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Enlarger Question regarding condenser enlarger (in)consistency: Beseler 23c

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Hi all,

I was experimenting trying to print a zone V gray on my Beseler 23c enlarger (condenser version), and notice this apparent "cool spot" in addition to some modest falloff. The spot hits close close to the operator side of the board as projected/printed. Does anyone know what might be causing this? It seems like something that will affect prints. I am just learning to print with an enlarger. Any suggestions/ideas would be welcome.

Thanks
 

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mshchem

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So obvious question, do you have the condenser adjusted to the correct size negative carrier. Correct lens? Is the enlarger in focus?

You need a carrier, correct lens, condenser set, in focus.
 

mshchem

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Not sure what era, some (all?) have a tilting lens stage, make sure it's zeroed. There's a sliding filter drawer right above the lens, make sure it's pulled out.
 

chuckroast

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Make sure someone didn't install a regular lightbulb with lettering on the crown of the glass. Enlarger lightbulbs are specifically made to avoid anything on the bulb that could project onto the image surface.

Also check that various condenser elements to make sure they are clean and do not have cracks or imperfections and that you've cranked the condenser into the position appropriate for your film size.
 
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