Inconsistant light coverage. Beseler 23c. Is it lens or bulb issues?

[Candlejack]

So, I haven't used a darkroom since college and now I have an enlarger! A kindly photrio member helped me obtain a beseler 23c. I could see visually with the light shining through the intensity wasnt consistant. With todays prints (two different cameras) you can see how the right side of the image isnt recieving as much light. It creates an interesting vignette effect but obviously I dont want a one trick pony.

Any ideas/solutions?

 

[MattKing]

We need some details about which model of the 23C, film format, enlarger lens, light source used, and if you are using it with a condenser source, what condensers you have and where are they positioned.
Do you have a manual?

 

[Rick A]

First off, what format of film are you using? Second, do you have the appropriate lens for that film size (50mm for 135, 80mm for 6x6, etc)? Third, are the adjustable condensers (upper bellows) set to the correct format (35mm, 6x6, 6x9)?

 

[ic-racer]

Maybe a picture of the enlarger also.

 

[Candlejack]

Yup i have the manual. Ill take some pics

 

[Candlejack]

Im using 35 mm film. Heres a picture of the unit, lens, light, inside.

 

[Candlejack]

Could it simply be the left to right adjustment? (Its deliberately misaligned now to experiment and see if thats the case.

 

[Candlejack]

First off, what format of film are you using? Second, do you have the appropriate lens for that film size (50mm for 135, 80mm for 6x6, etc)? Third, are the adjustable condensers (upper bellows) set to the correct format (35mm, 6x6, 6x9)?

Is that the glass plate i show in the last pic?

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

I own a 45mxt and I get the same issue with uneven lighting when my paper filter holder blocks the lens.

 

[Candlejack]

First off, what format of film are you using? Second, do you have the appropriate lens for that film size (50mm for 135, 80mm for 6x6, etc)? Third, are the adjustable condensers (upper bellows) set to the correct format (35mm, 6x6, 6x9)?

Think i found the issue. The knob wont move it up or down though

 

[Candlejack]

This seems to be the issue. Now to get it to move

 

[Candlejack]

Yall are the best! Thank you so much for your help!

Will post updates next printing session !

 

[Candlejack]

I own a 45mxt and I get the same issue with uneven lighting when my paper filter holder blocks the lens.

I havent tried filters yet. (Well. I tried one that came with it.. but didnt get an image with a 60 sec exposure!)

 

[Rick A]

I havent tried filters yet. (Well. I tried one that came with it.. but didnt get an image with a 60 sec exposure!)

Would that be a dark red filter that is in the sliding tray under the lens? You won't get an image with it, ever. You have the owners manual, I highly recommend you read it and become familiar with your machine.

 

[Candlejack]

Would that be a dark red filter that is in the sliding tray under the lens? You won't get an image with it, ever. You have the owners manual, I highly recommend you read it and become familiar with your machine.

Yup i had read through it. Thank you though !

 

[albada]

Think i found the issue. The knob wont move it up or down though

At least in the 45 M series of enlargers, there is a lock knob that locks the position of the upper bellows. If present on the 23C, you'll need to loosen it first. The instructions will tell you about it.

 

[Candlejack]

At least in the 45 M series of enlargers, there is a lock knob that locks the position of the upper bellows. If present on the 23C, you'll need to loosen it first. The instructions will tell you about it.

Yea, theres the one lock knob, but I believe the leaf spring under this knob is broken, so I had to turn and physically assist the travel up. Its all good

 

[markbau]

I havent tried filters yet. (Well. I tried one that came with it.. but didnt get an image with a 60 sec exposure!)

Be aware that using the Ilford gel filters in the filter draw of a condenser enlarger may lead to the filter being bleached and made unusable. On my condenser enlarger I only use under the lens filters.