"New" 23C enlager: any hints/suggestions?

Hello,

this weekend I picked up a Beseler 23C and a 67C with 2 50mm Beslar and 1 75mm Beslar lenses (for $40).

I think I will be trying to find a new home for the 67C very soon. It doesn't have a base-board and has some rust. I cleaned one of the condenser lenses, so I think it will be OK when cleaned. Any bay-area APUG-er interested in a free 67C?

That said, any hints on the 23C? I plan to use it for 35mm and 6x9 B&W. It didn't come with a negative carrier, so I ordered a universal/glass carrier since that is what I used in the olden days (doubling my investment!). Reading up on these, I see a lot of complaints about dust and newton rings. Did I make a mistake with that?

I cleaned the safe-light filter in the 23C, and it was dirty enough that I figure I should go into the condenser and check those lenses as well. The focus seems rather tight. Is this normal? Anything else I should check out?

Thanks!

Matt

1. Get rid of the Beslar lenses
2. Get a torpedo level level everything out
3. Focus? tight? don't know...maybe a little 3&1 oil?

Congrats on your new toy! I love my 23c II! I totally agree with Eric's list.
If you need a manual, here's a free one:
Dead Link Removed

It was quite helpful to me to get everything set up properly & aligned.

I have a Beseler Color Pro 80mm f/5.6 that has been an excellent lens. I use it for my 6x7s on a 23c. I don't know who made these. Maybe Fuji.

I guess that since ~100mm is "normal" for a 6x9, that is what I should try on the enlarger, right?

I have a 105mm Ektar for my minispeed...what if I tried that on the enlarger? It is a fine camera lens.

Matt

MattCarey said:

I guess that since ~100mm is "normal" for a 6x9, that is what I should try on the enlarger, right?

I have a 105mm Ektar for my minispeed...what if I tried that on the enlarger? It is a fine camera lens.

Matt

Click to expand...

I just got a 100 mm Ektar enlarger lens. That is a niiiice lens. I'm actually using that for my 6x6's. I was using an old componon-s but I frequently make 5x5 or smaller so the 100mm is just right. Works awesome on my 6x9 too.

Hey Matt,
I have the same enlarger and absolutely love it...It's a huge step up from my Omega B-600.

One of the first things that I did was to buy the heat absorbing glass for the enlarger. As silly as it may sound, it was an excellent investment. Before having the glass, it took very little time before my negatives (especially 6x6) buckled due to the heat. With the glass, even after 5 minutes of constant light, the negative carrier and negative stage are cool to the touch.

Following advice from Jeanette, I also picked up a recessed lensboard for the 50mm EL-Nikkor lens I have. It avoids having to compress the bellows all of the way and makes life easier.

Cheers,
Kent

Like Kent, I also have that heat-absorbing glass. I use a 50mm EL Nikkor for 35mm and a 75mm Beseler lens for my 120 negatives. With that glass, I've never had any problems.

But the very best thing you can do is download that manual! Lots of info there!

Matt, reasonable focal length for 6X9 would tradtionally be 105mm. depending on the coverage of the lens as short as 90mm. You might get by with the Ektar but it's not going to be as highly corrected as the enlarging lens.

Hello,

thanks all for the good suggestions. I was hunting for the manual and hoped it was online somewhere.

I should have the negative carrier tomorrow, and hope to get some work done this weekend.

Matt