Beseler Enlargers in the UK

[Lachlan Young]

Hi all, does anyone know where I can buy either a Beseler 23 or 45 in the UK new? Also, which Variable Contrast system do Beselers use - Kodak or Ilford or one of their own? All help will be most welcome.
Lachlan

 

[haziz]

Hi all, does anyone know where I can buy either a Beseler 23 or 45 in the UK new? Also, which Variable Contrast system do Beselers use - Kodak or Ilford or one of their own? All help will be most welcome.
Lachlan

While Beseler makes decent enlargers, I think you would be much better off with LPL (marketed until recently as Saunders enlargers in the US), or Durst. Durst makes superb enlargers and since they are based in Italy, they may be easier to obtain in Europe including the UK. You can also look for Devere, I have seen some of their bigger enlargers and they are at the same level as the Durst. I believe Devere also made smaller enlargers. I don't think Beseler ever made Variable contrast heads, though you could use the filters in the color head for VC paper. You could try to look for an LPL enlargers with VC heads. They are much better designed and built than any Beseler enlarger. The Durst and Devere enlargers are even better built still.

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Hany.

 

[pelerin]

Beseler in the EU

Hi all, does anyone know where I can buy either a Beseler 23 or 45 in the UK new? Also, which Variable Contrast system do Beselers use - Kodak or Ilford or one of their own? All help will be most welcome.
Lachlan

Hi Lachlan,
When I recently enquired with Steve McFadden at Beseler about sourcing non-US voltage lamps for a customer he directed me to: http://www.fotoimpex.de/Home/home.html . They were quite helpful and English was no problem. They have a catalog with prices on their website. Unfortunately they had no line on the bulbs I was hoping to find . I believe the VC head for the 45 has been discontinued but I remember it as having a switch on the back of the desktop contoller that allowed you to select which grade numbering system you preferred. You might perhaps enquire directly to Mr. McFadden at Beseler, he could certainly direct you to any other distributors in Europe. Durst and LPL are fine products (I own Durst) but I doubt either company will be able to help you with an enquiry about a Beseler.
Celac.

 

[jeroldharter]

I think Beseler makes a variable contrast light source for medium format but not for the 23 models. I think it is for their 6x7 model enlargers.

In 4x5 they made a universal light source which is no longer available and difficult to find used. I use a Beseler 4x5 VXL enlarger with the Dichro 45S light source for variable contrast B&W printing.

Don't know about availability in Europe. However, given the huge markdown for buying used, you might do well buying a used model in the US and paying for shipping. You could easily buy a Beseler 45 MXT with a Dichro 45S light source on Ebay for $450. Shipping would be high but you would still be way ahead.

 

[photomc]

Unless it has been discountinued recently, Beseler does make a variable contrast for the 23, see here. I have a 23II and a 45S, but agree the LPL or Durst might serve you better - IMO