Found FOUND: Lens board spring & condenser stage adjustment Knob, Beseler 23C-II

[binglebugbob]

Before I go to the auction site,

1.) anyone have a condenser adjustment knob for a Beseler 23C? I believe it is the same as the focusing knob.

2.) I also need the spring that puts tension on the lensboard (You push the lensboard back against this spring to allow removal of the lens board.) Anyone have one, or can someone suggest a substitute spring? (I won't be able to see the durn spring (?) until I can get the lens board off...One of the screws that holds the chrome lens board retaining "clip" is stuck. I'm working on it with master B'laster penetrating oil) I think the previous owner lost the spring that allows the lens board to slide and filled the "gap" with something that isn't moving. Hence, at least one lens board retaining clip has to be removed.

Got the parts I needed.

 

[Ian C]

You might have a defective lens board retaining spring.

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threa...nsboard-into-a-beseler-23cii-xl-dichro.94439/

Unfortunately, this isn’t an unusual problem due to poor quality control at Beseler when these were made.

One thing to try is: Have someone hold the enlarger against movement and push the lens board forward (towards the column) against the spring REALLY HARD. As you do so, try to pivot the end of the board closest to you downward out from above the of the front plate. That might compress the spring enough to allow removing the board.

If this works, you need to “adjust” the spring as noted in the post from 2012.

 

[binglebugbob]

Good information, thanks. Incidentally, in that 2012 discussion the Beseler lens board with two knobs was mentioned. I have one of those, it's the only one I've come across with the knobs. I picked up an Omega B / D series lens disk out of my junk box and looked at the 2 holes drilled in it. Then looked at the Beseler board with the 2 knobs.

Low and behold: The 2 knobs on the Beseler board screw into the Omega lens disk perfectly. I assumed it was an adapter to use an Omega lens disk on a Beseler 23/45 series enlarger. without removing the lens from the Omega disk. Could be handy if you had both a Beseler and an Omega enlarger. At least it seems to work that way. might or might not take some black felt to make it light tight.

Coincidence? I don't know.

 

[binglebugbob]

Is the knob for the condenser stage the same as the focusing knob?
They look the same in photos, but I can't find images showing the back side of the knob or size of the screw that attaches it to the shaft.

 

[Ian C]

Yes, the 2 focus knobs and the knob on the condenser-height shaft are the same. They are attached with a 6-32 round-head cap screw (Phillips drive) x 1/2-inch in length.

When a dichroic color head is attached, there is a shaft extension added to the condenser adjustment shaft and a 3 and 1/4 inch 6-32 screw is used.

The knob on the elevation crank is quite different, as it is designed to spin freely on the shoulder screw attaching it to the handle.

 

[binglebugbob]

Thanks! I was about to buy what is probably the wrong knob.....Still looking! I'm still looking for a focus knob or condenser height adjustment knob for a 23C-II.
I do see that new focusing knobs are available for a 23C-III, but are they interchangeable with those for the 23C-II???

 

[Ian C]

It seems likely. Here’s the parts drawing for the 23CIII

https://www.beselerphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/23C-Chassis-Exploded-View-_-Parts-List.pdf

It’s best to contact the maker to be certain.

https://www.beselerphoto.com/contact-us/

 

[binglebugbob]

Found a parts list and exploded view for the C-II.
Same part number for focus knob for both the C-II and C-III
Part Number 568-05-07

 

[choiliefan]

I replaced a knob with one off an ancient Rolodex card file.
Has a set-screw and works perfectly.

 

[mshchem]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/304423434814

FYI

 

[binglebugbob]

FOUND
Wow! Thanks, I just bought them! I may get this sucker going yet!