Help with Beseler Printmaker 35 enlarger focus knob being "sticky"

rpavich · Jan 30, 2016

I got a Beseler Printmaker 35 from FleaBay that I'm happy with for now, but one thing that bugs me is that the focus travel is stiff and sticky. When you rotate the knob to focus, it's hard to turn and I tend to overshoot and have to backtrack due to a bit of backlash. I looked to see if there were something that I should be doing (like loosening a set screw or lock screw or something before focusing) but didn't see anything. The bellows seems to travel up and down a rectangular aluminum column. I'm wondering if it just needs a shot of lube or something?

Does anyone know?

AgX · Jan 30, 2016

I know that enlarger only from photos. But with such a crucial point I rather would disassemble the whole focusing assembly, clean it (if necessary with cloth with solvent) and then re-grease it.

A intermediate solution could be to clean just the bare rod and very slightly grease it. (But as said, I'm not aware of the actual kind of bearing used.)

rpavich · Jan 30, 2016

Thanks to Ian, I found the issue and resolved it. There were two flat pieces of spring steel that ride against the focus shaft knob and provide resistance. They were dry as a bone. I lubed them and now all is well.

Sambar94 · Feb 19, 2024

Hi! Just received a new Beseler 35 Printmaker enlarger. Having a similar problem. What type of lube did you use? Any advice on getting the focus to move smoothly?

Kino · Feb 19, 2024

Sambar94 said:
Hi! Just received a new Beseler 35 Printmaker enlarger. Having a similar problem. What type of lube did you use? Any advice on getting the focus to move smoothly?

The OP hasn't been on since 2020, but I think its safe to say you can use a very sparing amount of white lithium grease to make it smooth again.

Sambar94 · Feb 19, 2024

Kino said:
The OP hasn't been on since 2020, but I think its safe to say you can use a very sparing amount of white lithium grease to make it smooth again.

thank you! I will pick some up today

wiltw · Feb 22, 2024

If there is OLD DRIED lubricant, it is a good idea to remove it with a bit of solvent (alcohol, brush cleaner, WD-40) before putting new lubricant on its surfaces. I would put a bit of lubricant only on the gear itself, but not the surface that the gear rides upon.

Sambar94 · Feb 22, 2024

thank you! The enlarger is brand new, so no old lubricant luckily. Unfortunately, I applied the lithium grease but it did not help. I do think something is bent or broken. Reached out to the manufacturer for advise. Already had trouble with the parts it came with. Focus knob didn't fit right, screw for the focus knob was the wrong size, and two other screws for another part were the wrong size. Hopefully, Beseler will make it right.

Kino · Feb 22, 2024

New? Unless stated specifically, I naturally assume used and in need of refurbishment is the default status of an enlarger anymore.

Yes, you should have contacted them before DIY repairs!

Pretty sad state of affairs if Beseler ships new equipment with so many problems out of the box!

Sambar94 · Feb 22, 2024

I did actually because of the focus knob screw not being the right size.

Help with Beseler Printmaker 35 enlarger focus knob being "sticky"

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