Introduction
The Charles Beseler company began in 1868 making scientific and lab equipment, and began producing enlargers in 1953. Beseler is one of the two dominant manufacturers in the USA. Their enlargers (along with Omega) were frequently found in schools and rental labs; a great many students learned how to print on a Beseler enlarger. While not the least expensive, they are typically rugged, no-nonsense machines that are built to last.
Beseler, like Omega, tends to follow a naming scheme for the various formats of their enlargers. The 35mm enlargers carry names (such as Printmaker and Cadet). Bigger enlargers use a number scheme where the numbers roughly translate to the format size: the 67 series take 6x7cm format, the 23 series takes 2-¼x3-¼", the 45 series is for 4x5", the 57 series handles 5x7", and the 810 the 8x10" format.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Mfg | Size | Col. Type | Col. Height | Head | Focus Method | Baseboard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23C | 1955 - tbd | 2-¼ x 3-¼ | Dual column frame | 36" | Interchanglable: condenser, variable-contrast, and dichroic color | Manual | 25 x 16" | Modern Photography Test March 1972 |
| 23CII | 1960s, 1970s | 2-¼ x 3-¼ | Dual column frame | 36" | Interchanglable: condenser, variable-contrast, and dichroic color | Manual | 25 x 16" | |
| 23CIII | Current | 2-¼ x 3-¼ | Dual column frame | 57" (XL version) | Interchanglable: condenser, variable-contrast, and dichroic color | Manual | 25 x 16" |
Series Comments
Like the 45, the 23C is a long-running series that Beseler tweaks from time to time, but doesn't need to make major updates for. I'll write specific model comments as I learn the, but right now I'm very limited in what I know about this chassis.