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Thread: Is it worth it to buy this Beseler enlarger?

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jan 2020
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    Hattiesburg, MS.
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    Is it worth it to buy this Beseler enlarger?

    So I know the whereabouts of a big Beseler enlarger for sale. I don't know the model number, or even if the wiring is sound (but I am good at rewiring things.)

    It's big, probably weighs seventy-five pounds, with the main inscription on it being "Beseler" and below it "Universal Colorhead." The head on it is about the size of a small 4x5 camera. The front bellows look like they might have a couple of pinholes, but I don't know that it would really matter. All the mechanical components look sound. It has a timer switch with it, and a 35mm film carrier. The base plate is bare wood--nothing to hold the paper. It has no bulb.

    The man (who is not photographic, knows nothing about it, and does not haggle) wants $200 for it. I do not foresee it going anywhere soon.

    Should I put some money aside for a couple months and buy this?

    I can go take pictures soon if it helps identify it.

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Feb 2013
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    332

    Re: Is it worth it to buy this Beseler enlarger?

    We need to see pictures.

  3. #3
    Eric Woodbury
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
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    1,637

    Re: Is it worth it to buy this Beseler enlarger?

    I agree, photographs. And for $200, it should be in good shape or special. Pinholes are not a problem except they indicate worse for the future. I have found several for much less, in fine shape. Sometimes I have to drive a few hundred miles, but that's for something special or with lens or neg holders or darkroom stuff.

  4. #4
    Old School Wayne
    Join Date
    Dec 1999
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    1,255

    Re: Is it worth it to buy this Beseler enlarger?

    Quote Originally Posted by RLangham View Post
    So I know the whereabouts of a big Beseler enlarger for sale. I don't know the model number, or even if the wiring is sound (but I am good at rewiring things.)

    It's big, probably weighs seventy-five pounds, with the main inscription on it being "Beseler" and below it "Universal Colorhead." The head on it is about the size of a small 4x5 camera. The front bellows look like they might have a couple of pinholes, but I don't know that it would really matter. All the mechanical components look sound. It has a timer switch with it, and a 35mm film carrier. The base plate is bare wood--nothing to hold the paper. It has no bulb.

    The man (who is not photographic, knows nothing about it, and does not haggle) wants $200 for it. I do not foresee it going anywhere soon.

    Should I put some money aside for a couple months and buy this?

    I can go take pictures soon if it helps identify it.
    Yes. Pictures.

    You can probably get it for less than 200. I know somebody giving away a color Beseler 4x5. You won't face much competition for it, but on the flip side you may not see another one in your area for a while so if its in excellent shape it might be worth $200 to you. You might not ever get that back if you sell it though.

  5. #5
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Dec 2011
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    Re: Is it worth it to buy this Beseler enlarger?

    We really do need pictures

    It could even be a 2X3 enlarger, which is fine, but will never work with 4X5

    Read this intro to enlargers http://www.jollinger.com/photo/enlar...-enlargers.htm

    Also compare Google Images to what you are looking at https://www.google.com/search?q=bese...FqK-g3kzzWIdcM
    Tin Can

  6. #6
    Corran's Avatar
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    Re: Is it worth it to buy this Beseler enlarger?

    Quote Originally Posted by Tin Can View Post
    Good link!

    If it's workable and you are ready to jump into real darkroom printing, get it!
    Bryan | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | Portfolio
    All comments and thoughtful critique welcome

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Jan 2007
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    Re: Is it worth it to buy this Beseler enlarger?

    Is it worth $200 ? Sounds like it might be a 45MX ? or 45 MCX ? If so, No. probably not worth $200...at least I would definitely not drop $200 on a Beseler.
    On the other hand if it had a working Minolta head...maybe?

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Jan 2020
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    Hattiesburg, MS.
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    Re: Is it worth it to buy this Beseler enlarger?

    Quote Originally Posted by BradS View Post
    Is it worth $200 ? Sounds like it might be a 45MX ? or 45 MCX ? If so, No. probably not worth $200...at least I would definitely not drop $200 on a Beseler.
    On the other hand if it had a working Minolta head...maybe?
    I looked those up and they show similarities but look much newer. This is definitively a solidly antique piece of hardware.

  9. #9
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Dec 2011
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    Re: Is it worth it to buy this Beseler enlarger?

    I gladly paid a member here $200 in advance and drove 600 miles round trip for a lowly Beseler CB7

    http://www.jollinger.com/photo/cam-c...20Brochure.pdf

    No lenses, I later bought NOS CB7 Condenser Head from another member here, $100 to add an option to existing Color Head

    CB7 has power elevation and power focusing, with built in timer all operational from a wheelchair which I was using at that time

    I considered the price paid very cheap.

    A favorite game members play here, "I bought XYZ for 10% of what you paid."

    To be fair, I have been given a 5 enlargers in the last 9 years and regret giving one away, as I need it now...

    9 years ago ALL LF was garbage to many Pros and they dumped a lot back then, some still do...


    YMMV

    Then again, Beseler is one of the few still in business, https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...CABEgKA2vD_BwE


    Quote Originally Posted by BradS View Post
    Is it worth $200 ? Sounds like it might be a 45MX ? or 45 MCX ? If so, No. probably not worth $200...at least I would definitely not drop $200 on a Beseler.
    On the other hand if it had a working Minolta head...maybe?
    Tin Can

  10. #10
    jp's Avatar
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    May 2009
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    Maine
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    Re: Is it worth it to buy this Beseler enlarger?

    If it's a CB7 it's worth the $200. If it has a nice lens on it and is another beseler, it might be worth the money. 70 pounds is about right for a 4x5 enlarger.

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