Just picked up a Beseler 23c-ii

[jmczaja]

Hello, I'm a new member just getting into film by way of digital. I've been shooting digital for the last few decades and wanted to take a stab at shooting, processing and printing B/W 35mm for starters. This forum has been invaluable in helping getting me up to speed on the darkroom side of things. I'm sure I'll have a bunch of questions along the way.

I picked up a Beseler 23c-ii locally. It's in great condition overall but needs a few adjustments here and there. I have a few questions.

For one, the negative stage lever doesn't close the negative stage completely. The springs are obviously no good, so I ordered a set of replacement springs. Are there any other adjustments necessary to get the negative stage to close correctly?

It also seems like the entire projection assembly has a little bit of play in it and I am able to rock it back and forth a bit. Is this normal for this model? I don't think it'd affect it's operation but wanted to check.

Overall, it feels a little stiff and would like to lubricate it. Any pointers on what should be lubricated and what type of oil should be used?

I saw the video on aligning it but wanted to get overall mechanics sorted out before attempting to align.

Thanks for your help!

 

[W_Taylor76]

I have the same type of enlarges in my school's darkroom that the students use. I have noticed that replacing the springs of the negative stage will keep it closed. I have yet to have the head be wobbly so I can't say for sure what to do there, but I would look at the bolts that attach the assembly to the chassis and look for any that are loose. I do have an owner's manual that I can scan if you would like a copy of it. Just PM me and I'll send you a copy of it.

 

[Loren Sattler]

Not sure where your movement is.....but are you aware these enlargers allow you to pivot the head and project the image on a wall? Perhaps the movement is part of that system?

 

[Peter Schrager]

The naked photographer on YouTube hasthe video you want!! Well most of it anyway
Have fun on your journey!!

 

[jmczaja]

Hi Loren, thanks for the reply! I am aware that the head pivots back and you're correct, the movement I'm seeing is in fact part of that system. However, the slight movement I'm noticing is more side to side (not backwards). There appears to be a little bit of play where the shaft and negative stage connect (directly behind the negative stage). The more I look at it, it just seems to be designed that way unless I'm missing bushings or it was machined improperly but I don't believe that is the case. I'll just be aware of it and see how it works out after aligning everything. Thanks again!

 

[jmczaja]

The naked photographer on YouTube hasthe video you want!! Well most of it anyway
Have fun on your journey!!

Thank you Peter! That video really explains alignment clearly.

 

[jmczaja]

Is it worth getting the Beseler #8042 heat absorbing glass for the 23c? Or is this something I can get cut at a glass shop?

 

[fiddle]

I got one for cheap on ebay. negatives still buckle from teh heat , but less.

 

[craigclu]

I use Beselers and can relate. They're durable, rugged rigs but things fit like the doors on a '58 Dodge Polara. They're a challenge to align as they're not designed for easy shimming but be patient and some head scratching will get you there. I finally broke down and got a Versalign laser to get all of the planes balanced out and my prints improved. While you're digging into it, try to contain the light leaks that seem inevitable and you'll have a good workhorse unit as the basic design and stability is quite good on these.

 

[jmczaja]

Thanks again for all of your help folks! I got everything lubed up and operating smoothly. The new springs and a touch of light oil got the negative stage closing properly.

Now on to light leaks! Haven't checked the bellows carefully as of yet but biggest leak and most obvious is compartment where the filter tray sits. Is this something that should be sealed up? If so, any pointers?