Beseler Printmaker 67 Condensers

[argusc3]

Hello Everyone,

This is my first post here. I was introduced to traditional b & w photography through two courses at my college, and have been a devoted amateur ever since. Now I'm trying to set up a mini darkroom in my basement for occasional printing.

I just scored this Beseler Printmaker 67 on Craigslist last week; I paid $50.00 for it, as well as 3 boxes full of other darkroom equipment, including developing trays, tanks, a printwasher, GraLab timer, etc.

It is my understanding that this model is able to handle 35mm negatives, as well as medium format negatives, but I'm a little bit confused in terms of if I'm missing any of the necessary components. From photos online, I've noticed that the similar Beseler Printmaker 35, has a smaller condenser for printing 35mm prints, and I'm not sure if I'm supposed to have that too, in addition to the two bigger condenser that I DO, have?

Here's the enlarger itself.


The inside; the two condensors were not in place, but I'm assuming this is how they are supposed to go?


The "Heat Absorber".


The Condensers; both are stamped with the Letter "A".


The filter holder.


The 50mm Beslar Lens

 

[MattKing]

Congratulations on your new enlarger.
In almost all cases, if you have the condensors for a larger format, you can use them with 35mm as well. The biggest benefit arising from having an accessory 35mm condensor as well is that it will permit shorter printing times when making larger enlargements.
Have fun!

 

[Jon Shiu]

sometimes there is a diagram on the back of the front cover

Jon

 

[bernard_L]

sometimes there is a diagram on the back of the front cover

+1
In my Beseler 67CS there is a diagram on the back of the sliding cover of the lamp/condenser housing. And no change of condenser between 120 and 35mm. Slots from top to bottom: heat filter; top condenser; VC filter tray, bottom condenser. The two condensers have the flat faces facing outward.

 

[argusc3]

Thanks for all of the help, Matt, Jon, and Bernard!

I've seen some photos a guy with a Beseler Printmaker 35 posted, that showed the diagram on the back of the front panel, but on mine it's totally blank. After reading Bernard's post though, I'm pretty sure I have everything setup properly.

Based upon what I've been reading, the Printmaker 35 and the Printmaker 67 are essentially the same unit, just with different condensers. In fact, I think the 35mm condenser, available to add to the Printmaker 67, is just the single condenser that is found on the Printmaker 35: http://www.freestylephoto.biz/1045907-Beseler-Condenser-Assembly-for-Printmaker-35


According to someone who posted on this old thread I found on Photo.net "For the Printmaster 35 you get 1 condensor 2.25" diameter...The Printmaker 67 comes with 2 condensers, each 4" in diameter. You can upgrade the 35 to 67 by buying the larger condensor set."

Here's that thread for future reference, if anyone in a similar situation stumbles upon this thread years from now: http://photo.net/black-and-white-photo-printing-finishing-forum/00888r

Matt, I'm assuming the 35mm condenser just assists in shortening printing times by concentrating the light more towards the center to accommodate the smaller 35mm negative (as opposed to the larger condensers that accomodate up to 6x7)?

Thanks, Brian

 

[MattKing]

Matt, I'm assuming the 35mm condenser just assists in shortening printing times by concentrating the light more towards the center to accommodate the smaller 35mm negative (as opposed to the larger condensers that accomodate up to 6x7)?

Thanks, Brian

Brian:

You are correct.