Good Goodwill Find?

chanyung · 05-18-2012

Today I went to my local goodwill and found a Beseler Model 23 Series II enlager for $80. I walked out of the store because I didn't know anything other than that Beseler made film enlargers and did some research. I was just wondering if I should buy this enlarger. I've always wanted to develop my own film, but it seems that I could never find an enlarger that I could just pick up locally. I have no other equipment and don't really know anything about film developing. So should I get thins enlarger?

colyn · 05-18-2012

If it comes with a 35mm negative carrier and 50mm enlarging lens go for it. The only way to learn is by doing and you can't do unless you have the right tools..

Mudman · 05-18-2012

It's decent enough price if it comes with accessories. They cost $$ new, but on the used market they sell for peanuts.

chanyung · 05-18-2012

I just looked again and it doesn't come with a lens. Still a good deal?

colyn · 05-18-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by chanyung

I just looked again and it doesn't come with a lens. Still a good deal?

If the overall condition is good with no damage to the bellows it's worth it. The other items can be had on eBay cheap..

batterytypehah! · 05-18-2012

I'd say pass. They're very common and the price is on the high side. If you haven't done any developing it's a cart before the horse kind of approach, anyway.

oftheherd · 05-18-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by colyn

If the overall condition is good with no damage to the bellows it's worth it. The other items can be had on eBay cheap..

I tend to agree. I don't think the price is too high. Remember that if you buy one off ebay, shipping is part of the cost. Just like in a brick and mortar store, you pay for the shipping. It's just usually cheaper because they buy in bulk. A Bessler II usually goes for more. It was a good and popular enlarger.

Check that it works as it should. All movements should be smooth. That includes it moving up and down the column and the lens bellows movements. Check that the bellows are light tight. Make sure after movement of the column or bellows, they stay put. If there are negative carriers, better still. Also check the lens board, that it isn't damaged and will accept lenses.

Does the light work? Is there a baseboard? Lights aren't so expensive, but a baseboard might be since you need mounting bolts as well and a good base on the column.

Good luck in your decision.

richardhkirkando · 05-18-2012

Around here, its pretty easy to find good enlargers for free or close to it on craigslist. Even Beseler 45s can be had for $100 or so if you're patient.

kuzano · 05-18-2012

Do you have a darkroom or space for one?

I wouldn't consider taking on both film processing AND enlargement/wet printing in a bathroom or closet, but.....

If I had the space, my preference would be... process, enlarge and wet print over ANY form of digital, or scanning. But, I certainly wouldn't consider it if I had to set up the "lab" every time I wanted to go to work...

Oh, and yes the price is too high. I have two of these and another more capable one.... all given to me for free. I sell photographic gear on eBay and I can't justify putting these on eBay. The enlarger you mention typically sells for $30 to $50 on eBay w/no other pieces and w/o a lens. One just sold for $69 with a good lens. For not much more you can buy whole dark room systems.

colyn · 05-18-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Fizzlesticks

I know a lot of people like those enlargers since they are ubiquitous but they fail miserably in the one thing that an enlarger is supposed to do the most- stay in alignment. Take a pass.

I've been using the Beseler 23C II and III for a number of years and as yet have had no problems with alignment. The only times I have had to realign any of them is after a move and then it was nothing more than a couple of tweaks..

DRabbit · 05-18-2012

I can't comment on price, but agree with "cart before horse" statement. Try developing film first and see if you even like it and want to keep doing it before you worry about enlarging and wet prints...

colyn · 05-18-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by kuzano

The enlarger you mention typically sells for $30 to $50 on eBay w/no other pieces and w/o a lens. One just sold for $69 with a good lens. For not much more you can buy whole dark room systems.

A search of eBay completed sold 23C's does in fact show sales of $30-50 but shipping ranged from $60-$97....

You can always find a better deal if you wait long enough but finding one in good condition under $100 is considered a good deal.

Around here this model usually sells on craigslist for more than $100..

Noll · 05-18-2012

sounds a bit pricey to me, but maybe I just got extremely lucky finding a beseler cadet II for $6. Can't recall what lens is on it, it's buried in my closet...

dbarnes · 05-19-2012

Strikes me as high. Plus, there are a lot of darkroom kits being sold complete, these days -- enlarger, lenses, timers, trays, etc. If I were setting up a darkroom again, I'd look for a package like that.