Beseler 67C - play in lens stage

I'm trying to align a Beseler 67c. But there is side-to-side play / wobble in the lens stage including the vertical focus bar. That wobble extends to the 2 focus knobs. It's "natural" position (where it gravitates to) is slightly out of parallel with the negative stage. I can move it so it is parallel but, with no way to lock it in that position, it reverts back to being non-parallel.

I have the manual and there is no mention of adjustments or tightening of this. Though there is mention of tightening the focus mechanism (it seems appropriately tight as is).

Any ideas? Or is this an inherent issue with the 67c?

I had a 67c and found those screws to be pretty useless. I can't recall the focus stage setup though. I got a 2nd lens board and a piece of yoga mat and made a Besalign board. You need a hole saw and a drill and tap for, say, an M6 thumbscrew. If you google up some photos you'll see how they work. Those things are greatness for aligning the lens.

mine is solid as a rock. on the back of the unit there is a cover you can remove to adjust the tension on the focus knobs. Also on the front underside there are a few screws that allow the lens stage to tilt side to side and is kept in place by a small knurled knob. at what point is yours lose?

BTW I used a few brass shims under the knurled knob to bring the stage parallel front to back.

Your photo looks like a 23C, not the 67c. Or it's a very different generation of the 67c. Dead Link Removed is close to the version I'm dealing with.

you have the mono column version. I have both the 23 and the 67.... both are on the sturdy ladder type column and both heads are very similar and simply bolt onto the ladder column.

http://www.jollinger.com/photo/enlargers/images/enlargers/beseler/beseler_67cs(1981).jpg

this is the 67 I have in storage hanging on the wall... same except it has a filter holder under teh lens.. but same works.




take a pic of your problem area?

This one is the mono column version. Actually, I think there were 2 mono column versions; one with a larger column and one with a skimpier one. This one is the larger (but single) column version.

I won't be able to get a pic until next week. But the attached annotated scan from the manual should explain it:

A - The negative stage is aligned with the baseboard
B - But lens stage is not unless moved manually and there is no locking mechanism.
C and D - There is side to side play in the focusing track which translates to play in the lens stage.
E - I haven't yet tightened these screws but I don't think that will help as the whole focus rail is moving. But will have to try it.

However!!!

In walking through and documenting this, I see what appears to be a bushing or guide (marked F on this scan) that surrounds the focus rail in the frame. I don't remember seeing that when I was trying to align it and, if it is missing, could explain the side to side play I'm experiencing. Will have to check next week when back at the darkroom.

(I should add that this enlarger is at a community darkroom where I volunteer. Much of the equipment has been donated and not in "as new" condition.)

This has been helpful.

yup yup yup. I see your problem. It is the same head n mechanisms.

The short answer is tighten everything down, use loc-tite to keep it place. check the bushings n tension springs. Those delrin bushings can be the problem if missing.

While you have it apart, lube everything in the focusing mechanism too.

good luck.