samcomet · Mar 29, 2016

BKeeper said:
Hello, All.

I am new to the forum, and have a question I hope one of you can help answer.

My son has developed an interest in film photography, and we are wanting to revive my old darkroom equipment. I have a Beseler 23C enlarger, which I believe is the "version II" (blue color) from the 60s-70s. My question is regarding the Negatrans accessory. On the auction website I have seen two versions of what is listed as a Negatrans for the 23C - one has a round flange or collar on the bottom, and the other does not. Which is correct, and what purpose does that collar serve? I have uploaded photos of the two versions.

Thanks for any info you can provide.

BKeeper

View attachment 153496 View attachment 153497

FWIW Beseler Negtrans #8078 (35mm) and #8097 (2 ¼ sq.) are for the 23 series heads. Instructions are here:

http://www.jollinger.com/photo/cam-coll/manuals/enlargers/beseler/Beseler_23C(newer).pdf.

I started using my Beseler 23c III during the 1960's and it's still in use today. Best of luck to you and your son!
Cheers!
Sam

BKeeper · Mar 29, 2016

Excellent information. Thanks to everyone!

CropDusterMan · Mar 29, 2016

By the way, are you a Bee Keeper? I assume so. LOL. Absolutely fascinating creatures.

George Nova Scotia · Mar 29, 2016

If you can find a shop nearby that does repair work on hydraulic cylinders chances are they have a large storeroom of all sorts of o rings. About a dollar for the negatrans just take the old one with you and if are nice they will match it.

BKeeper · Mar 30, 2016

CropDusterMan said:
By the way, are you a Bee Keeper? I assume so. LOL. Absolutely fascinating creatures.

Actually, no. My initials are BBB III as are my sons - BBB IV. I am the keeper of "B", and live in the "B hIVe".

BKeeper · Mar 30, 2016

George Nova Scotia said:
If you can find a shop nearby that does repair work on hydraulic cylinders chances are they have a large storeroom of all sorts of o rings. About a dollar for the negatrans just take the old one with you and if are nice they will match it.

Good to know. Thanks!

CropDusterMan · Mar 30, 2016

BKeeper said:
Actually, no. My initials are BBB III as are my sons - BBB IV. I am the keeper of "B", and live in the "B hIVe".

Funny.

Beseler 23C Negatrans

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