First Enlarger Advice: Is this a good deal?

[waffles]

I’m looking to buy my first enlarger, and since I was trained on and am used to a Beseler 45MX I’d like to buy something similar. Today, I am mostly shooting 6x6 b&w negatives, with the occasional 35mm color slide film for fun.

This evening, I went over to a friend’s house to look at a Beseler 67SC that she’s selling. It has some issues:

1) It’s missing the filter drawer

2) It’s missing the heat adsorber

3) It’s missing the “B” condenser lens for 35mm

2) The elevation lock is broken.

3) Several of the bolt & wingnuts are rusted.

She’s asking $75 for the enlarger + a Beseler 35mm f/5.6 enlarging lens & lensboard. I’d have to at a minimum spend another $25 for a filter holder and at least $100 for a good 75mm enlarging lens, bringing the total cost to $200. Should I pull the trigger on this?

On the one hand, I really like the 67 series as it’s exactly the right size for what I shoot. On the other hand, I occasionally see the Beseler 23C sell on eBay for $150 - $200, and sometimes hat includes a medium format lens? But of course, then I’d have to pay an arm & a leg for shipping. What do y’all think I should do?

 

[MattKing]

I've owned a Beseler 67C since I bought it new in the 1970s. It uses the single, massive girder rather than the double girder construct of the 67SC, but otherwise shares a lot of its parts.
I currently have it in storage, because I have only room for one enlarger and I'm currently using an Omega D6. But If I didn't have the D6, I'd be happy to be using the 67C (sometimes with a Dichroic head, sometimes with the Condenser head.
I'd be concerned about the elevation lock.
Beseler is still making essentially the same enlarger, so parts can be obtained.
You refer to a good 75mm lens - are there any?
If you want the enlarger for printing 6x6, you will need both a 6x6 carrier and (I would suggest) a good 80mm lens. If there is any chance you will be printing other formats and using other lenses, I would suggest an extra lens mount as well (they are simple and relatively cheap).

 

[Patrick Robert James]

Don't buy a crappy enlarger. Way too many good ones out there that you could have instead. You just have to be vigilant.

 

[ozphoto]

I second Partick's sentiments.

For you guys in the US, there's always another enlarger coming up (sadly in AUS they are not so copious) and with all the stuff that needs replacing on this one, I'd definitely wait.

 

[choiliefan]

Agree with others that the machine you are considering is not a good deal.
I'd be watching craigslist for something complete preferably including the small expensive little extras which are harder to find and expensive when you do.
Find a nice 23C or MX-series or similar Omega.

 

[bernard_L]

I own and use a 67CSXL since 1983. And I managed until recently the photography section of a charity. An enlarger as you describe, that we'd receive as a donation, I would not consider putting it on sale, let alone for $75. At best I'd keep the parts.
And, unless mistaken, both condensers are needed and in place permanently, for 24x36mm and MF up to 6x7.
Happy with my 67CS, not lusting after a 23C.

 

[Valerie]

We use several 67s in the classroom. One is missing the elevation lock, making it more trouble to use than is worth it. Really nice machines overall, but I would not recommend one with as many issues as yours. You are in Houston... visit Texas Art Asylum. They had 3 or 4 enlargers a few weeks ago (no idea what condition). http://www.texasartasylum.com/?gcli...1IQxsYIcmfgNcCr6AocND_EojQlVPN0xoCutcQAvD_BwE

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I’m looking to buy my first enlarger, and since I was trained on and am used to a Beseler 45MX I’d like to buy something similar. Today, I am mostly shooting 6x6 b&w negatives, with the occasional 35mm color slide film for fun.

This evening, I went over to a friend’s house to look at a Beseler 67SC that she’s selling. It has some issues:

1) It’s missing the filter drawer

2) It’s missing the heat adsorber

3) It’s missing the “B” condenser lens for 35mm

2) The elevation lock is broken.

3) Several of the bolt & wingnuts are rusted.

She’s asking $75 for the enlarger + a Beseler 35mm f/5.6 enlarging lens & lensboard. I’d have to at a minimum spend another $25 for a filter holder and at least $100 for a good 75mm enlarging lens, bringing the total cost to $200. Should I pull the trigger on this?

On the one hand, I really like the 67 series as it’s exactly the right size for what I shoot. On the other hand, I occasionally see the Beseler 23C sell on eBay for $150 - $200, and sometimes hat includes a medium format lens? But of course, then I’d have to pay an arm & a leg for shipping. What do y’all think I should do?

a reasonable deal IMO.

 

[Skeeterfx20]

I rebuild Beseler enlargers . No other reason than I enjoy doing it. The key is buying them cheap. The 67 is a cool enlarger and really easy to rehab. The problem with this one is that it would cost you more to rehab than buying one that really doesn't need a loenlarger. If your not in a hurry you will find a better deal. Often you can find a local one that has no shipping fee because it is a local pick up only. Also if you keep searching you should be able to find a pristine enlarger with an honest shipping charge making it very affordable.

I would keep looking.

 

[waffles]

Thanks for the advice. What do you think would a fair price to pay for an enlarger in this condition? What would you pay for a 67SC in “for parts” condition? Also, I believe that it might actually be a 67SC-XL as the chassis goes as high as 33”

I should clarify, that the condenser head includes both of the “A” lenses for medium format negatives. The problem I mentioned in #3 is that it doesn’t include the optional “B” lens that can one of the “A” lenses for tighter light distribution when engaging 35mm negatives. Also, I forgot to mention that while the bellows are in good condition (no tears or pinholes) they are coming unglued from the negative stage on one side. How difficult would that be to fix? I see that Freestyle Photographic sells a replacement elevation lock for $38

 

[Rick A]

A good deal is your friend gifts the enlarger to you. A great deal is your friend pays you $75 to take it off her hands. It will cost you far more than it's worth to fix all the issues.

 

[logan2z]

Also, I forgot to mention that while the bellows are in good condition (no tears or pinholes) they are coming unglued from the negative stage on one side. How difficult would that be to fix?

That's an easy fix, I had the same issue with my 23C. Beseler uses 3M Scotch Weld industrial strength adhesive when manufacturing the enlarger. The specific product number is #4799.

 

[donkee]

I picked up 4 Beseler enlargers over the last 6 years. 2 45MXT types one for $40 and one for $50 in good condition. I also picked up 2 23Cx and after doing some cleanup gave one away. the 23s I got one for $100 with a whole bunch of darkroom gear and the other for about $50 for the enlarger only. Check craigslist and and let your friends know you are looking then be patient........

 

[mgb74]

This is a bit of an awkward situation. I assume your friend feels it's a good deal at $75. I don't think it is. With one possible exception, it's a give-away in today's market.

The possible exception is the lens. You mentioned a "Beseler 35mm f/5.6 enlarging lens". First, Beseler branded different lenses. If it's a "Beslar" lens, it's a cheap 3 element starter lens. But they also put their name on some better lenses; I believe these were labeled "Beseler HD" and made by Rodenstock. Second, is it really a 35mm lens (and not a 50mm)? If so, true 35mm enlarging lenses are less common and can be useful in situations (though less so with the long column 67 enlarger).

 

[waffles]

You mentioned a "Beseler 35mm f/5.6 enlarging lens". First, Beseler branded different lenses. If it's a "Beslar" lens, it's a cheap 3 element starter lens. But they also put their name on some better lenses; I believe these were labeled "Beseler HD" and made by Rodenstock. Second, is it really a 35mm lens (and not a 50mm)? If so, true 35mm enlarging lenses are less common and can be useful in situations (though less so with the long column 67 enlarger).

Naw, its the cheap-o Beslar 50mm. I decided to pass on the enlarger. And apparently it sold to someone else the next day ... so I'll just have to keep looking!

 

[Paul Howell]

Don't know if you need a 6X7, if a 6X6 will work the Goodwill auction site has a Meopta Opemus III going for $10.00 with shipping will around $40.00 . I have a Opemus III, very good mid level enlarger, will do a 11X14 from baseboad. It will be gone in a few more hours. ShopGoodwill.com

 

[mklw1954]

Also, I forgot to mention that while the bellows are in good condition (no tears or pinholes) they are coming unglued from the negative stage on one side. How difficult would that be to fix?

This is easy. I fixed this on two Beseler 23CII enlargers using double-sided 3M auto molding tape (1/2" wide). Gently pull the bellows off completely, cut and apply the tape, and press to the other surface. This has held up for about 10 years so far.

 

[waffles]

Still looking for a 67C or 67SC in good condition. I saw one pop on in the Dallas area last month but the seller wanted $250 for it :-/

 

[waffles]

I'm taking a look at a Beseler 23CIII enlarger with a Variable Contrast head, this weekend. I've never used any of Beseler's dichroic heads before ... what should I be on the lookout for when I inspect it?

 

[mshchem]

I'm taking a look at a Beseler 23CIII enlarger with a Variable Contrast head, this weekend. I've never used any of Beseler's dichroic heads before ... what should I be on the lookout for when I inspect it?

Delay when the lamp is switched on. This is caused by a malfunction in the electronics, if this unit is in nice shape the VC head is an awesome setup.

 

[Tim Stapp]

waffles, where in the US are you located? I may have a Beseler 67 C that you can have if you are local (Michigan/Indiana). No negative carriers, but it's free!