Is this a good set up for me for B&W printing?

[bladerunner6]

I found a Beseler 23C (I think a Series 2) with a universal with baseboard and:

a Astranar(sp?) 75mm lens

35mm film holder

Easel 8X10 on one side, multiple sizes on the other

Vivitar two reel plastic 35mm developing tank

A few trays, a couple of funnels and a thermometer.

I want to B&W developing. I am assuming if I want to use Ilford paper and filters I can just hold the filter under the lens with my hand.

He wants 100, but is willing to do $50, is this a decent and usable deal for me.

I realize I still need a timer, focuser, etc, but is this usable and a good deal for what I want.

Thanks!

Is is so good to be doing film again, I have missed it.

 

[Bearman]

If you've got the room for the Bessy 23C that's a great deal.

 

[phirehouse]

GO FOR IT!

 

[ann]

For $50 , yes, but find a better lens.

 

[Stephen Prunier]

For $100 it's a good deal, for $50 it's a steal! That enlarger should have a filter holder under the lens, and it also has a slot just below the light source (behind the 23 II plate) for the larger 6x6 filters etc. So you shouldn't need to hold the filters. It's a really nice, well built enlarger. I would check to make sure the bellows are still attached to the metal frame. When I got mine it looked mint. Then I extended the bellows and it wasn't attached on the bottom anymore. It was an easy fix. Beseler still sells parts for them if needed.
That easel alone goes for around $40 new!
Good luck and enjoy it

 

[bdial]

50 is reasonable 100 not so much, given the current market situation for darkroom stuff. Value-wise, it's a good deal either way.
An under-lens multigrade filter kit comes with a holder, or you can use the larger gel filters in the filter box.
As stated, you will probably want a better lens, and a 50 mm would be a little better for 35 anyway. But this will get your feet wet, and gets you most of what you need.

 

[Sirius Glass]

$100 is good. $50 is much better. Upgrade the lens when you can afford it and have learned a bit more.

Enjoy!

 

[stillsilver]

Run, don't walk to the bank to get that set-up for that price!

Mike

 

[mopar_guy]

The last enlarger that I bought was a Beseler 45 MXII that I bought off of eBay from the Washington State surplus disposal department. I was the only bidder and I paid $17 for it but I had to take a day off of work (unpaid) to pick it up. The enlarger was complete and had the Color head as well as a Saunders digital enlarging timer included. Great deals are out there. If you can use this enlarger then $50 should be fine.

 

[bladerunner6]

I ended up getting it for $30, but I spent $20 on getting a piece of heat absorbing glass.

Thanks for the input everyone.