Beseler 23C vs Omega B8

Ariston · Jan 20, 2020

I hope to be able to do proper prints one day. Two enlargers are available locally for around $50 to $100. I’m thinking of grabbing one to stow away until I have the space to use it.

Between these two, what are the differences? Do you consider one better than the other? Do they both have medium format carriers readily available?

Thanks for the input!

Rick A · Jan 21, 2020

They are both 6x9 enlargers, the Omega long out of production and parts availability getting scarce(and expensive), The Beseler is still in production, easy to obtain parts, plus easy to switch between formats.

John Galt · Jan 21, 2020

Of the two . . 23C all day. If you need parts for it I have many.

MattKing · Jan 21, 2020

On the B8, KHB has this info: http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/Enlargers/B8.htm
Which version of the 23C - I, II, III, XL?
Assuming both are in good shape, I would recommend the Beseler, if only because of the availability of accessories.
That being said, a well accessorized and maintained B8 is an excellent enlarger.

mgb74 · Jan 21, 2020

Rick A said:
They are both 6x9 enlargers, the Omega long out of production and parts availability getting scarce(and expensive), The Beseler is still in production, easy to obtain parts, plus easy to switch between formats.

+1. While I like the B8, and it might have been a better choice at a point in time, a later Beseler 23cII or cIII is a better choice today. It does have it's weaknesses (nylon gears) but they can be remedied.

tomkatf · Jan 21, 2020

Used both prefer the 23C by far...

Ariston · Jan 21, 2020

Thanks, everyone. There seems to be a consensus. I don't know which version of the 23C it is, but it looks old. Kind of a cone head...

mshchem · Jan 21, 2020

The the 23c cone head is a condenser head. Nothing to go wrong, except for the weird (but available) lamp, filter drawer for acetate filters. The earlier colorheads are getting very antique. All the Beseler 23c negative carriers, lens boards, and light sources are interchangeable and plentiful.

Omega made fabulous enlargers, maybe a bit less common to find.

CMoore · Jan 22, 2020

Ariston said:
I hope to be able to do proper prints one day. Two enlargers are available locally for around $50 to $100. I’m thinking of grabbing one to stow away until I have the space to use it.

Between these two, what are the differences? Do you consider one better than the other? Do they both have medium format carriers readily available?

Thanks for the input!

I have one in great shape (23C)
I would be happy to give it to a beginner (like myself)...... but it looks like we are as far apart as possible, without one of us living in an ocean.
Good Luck My Friend

Ariston · Jan 22, 2020

CMoore said:
I have one in great shape (23C)
I would be happy to give it to a beginner (like myself)...... but it looks like we are as far apart as possible, without one of us living in an ocean.
Good Luck My Friend

I wish I could make it happen - I would love to take a road trip to California if I could find the time!

mgb74 · Jan 22, 2020

Ariston said:
Thanks, everyone. There seems to be a consensus. I don't know which version of the 23C it is, but it looks old. Kind of a cone head...

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

Ariston · Jan 22, 2020

mgb74 said:
http://www.oresteen.com/bess23c.htm

Thanks - looks like it is the Series II.

Beseler 23C vs Omega B8

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