Beseler 23C newbie question

[Dominic1]

Hi, I'm taking a look at a used Beseler 23c (blue body) soon. Any tips on problem areas to look for? Thanks in advance.

 

[ann]

check the bellows for leaks

also take a look at the gears in the rack to be sure they are do not have broken teeth.

 

[Dominic1]

thanks ann, I'll be sure to do that

 

[Dan Williams]

23C

They are pretty rugged.

I have one of the old gray ones that I bought in the late 60's. Nothing has ever broken and, other than infrequent cleaning and a little lubrication, tightening some screws, and realignment, I have done nothing to it. I have no problems with it.

I also have a color head for it that I got in the mid 70's that I don't use anymore. It is the "new" blue color. Other than it needs a new lamp, I never had any problems with it either.

The Beseler products are very well built. The only things I have replaced were the enlarger lenses - both Nikon. I got a better quality 50mm (also Nikon) and the 80 developed fungus so I had to replace it (also with a newer Nikon).

The 23C isn't the state of the art and it isn't the prettiest I have seen but it is hell bent for stout and, for its price, delivers solid value

Dan

 

[reellis67]

I've handled a good number of them and the most common problem I've seen is the teeth on the crank that raises and lowers the head. They can be replaced easily enough - Freestyle sell the replacements - but other than that, they are tanks.

- Randy

 

[davetravis]

Hi Dominic1,
Welcome to APUG and the darkside!
Every Beseler I've ever owned was a real workhorse lasting decades.
Get the best lens you can afford and may all your prints turn out to be what you dreamed.

 

[Dominic1]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I ended up buying the Beseler. It looks like it's in pretty good shape. No light leaks from the bellows or broken sprocket teeth.
The bulb wiring looks like a bit of a fire hazard, so I'm going to try and replace it.
It came with Beslar 75 and 50mm lenses.

 

[reellis67]

If you would prefer to replace the lamp housing, I have one that you can have for the cost of shipping. The wiring is in fine shape and the socket works well. Just contact me off list if you would like it.

- Randy