Bessler 23c

[Jonathan_100]

I'm setting up a black and white darkroom. I picked up a free Bessler 23c with lenses from a friend. The condenser is in dire need of a cleaning, but I can't figure out how to get the thing out of the bellows. Also, the lens board seems to be missing that crutial part of threading where the lens attaches. Does anyone know of an online resource for parts and manuals for these things?

thanks
Jonathan

[Bryce]

Jonathan-
I've got a 23c... To clean the condenser, crank the lamphouse all the way up, to the "35mm" position. Then, pull firmly down on the top end of the bellows assembly; it'll slide off the condenser housing, just held in place by friction.
Then, the condenser ass'y slides out toward you the same as the filter tray. From there it's just a few screws and careful handling.
As for the lensboards, many of them were sold with a threadless hole, to be used in conjunction with a threaded nut. Annoying isn't it?
I hope working in the dark is as satisfying for you as it has been for me.

[JimG]

These people have instruction manuals for the 23C www.photobooksonline.com/books/userbk48.html. Jim

[Jonathan_100]

Thanks for the quick replies. I'll check out the site and order a manual.

Bryce. My enlarger does indeed have a threadless hole. Interestingly there is a threaded collar on the other side of the hole that's just dangling around unattached. I guess I"ll find out what that is once I pull the housing.

Jonathan

[Bryce]

Jonathan-
You're in luck. You've got a nut!
Major disassembly isn't required to get it out of there. The lens board is held in by spring presssure, so you can change lenses quickly. To get it in or out, slide it back toward the enlarger's frame and pull down. Generally you'll want a separate board for each lens so they can be swapped quickly.