ID correctly a Beseler 23Cii enlarger ...

Hi,

I found a Beseler 23C ii at my thrift store today and bought it with a Componon S 50/2.8 and a 35mm negative board.

What's the difference, if any, between the 23Cii and the 23Cii-XL?

Also, does anyone know where I could find other negative carriers ... for the future. And I hope to advance to 4x5.

Thanks in advance for any input.

John - an American living permanently in France

Hi John,
The only difference between the Beseler 23Cii / XL is that the XL model has a taller center column that allows for larger enlargements.
There is usually a fair number of negative carriers on eBay. A list of part numbers can be found roughly 2/3 down this webpage.
Unfortunately, the Beseler 23 series enlargers will not cover a 4x5" negative. The largest they go is 2 1/4 x 3 1/4" or 6x9cm. The Beseler 45 series will cover up to 4x5, and even larger with conversion heads.

And a note about negative carriers- the 23c and 45 series carriers are not interchangeable.

Although not a 4X5 enlarger the 23C is a very rugged beast, before you buy into 4X5 think about getting a 6X9 camera, modern films have fine grain and high resolution, think Tmax 100, and there are 6X9 field and view cameras.

In addition, though, the Componon-S lenses are really good. For negative carriers, KEH in the US has them occasionally. I haven't really been looking because I'm covered (I have a 23CIII-XL and all the carriers I need). When/if you move up in negative size, you'll need a new lens as well.