Issues with vignetting when printing 6x7 ( Beseler 67s )

[legstowalkmyself]

So basically i bought this Beseler 67 off ebay and everything worked fine until i started printing 67 negatives. I noticed they were always vignetting but i was printing on a 75mm lens so i thought that was the issue. I bought a great 105mm lens for my 6x7 and that also has my prints vignetting? I have the correct 6x7 diffusion box inside, I read the manual and there is nothing about moving the bulb inside. Any help? thank you!

 

[MattKing]

Welcome to Photrio.
Your colour prints and your reference to a 6x7 diffusion box tells me that you have one of the dichroic colour heads on the enlarger.
Which specific head do you have - there were several very similar ones that are/were compatible.?
Can you share an image of the labelling on it - the model type may be somewhat hidden?
I used my 67C with a condensor head for years, then two different colour heads after that, before it moved on to another user. I was doing black and white with it, but 6x7 negatives weren't vignetting.
From the archives:

 

[xkaes]

Were you using the lenses stopped down at least two f-stops?

 

[legstowalkmyself]

Welcome to Photrio.
Your colour prints and your reference to a 6x7 diffusion box tells me that you have one of the dichroic colour heads on the enlarger.
Which specific head do you have - there were several very similar ones that are/were compatible.?
Can you share an image of the labelling on it - the model type may be somewhat hidden?
I used my 67C with a condensor head for years, then two different colour heads after that, before it moved on to another user. I was doing black and white with it, but 6x7 negatives weren't vignetting.
From the archives:
View attachment 381920

 

[legstowalkmyself]

its a beseler 67s

 

[legstowalkmyself]

Were you using the lenses stopped down at least two f-stops?

yes both were at either f8 or f11

 

[MattKing]

Is the correct reflector bulb installed?
Can you share a photo of the diffusion box - just in case that isn't the correct one?

 

[legstowalkmyself]

Is the correct reflector bulb installed?
Can you share a photo of the diffusion box - just in case that isn't the correct one?

 

[MattKing]

Thanks.
The diffusion box has been around for a while .
Have you looked inside to check if any of the white diffusion/reflectance parts are dislodged or damaged?
It is difficult to tell from your photo whether that is the correct ESJ, 82V, 85W bulb.

 

[legstowalkmyself]

Thanks.
The diffusion box has been around for a while .
Have you looked inside to check if any of the white diffusion/reflectance parts are dislodged or damaged?
It is difficult to tell from your photo whether that is the correct ESJ, 82V, 85W bulb.

It’s this bulb https://a.co/d/1lbjOBS I found it on amazon

 

[MattKing]

With respect to the bulb.
I can't seem to find a cross-reference that matches up that Omega part number with the correct Beseler number - 6728 - or correct generic lamp designation - ESJ.
In fact, the only place I can find that Omega part number is on that Amazon listing.
The shape of the reflector is important.

 

[legstowalkmyself]

Thanks.
The diffusion box has been around for a while .
Have you looked inside to check if any of the white diffusion/reflectance parts are dislodged or damaged?
It is difficult to tell from your photo whether that is the correct ESJ, 82V, 85W bulb.

Also here’s the inside of the box

 

[legstowalkmyself]

With respect to the bulb.
I can't seem to find a cross-reference that matches up that Omega part number with the correct Beseler number - 6728 - or correct generic lamp designation - ESJ.
In fact, the only place I can find that Omega part number is on that Amazon listing.
The shape of the reflector is important.

do you think that could be the issue? I can even see the vignetting when I’m focusing so I know for sure it’s something to do with the light or something blocking it.

 

[MattKing]

It is possible. Id the reflector shape is wrong, it may be sending a too concentrated beam of light into the diffusion box.

Also here’s the inside of the box

I'm working from memory here, but I think that someone may have replaced the Styrofoam liner with new Styrofoam that is too thick, and as a result reduced the negative coverage.

 

[John Wiegerink]

I think/pretty sure Matt has it right. That foam is way tooooooo thick for a diffusion box. Try to fine some foam about 1/4" thick and reline the box. I'll think you'll solve your problem with very little cost to you. As a note, my diffusion boxes for my Ilford head also has glass mirror plates glued to the foam on the bottom all the way around about an inch in height. You might want to check on eBay doing a search for your model 6X7 diffusing box so as to find a reference picture then you'll know. Good luck!

 

[koraks]

I think that someone may have replaced the Styrofoam liner with new Styrofoam that is too thick

Definitely. Apparently someone who never printed larger than 35mm.

Try to fine some foam about 1/4" thick and reline the box.

In a pinch, plain white paper or cardstock will do. The main drawback is that very cheap papers may yellow with age.

 

[Ian C]

The following lamp specifications for the ESJ lamp are standard regardless of the maker.

The ESJ is 85 watt, 82 volt, GY5.3 base, with MR-16 reflector, 3350K color temperature, rated life of 40 hours.

Here is a package of 3 ESJ lamps for $31.14. It’s prudent to have a spare on hand.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1590586-REG/impact_esj_lamp_85w_82v.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&smpm=ba_f2_lar&lsft=BI%3A514&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7ZCu8IK2iQMVlC7UAR0ycgjEEAQYAiABEgIC4_D_BwE

[Note: The Beseler owner’s manual lists the lamp as 80 watts. It’s the same lamp, regardless of the "80 watt" specification in the manual.]

Here is the manual:

http://www.jollinger.com/photo/cam-coll/manuals/enlargers/beseler/Beseler_67CS.pdf


In the manual, see page 11 entitled "Dichro 67S Colorhead Replacement Parts List." See parts

Part 84, Diffuser, 10-42652

Part 84A, Diffuser (35 mm), [on-screen resolution too poor to read the catalog number]

These are lensed diffusers. They both diffuse and concentrate the light. The correct one must be installed (“belly” up) for the format in use.

I suspect (but don’t know with certainty) that the wrong diffuser might be installed for the negatives you’re enlarging. Or it might be installed “inverted” (easy to check). That might account for the light falloff problem.

This might not be your problem, but it’s worth checking.

 

[koraks]

I suspect (but don’t know with certainty) that the wrong diffuser might be installed for the negatives you’re enlarging. Or it might be installed “inverted” (easy to check).

See posts #12 and further. It's a problem with an aftermarket 'modification' done by a previous owner.