Color conversion for Beseler 23cII

[jran01]

I have a Beseler 23CII w/condenser head, that I've been using for some time to do 35mm and some 6x6 B&W work. I've been thinking about color as well, but wanted to understand a few things a bit better up front:

-To convert to color, is it only a matter of swapping the head?
-If so, are there limitations re: compatibility (ie 23CII vs. 23CIII)?
-I only have one enlarger so, if converted, is the quality still there for B&W (I've read varying things on this site)
-Finally & most importantly, is the experience the same as B&W, much more complex, etc.?

Many thanks! Jim

 

[Troy Hamon]

I have the 23c (not II), and for that there are two items to replace. The little lampholder at the top of the head comes out and is replaced by the color lamphouse that fits over the existing structure. The condenser is replaced by a diffuser...that's it. Well, actually there are a couple of adjustments to other pieces, but they are optional, whereas those two pieces are not...

Like I said, not a 23cII, so perhaps somebody else can make a more definitive statement about that model.

As far as quality, I only do B&W, but I like the color head just because I like being able to dial in filter factors without changing physical filters. I have heard of others that feel there is something vastly different and much better about condenser prints, but haven't seen that myself in my own work.

 

[Chan Tran]

It's the same for the 23CII but I think the 23CIII is different.

 

[Steve Gruber]

Beseler 23C DGA head won't go on 23 CII

I don't know if this helps, but it seems like the older one that I got with my condensor heaed 23CIIXL was never used probably because it won't go on the newer head without mods.

The 23CIII head also requires mods to put it on the older heads.
There's a posting by another user on another forum with details.

 

[Don Grindstaff]

I have a 23cIIIXL and it looks completly diffrent than the older models. If it will help, I will take some pictures of it for you.