Besseler 23c II, having trouble with small prints

[help!]

I have a Besseler 23c II that im using with a 50mm lens and I can't seem to make prints small prints (I would like to make 5x7s). The head is lowered as far as it wants to go... Its at a red mark on the rails, I think about 9 inches high and i'm assuming this is as low as its designed to go. Is there some other adjustment I'm missing or is some thing out of alignment? Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[JRJacobs]

What format are you using? I am going to assume it is 35mm film since you are using a 50mm lens. If so, did you set the condenser to the 35mm setting? Look on the the right of the condenser housing and you will see several film format settings and a black knob - you have to turn the knob to set the pointer to "35mm".

 

[dancqu]

Odd. 5x7 is a standard size. A cure is longer
focal length lens. I'm using 105mm on my
6x9 Omega B8. Doing 31/2x5s is easy.
BTW the condenser setting has
nothing to do with image
magnification. Dan

 

[Whiteymorange]

You might consider using a longer focal length lens. A 75 or 80mm will work fine for 35mm film and give you more leeway.

 

[Jon Shiu]

It should make be able to make a 5x7, but in the past with various enlargers, I have put the easel on a box to raise it.

Jon

 

[smieglitz]

I just checked a 23CII w/ 50mm El-Nikkor f/2.8 and it will get down to about 2.75"x4" print. That is with the arrow aligned at the zero mark of the rail scale.

Joe



Joe

 

[help!]

I just checked a 23CII w/ 50mm El-Nikkor f/2.8 and it will get down to about 2.75"x4" print. That is with the arrow aligned at the zero mark of the rail scale.

Joe



Joe

I can't get the whole top assembly to move lower than the 9 mark on the rails (which is marked in red), is there some sort of lock?

 

[dancqu]

I can't get the whole top assembly to move lower
than the 9 mark on the rails (which is marked in red),
is there some sort of lock?

Perhaps a stop is attached. Stop or not you'll
find it easier to work small prints with a longer
focal length lens; more room under the lens and
realistic exposure times. Dan

 

[smieglitz]

The lock is the t-shaped bolt aligned with #5 in your picture. If you can move the carriage upward, the lock is not engaged. Any chance a cord may be hanging up from the top? Check the rail channel as well. I've had to place a wooden stop in the rail of a motorized 45M to keep students from smashing the carriage into the baseboard. Perhaps someone did something similar to yours. No teeth missing on the gear rack is there?

 

[help!]

The lock is the t-shaped bolt aligned with #5 in your picture. If you can move the carriage upward, the lock is not engaged. Any chance a cord may be hanging up from the top? Check the rail channel as well. I've had to place a wooden stop in the rail of a motorized 45M to keep students from smashing the carriage into the baseboard. Perhaps someone did something similar to yours. No teeth missing on the gear rack is there?

Problem solved: There were a few pieces of tape on the inside of the rails preventing movement, thanks.

I appreciate all the replies!