Beseler 23c II... Is this a good deal? (first enlarger)

[JROW]

I have an offer from someone who is selling a Beseler 23C II that is
in VGC. It includes a Beseler 50 mm EL (I plan on getting a nikkor,
Rodagon, etc... at a later date.), 35mm as well as med. format neg
holders, and a timer... He's moving to a large format enlarger, and
is asking $200. I'm a darkroom novice, and am putting together my own
for the first time... I shoot 35 mm exclusively, but would like the
extra stability and the potential to move up. He has also sent me 4
photos of it as well as a scan of a print he's made... It physically
looks to be in good shape. This person lives a couple of hours away
from me, so I won't be purchasing blind. What should I look for?

Here is what he has written me:

"I have a beseler 23cII that is in good shape and has given me great
results. It comes with a 35mm, 2 1/4", and slide neg. carriers, one
lenseboard, a 50mm beseler lense (not bad for a beginner but you will
want a better one latter), a set of beseler varible contrast filters,
a magnifier scope and some spare parts. I really like this enlarger
and it does great work but I am moving to large format and it isn't
big enough. I will sell it for $200 and include a Gray Lab 300
timer."

"This is a one of the older Gray painted condenser models. It has
provision for a color filter pack to be placed over the condensers or
varible contrast filters in a small tray between the neg and the
lense. This tray was done away with in latter models, forceing you to
use under lense filters, not the best choice in my opinion."

Does this sound like a fair deal? In my little experience, it seems
like I'm getting this pretty cheap. All information/opinions about
the deal as well as about the enlarger itself would be greatly
appreciated!!

You can respond via e-mail and on the group.

Thanks!!
John

jr...@enteract.com

[Slhavens]

Sounds like a good deal to me. I too put together my first darkroom this
summer. I purchased the same enlarger (older gray model) and it works great.

In fact, at the same time, because it was a deal that I couldn't pass up, I
also purchased an older model Beseler 45 that is in need of a small replacement
part. But because the 23C II has been so effective, I haven't even bothered
with the 45 yet!!

From one novice to another, I think you should go for it!

Sherry

[John D.]

I don't believe you mentioned if you wanted to print color or b/w.
If you are considering color, I might hold out for the 23CII with a
dicro head as it so much easier setting the color filters. Other than
that, I use a 23CII and love it. Also, does it have a voltage
stabilizer. This can drive you nuts.

John D.

[Zane]

jr...@enteract.com (JROW) wrote:

>I have an offer from someone who is selling a Beseler 23C II that is
>in VGC. It includes a Beseler 50 mm EL (I plan on getting a nikkor,
>Rodagon, etc... at a later date.), 35mm as well as med. format neg
>holders, and a timer... He's moving to a large format enlarger, and
>is asking $200.

(snip)

John

That's not a bad price, but I'll bet you'll want to do color. I would
recommend you get a 23C with the color head, unless you know where you can
get one to put on this unit. You should be able to find one (entire
enlarger) with voltage stabilization for around $350 or so, depending on
condition and accessories. There are a bunch around. The extra cost will
be worth it.

Good luck
Zane

[RMMM9999]

Sounds like a great deal to me. A good, dependable, sturdy, versatile
enlarger. Also sounds like a knowledgeable and (apparently) honest seller. I
wouldn't hesitate to get it.

Yes, it would be nice to have a color head. But how much of a concern is that
for you?

Richard McAlpin

[Ilana14]

hello well i got mine 10 years ago new i have the same one it was app. 1000
dollers then. its an awesome enlarger that gives me great results

[George]

>"This is a one of the older Gray painted condenser models. It has
>provision for a color filter pack to be placed over the condensers or
>varible contrast filters in a small tray between the neg and the
>lense. This tray was done away with in latter models, forceing you to
>use under lense filters,

That's not true. My blue version has a filter drawer and I'm pretty sure
the latest version has one.

As for color, don't get the dga color head, the light output was too low in
my experience. The dual dichro might be better.

-George Struk
Natural Light Black & White Photography - http://www.accesshub.net/naturalight

--
geo "at" accesshub "dot" net
Why do we have to resort to this?