Well, I went over to a local shop today and inquired about enlargers. They do not have any used or new in stock, can of course order a new model. The guy there though is willing to sell his personal Bessler 23c, Nikkor 50 and 75mm lenses, lens board, 35 and 645 neg carriers, all for about $400 to $450ish.
I am thinking two things, on one hand it is a 23c and that is a price with two good lenses, and on the other hand used enlargers can be found real cheap. Not good enough of a deal to grab me with an impulse buy, but which hand do you think is right here?
I am thinking two things, on one hand it is a 23c and that is a price with two good lenses, and on the other hand used enlargers can be found real cheap. Not good enough of a deal to grab me with an impulse buy, but which hand do you think is right here?
back alley
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i sold my entire darkroom, including a 23c and 2 good lenses plus 3 neg holders all for less than that.
I know, I just checked Craig's list but nothing was listed. I may have to pull the beat up old enlarger out of my parent's attic. I looked it over a year ago, the lens is shot, fungus and stuff, and I think it is permanent mount, I bet not interchangeable.
That is a pretty huge machine if the pictures I just was looking at are the same thing.
I don't think I can sell the wife on something that big.
I don't think I can sell the wife on something that big.
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it's massive.
I will find a smaller cheaper option I think.
ChrisPlatt
Thread Killer
That kit is worth maybe half that in today's market.
If you do get a 23C, and shoot 35mm,
get the Negatrans. It's very convenient!
"Excelsior, you fathead!"
-Chris-
If you do get a 23C, and shoot 35mm,
get the Negatrans. It's very convenient!
"Excelsior, you fathead!"
-Chris-
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i think the old omega b22 were small and pretty solid.
I would like to get one that will handle a 6x6 carrier, but that may not be an option.
Max Power
Well-known
Hey Rover,
I started with an Omega B600, but when the opportunity for a Beseler 23CII came along, I jumped at it. Big, yes...but also decidedly more robust than the Omega. Also, it handles MF negs, which is sweet.
That said, I paid (in CAD) $125 for the enlarger, 50/2.8 Nikkor EL, 35mm carrier and the extension piece for the rails. It cost another $100 for a 75/4 Nikkor EL and a 6x6 carrier, a new set of Ilford MG Filters (the huge ones) and a piece of heat-absorbing glass (highly recommended). All told, then, about a $200 US investment.
I adore my Beseler, and the only thing I *might* consider for it is a VC head, but there's no rush. It is head and shoulders above the Omega it replaced.
Kent
I started with an Omega B600, but when the opportunity for a Beseler 23CII came along, I jumped at it. Big, yes...but also decidedly more robust than the Omega. Also, it handles MF negs, which is sweet.
That said, I paid (in CAD) $125 for the enlarger, 50/2.8 Nikkor EL, 35mm carrier and the extension piece for the rails. It cost another $100 for a 75/4 Nikkor EL and a 6x6 carrier, a new set of Ilford MG Filters (the huge ones) and a piece of heat-absorbing glass (highly recommended). All told, then, about a $200 US investment.
I adore my Beseler, and the only thing I *might* consider for it is a VC head, but there's no rush. It is head and shoulders above the Omega it replaced.
Kent
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the b600 was a beginner model, the b22 was more advanced and beefier.
but i agree that the 23c is heads above the rest in terms of structural integrity, i.e. it is the proverbial tank. and you can swing the head to make enlargements on the wall if you like.
and it would likely handle any format you might even think about trying.
but i agree that the 23c is heads above the rest in terms of structural integrity, i.e. it is the proverbial tank. and you can swing the head to make enlargements on the wall if you like.
and it would likely handle any format you might even think about trying.
I think shopping is needed. The guy I talked to is a nice guy, but has the $$$ invested from new and he has and uses it on occation so no loss/gain if he sells or keeps the unit. Like having a Hassey, the resale values are falling like crazy so you can't blame him in offering a "fair" if not great price. I can always store the beast in my attic, I will just have to haul it up and down the stairs when I want to print.
erikhaugsby
killer of threads
The 23C is amazing. I'll be honest in that its really the only enlarger that I've used (other than a Beseler Printmaker 67 at Photo class), but I still find it to be an amazing enlarger in every respect. Like Kent, I'd love a VC head (I've the 23C II), but the need for that is negligable as I have a nice set of 6x6 Ilford Multigrade filters.
Its a pain to change lenses, though, unless I'm doing things the real hard way.
Its a pain to change lenses, though, unless I'm doing things the real hard way.
Wayne R. Scott
Half fast Leica User
erikhaugsby said:
If you have a lens board for each lens changing them is a snap-out snap-in process. Now, if you are changing them out on the same lens board that is another story.
Wayne
Dougg
Seasoned Member
Might also check out used Durst 6x6 enlargers, very nicely made. I have had a 23C since 1966 and it's helped me make a lot of satisfying prints. This is a very fine enlarger.
Finder
Veteran
I had an LPL Sauders 6600, that was compact and could handle negs up to 6x6. It was solid as well. I guess it is an Omega enlarger in the states:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...718&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...718&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation
David Murphy
Veteran
You can buy them on eBay at fire sale prices -- dozens a month are listed
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thanks for the suggestions. I have something to do at work today, 
.
I am going to shop around and see what I can find. I will head down to my parent's house this weekend too and rescue, if it is salvageable, the enlarger there, 30yo beginner model, but hopefully it will work. I have a darkroom book in the mail to me too. There is an old print dryer up in my parent's attic too I think.
.I am going to shop around and see what I can find. I will head down to my parent's house this weekend too and rescue, if it is salvageable, the enlarger there, 30yo beginner model, but hopefully it will work. I have a darkroom book in the mail to me too. There is an old print dryer up in my parent's attic too I think.
Max Power
Well-known
patrickjames said:
In my personal experience, they stay in alignment even after extensive disassembly and abuse. Mine survived a move (by professional movers) with the enlarging head separated from the frame and baseboard, and when I put it all back together, it was perfectly in alignment. These are the same movers who managed to do $2000 worth of damage $2000 :bang:
Just my experience.
Kent
She ain't the fanciest thing available, but will do up to 6x7
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170040239077
Now for the safe light, easel and timer!!!!!