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Beseler 23CIII-XL Condenser Enlarger

BH #BE23C3XLC • MFR #8004-02
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Beseler 23CIII-XL Condenser Enlarger
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Beseler 23CIII-XL Overview

The American made Beseler 23CIII-XL Enlarger is one of the world's most popular medium format enlargers. Well over half a million have been purchased since it first became available in 1955. Many have been in near continuous use by schools, government agencies and businesses, and countless others have been handed down from father to son, to granddaughter, like the well-loved family possession that it has become.

The high performance Condenser Lightsource utilizes Beseler's patented "Cone-of Light" variable condenser system to adjust the position of the over-sized 5-1/2" optical glass condensers to maximize the illumination for every format 35mm through 6x9cm, yielding exceptionally short exposure times, a cooler film stage and less negative buckling than with conventional condenser heads

The 23Clll-XL features interchangeable lightsources. The Condenser lamphouse supplied with this model is interchangeable with the Dichro Colorhead (No.8132-02) and with the Variable Contrast Lightsource (No.8134-02)

The extraordinarily rigid, extra-long twin-girder construction of the 23Clll-XL helps to reduce transient vibrations, which can detract from image sharpness.

NOTE: Does not include lens, lensboard and negative carrier

Quality die-cast construction
Extra long girder for bigger enlargements on the oversized baseboard
Robust, quadra-braced twin-column construction for twice the support
Lens stage tilts for special effects and distortion correction
Projection assembly tilts up to 90°
Positive rack-and-pinion elevation system with lock with convenient left or right focusing controls.
Accepts sturdy, spring-loaded, aluminum alloy negative carriers that can be revolved for precise image positioning, as well as accepting the Beseler Rapid-shift 35mm and 120 Nega-trans film carriers
Snap-in, quick change metal lens boards, with a swing-out below-the-lens accessory holder

Beseler 23CIII-XL Specs

Maximum Film Size
6 x 9 cm
Maximum Height
57" / 1.4 m
Baseboard Size
25.5 x 16 x 1.25" / 64.8 x 40.6 x 3.2 cm
Maximum Print Size on Baseboard
Approx. 17.5 x 22" / 44.5 x 55.9 cm
Reversible Column
No
Wall Projection
Yes
Tilts
Yes
Light Source
Condenser
Replacement Lamp
PH 140 (75 W, 120 V)
Voltage
120 VAC
220 VAC (via Optional Light Source)
Voltage Stabilized
No
Filter Drawer
Yes: Holds 5.5 x 5.5" / 139.7 x 139.7 mm Filters
Modular Head System
23CIII Heads (23CII Heads Are Not Compatible)
Condenser Lamphouse, 120 Volt (No.8130)
Condenser Lamphouse, 230 Volt (No.8131)
Dichro Lamphouse, 120 Volt (No.8132)
Dichro Lamphouse, 230 Volt (No.8133)
Variable Contrast Lamphouse, 120V (No.8134)
Weight
60 lb / 27 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
50.9 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
46 x 17 x 15"

Beseler 23CIII-XL Reviews

Lackluster Beseler support

By darkroom technician
Rated 2 out of 5
Date: 2025-04-30

I was very excited to buy three of these for the darkroom I oversee last summer, however within the first 6 months of using them the same piece has fallen off two of the three enlargers, a piece critical for operating the enlargers. I've reached out to Beseler for support but I'm having a hard time getting any answers or support I'd hoped for. Definitely get a warranty or protection plan for these and consider something more durable for using in a school environment.

A Great Investement

By Darkroom Guy
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2010-08-06

The Beseler 23C is worth the money all the way. it is built extremely well and is definatly THE BEST enlarger that I have ever used. It is worth every penny. It is quite dependable and I am very pleased Beseler still makes it!

See any errors on this page?

What do I need to print 6x6?

What do I need to print 6x6?
Asked by: Mercer
You would need a 105 or 100mm lens... https://bhpho.to/3aXZhvb And a medium format carrier such as Beseler 6x6cm Glassless Negative Carrier for 23C Series Enlargers BH #BENC6623 • MFR #8060 and a Beseler 39mm Threaded Lock Ring B&H # BEJN MFR # 8095 and finally a lensboard such as the Beseler 39mm Lensboard with 5/8" Extension (For 105-135mm Lenses) B&H # BELBE3923 MFR # 8029
Answered by: Jessica G
Date published: 2022-02-11

does the enlarger come with a does the enlarger ...

does the enlarger come with a does the enlarger come with a modular head system with the lamp house?
Asked by: Allie M
The 23Clll-XL features interchangeable lightsources. The Condenser lamphouse supplied with this model is interchangeable with the Dichro Colorhead (No.8132-02) and with the Variable Contrast Lightsource (No.8134-02)
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2021-04-22

do I need to buy enlarger lens for this? I want ...

do I need to buy enlarger lens for this? I want to make prints up to 16x20"
Asked by: Lena
I have a 23CII XL and make a lot of 16"x20" prints from 35mm negatives. You will need to buy a lens, I use a 40mm enlarging lens which gives me the ability to crop the negative if needed. I highly recommend a 40 mm lens.
Answered by: Russell
Date published: 2024-04-12

question

What is the length of the power cord?
Asked by: Anonymous
The length of the power cord is 70 .
Answered by: Kirk R.
Date published: 2018-08-27

is this come with lamp? if not which lamp I ...

is this come with lamp? if not which lamp I should buy?
Asked by: Yuhei
The Beseler 23CIII-XL Condenser Enlarger does come with a lamp.
Answered by: Ejona G
Date published: 2025-02-06

Which lens do I need to use with this enlarger if ...

Which lens do I need to use with this enlarger if I want to print from 6x9 negatives?
Asked by: Emmy
A 100mm or 105mm is good, click the link below to view; https://bhpho.to/3aXZhvb
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2023-11-24

question

What is the highest watt bulb that can safely be used in the Beseler 23C III-XL Variable Contrast Enlarger?..... I have a brand new one and focusing is very difficult with the 85 watt bulb that came with it. It seems very dark. Thanks!
Asked by: William M.
The maximum wattage bulb compatible for use with the Beseler 23CIII-XL Variable Contrast (Black & White) Enlarger is 85 watts. Beseler only recommends 75W or 85W bulbs for use with the Beseler 23CIII-XL Variable Contrast Enlarger.
Answered by: Manzell L.
Date published: 2018-08-25

question

Will a late 1980s Printmaker 35 lensboard and negative carrier work on the 23CIII-XL?
Asked by: John
No, unfortunately, the Beseler 23CIII-XL Variable Contrast (Black & White) Enlarger is not compatible with a late 1980s Printmaker 35 lensboard and negative carrier.
Answered by: Elliot
Date published: 2025-10-27
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