Beseler 23c Series II/ 35mm focus problem

[SteveinAlaska]

:confused: I posted about this a couple of monthe ago, thought I worked it out but it has returned. I just finished replacing the plastic gears on the cross carriage assembly. Installed the El-Nikkor 1:2.8, f= 50mm lenses and the 35mm holder, put in the negative holder to check my work. Set the enlarger at the proper mark and this is what I got.
The only way I could get a clear,focused image is with the head assembly 9 1/2 inches from the easel, the focus retracted ( raised upward) all the way and it only made an image that measured 4x6 and this was the only position that I could get a focused image. For my personal needs I am only wanting to go no larger than 8x10 on my 35mm negatives.
With my 6x6 and 6x9 work the enlarger seemed to adjust and focus OK. I could produce a variety of sizes of prints. Focusing mechanism, lenses all had adjustment. I just can't seem to make 35mm work.
I am working with a freebie(giveaway) unit here, so I am not out any great expense here, just my time. I have read around the site here that some of you have contacted Beseler and they seemed to want to help, so I'll give them a call or e-mail. In the meantime, does anyone on the site have an idea on how to overcome this problem?? Thanks for any help.

 

[reellis67]

Do you have both condensers in place? And are they in the proper orientation? Here's a link to the manual for that enlarger. Take a look at the back at the exploded diagram and see if it looks like what you are working with. You should be able to project a much larger image if everything is in place and in the correct orientation.

http://www.darkroompro.com/pdf/enlargers/index.html

- Randy

 

[Jon Shiu]

Hi, are you using a flat lensboard or does it have an extension cone-like shape? Sounds like your lens can't get close enough to the negative to focus.

Jon

 

[Bruce Osgood]

I would echo Randy regarding the condensers: "And are they in the proper orientation?"

 

[nworth]

I've used the same lens with the 23CII for over 30 years without any problems. But 50mm is close to the minimum focusing distance for that enlarger. Be sure you have the lens installed properly in a flat lensboard and that the lensboard is installed properly in the enlarger. If all that is OK, check the focal length of the lens - is it really a 50mm, and does it work in another enlarger?

 

[SteveinAlaska]

:rolleyes: Ah, guys, I found the problem.....
The focusing mechanism was not going full travel. I had to go look at another enlarger to figure this out. It only had to go that final 3/8 - 1/4 inch to work right. Thanks for the help.