Beseler 23CIII Variable Contrast Cooling?

[ConnectingTheDots]

I just bought a used Beseler 23CIII Variable Contrast (Black & White) Lamphouse. And I read online it's supposed to have a cooling fan so that the negative doesn't heat up and pop. My lamp has gotten kind of hot on top and I don't hear a fan? Is it a silent fan...? I'm just wondering if I purchased a bad unit. Thanks.

 

[mwoenv]

I don't have your enlarger but a 23CII with a 23dga color head which has a fan. The fan is not very quiet so I assume you should be able to hear yours if it is operating. You have to be able to open the unit to replace the lamp, so do that and see if you can also see the fan. If you can, check for any obvious problems with the fan connections (broken or corroded connections).

 

[Vics]

My 23cII has the stock head, which kept popping negs, so I got the heat-absorbing glass, and that fixed it.

 

[ConnectingTheDots]

thanks guys. I actually went to a photography shop today where they told me the variable contrast black and white head actually has anti heat layers and heat absorber chambers. after further looking into where the negative is being held, it is a lot cooler to touch.

 

[Bill Clark]

Welcome!

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