Beseler 23C II

Name: Beseler 23C II
Brand: Beseler
Availability: InStock

In 1980 Beseler's brochure called the 23CII the standard of medium-format enlarging, and quoted Modern Photography saying it was built like a bridge. It takes everything from Minox and 110 up to 6x9 cm on one head, because Beseler's Cone-of-Light condensers slide up and down for each format instead of being swapped. The head is counterbalanced, there's a focus knob on each side, the lens stage tilts for distortion control and the whole head pivots for wall murals. Beseler sold it with a plain condenser head or with color heads like the Dual Dichro S, which switched between condenser and diffusion light. Early 23CIIs take the bayonet PH111A lamp and later ones the PH140, and parts sellers treat the two as different builds. Plenty of parts are still around. Beseler and KHB Photografix sell lamps, bellows, lensboards and refurbishing kits, so a complete one with its carriers is a good place to start.

23C (the earlier model, crank held by a set screw)23C Series II (an earlier version KHB lists apart from the 23CII)23CII with the condenser head23CII with a Dual Dichro, Dual Dichro S or Dichro 23 dga color head23CII XL (extender base and big baseboard, see the 23C XL page)

Representative photo, made by AI from real seller photos. Every listing differs. How we make these →

Spec at a glance

Maker: Beseler
Format: Medium format, up to 6x9 cm
Stock head: Condenser
Takes: Minox and 110 up to 6x9 cm (2¼x3¼ in)
Light source: Condenser head with one adjustable condenser set; Dual Dichro and Dichro 23 color heads were options
Lamp: PH111A on early units, PH140 on later ones (both 75 W, 120 V)
Lens mount: 4x4 in Beseler lensboards, 39mm threaded or drilled
Column: Twin alloy beams, counterbalanced head, crank elevation
Big prints: Head turns for wall projection; extender base and XL baseboard for cropped 16x20 in
Also listed as: 23CII, 23C-II, 23 C II, Beseler 23CII
Typical eBay ask (Oct 15, 2026): $310–$600

Darkroom check

Light, carriers, bellows and lens

Light source and lamp: The stock head is a condenser lamphouse with one pair of condensers that you move for each format, which Beseler called Cone-of-Light. Early 23CIIs take a bayonet-base PH111A 75 W opal lamp (Beseler #8104) and later ones a PH140 75 W (#8101), and KHB Photografix still sells both. Some come with a Dual Dichro or Dichro 23 dga color head instead, which runs a quartz lamp, so ask which head and lamp are fitted.
Carriers and condensers: Beseler made 19 carriers for the 23CII, from Minox and 110 up to 6x9 cm, plus glass carriers and the Negatrans roll carrier. Every format needs its own carrier, but the condensers stay put and you just raise or lower them on the upper bellows. Check the photos for which carriers come with it, since each extra format is another part to find.
Column and bellows: The head rides on twin alloy beams with a counterbalance, goes up and down on a crank and focuses with knobs on both sides. There are two bellows, a lower one for focus and an upper one between the negative stage and the condensers. KHB says the original crank handle is one of the most commonly broken 23CII parts. Ask for photos of the crank and of both bellows.
Alignment: The lens stage tilts for distortion control and the head pivots for wall projection, so both need to be locked square for normal printing. Beseler sells a bilateral alignment tool (#8139) with two spirit levels that mounts in the lens stage. Ask whether the tilt is at zero and whether a level reads the same on the baseboard and lens stage.
Lens: Lenses mount on 4x4 in Beseler lensboards, threaded 39mm or drilled for a retaining ring, and the same boards fit Beseler's 4x5 enlargers. A lens isn't part of the enlarger, so check the listing for a lens and its board. Beseler's chart pairs 50mm with 35mm, 80mm with 6x6, 90mm with 6x7 and 105mm with 6x9.
Timer and power: A condenser 23CII plugs its 120 V lamp straight into an enlarging timer, with no transformer. The Dichro 23 dga color head needs its own 24 V transformer, and Beseler warns to use only an AC-output voltage stabilizer with it. If a color head is included, make sure the transformer is too, because the head won't light without it.
Shipping and pickup: Beseler built it heavy on purpose and calls it built like a bridge, though we couldn't find a published weight. KHB lists the condenser assembly alone at 1.75 kg. Local pickup is easiest. If it ships, ask for the condensers and lamphouse to be packed separately from the column.

Should come with it

Condenser lamphouse with both condensers and the lamp cap
At least one negative carrier (usually 35mm)
A 4x4 in lensboard
Crank handle and both focus knobs
The transformer, if it has a Dichro 23 dga or Dual Dichro 23 head

Hard to find if missing

Original crank handle (KHB sells a stronger later design)
Dichro 23 dga and Dual Dichro 23 power supplies (used only)
6x9 cm and specialty negative carriers
Upper and lower bellows

Check the listing photos against these lists, and ask the seller about anything you can’t see. A missing carrier, condenser or lens board should come off the price.

What to check

KHB Photografix calls the original crank handle one of the most commonly broken 23CII parts. Beseler's refurbishing kit covers the other wear points, which are the elevation gears, the elevation lock and the negative stage cams.

01Carriers: Check the photos for which negative carriers come with it. A 35mm carrier plus the 6x6, 6x7 or 6x9 one you need is a complete start.
02Condensers: Ask for a photo inside the lamphouse showing both condensers. Clear glass with no chips or cracks is what you want.
03Lamp: Ask whether it takes the bayonet PH111A or the later PH140. Both are still sold, but you need to know which to order.
04Bellows: Ask for a photo of both bellows with the head racked down. They should be whole, with no cracks or tears in the folds.
05Crank and lock: Ask the seller to crank the head up and lock it. It should climb smoothly and stay put once locked.
06Lens stage: Ask whether the lens stage tilt is set at zero. A stage that sits parallel to the baseboard is ready to print.
07Lens and board: Check whether a lens and 4x4 in lensboard are included. Without a lensboard you can't mount a lens.
08Color head power: If it has a Dichro 23 dga head, look for the separate transformer in the photos. The head won't light without it.
09Pickup: Plan on local pickup, or ask how it'll be packed. The condensers should travel padded and apart from the column.

New to used enlargers? How to check a used enlarger covers the bellows, the column, the lamp and alignment, and condenser, diffusion and color heads explains which light source suits how you print.

Buying guide

Which one to buy

§ Oct 15, 2026

We'd buy the 23CII titled near mint with a 50mm lens and lensboard at $317 delivered, at the bottom of the $310–600 band the shipped listings ask. There are at least 27 for sale, and most of the ones with no shipping quoted ask $150–300, which are pickup asks, not delivered prices. Check the photos for which head is fitted, since a Dual Dichro or Dichro 23 color head won't light without its separate transformer, then for which carriers come with it and for the crank handle, which KHB says breaks often. Skip the zero-feedback seller at $583 delivered and the Dual Dichro outfit at $890, where $495 of it is shipping.

Listed now: 27
For parts: 2
Typical ask: $310–$600
Full range: $50–$525

Cheapest
$108.27est. delivered
The lowest price on a 23CII with its head, titled with the condenser head and an 80mm lens, at $108 delivered with no bids yet. It will climb, and the title names no carrier, so ask which ones come with it.
Beseler 23C II Darkroom Photo Enlarger w/ 80mm Lens, Condenser, Black
View on eBay ↗: Beseler 23C II Darkroom Photo Enlarger w/ 80mm Lens, Condenser, Black$108.27 est. delivered
Best value
$317.15est. delivered
Titled near mint with a lensboard and 50mm lens, the lens Beseler pairs with 35mm, and the photo shows the condenser head, at $317 delivered from a 100% seller. No carrier is named, so ask which ones are included before you buy.
Beseler 23CII Series Darkroom Photo Enlarger w/Lens Board, 50mm Lens- Near Mint!
View on eBay ↗: Beseler 23CII Series Darkroom Photo Enlarger w/Lens Board, 50mm Lens- Near Mint!$317.15 est. delivered
Project piece
$50.00+ ship
A 23CII with a Dichro 23 dga color head for $50, titled untested, and the photo shows the head on the enlarger. It's pickup with no shipping quoted, and the title doesn't mention the transformer the head needs to light, so ask whether it's there before you drive out.
Beseler 23C II Enlarger Dichro 23dga DGA-1 Colorhead Darkroom Untested
View on eBay ↗: Beseler 23C II Enlarger Dichro 23dga DGA-1 Colorhead Darkroom Untested$50.00 plus shipping (not stated)

Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 15, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.

Snapshot

For sale on eBay

8 of 27 listed

Checked Oct 15, 2026. Some may have sold.

Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 15, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.

Used
- Cheapest
Beseler 23C II Darkroom Photo Enlarger w/ 80mm Lens, Condenser, Black
$108.27est. delivered
$100.00 + $8.27 shipping
Auction · no bids yet · ends in 2d 2h
Good buy
Auction with the condenser head and an 80mm lens. No bids yet, so it will climb.
Seller: feanor
100% positive
View on eBay ↗: Beseler 23C II Darkroom Photo Enlarger w/ 80mm Lens, Condenser, Black
Used
- Best value
Beseler 23CII Series Darkroom Photo Enlarger w/Lens Board, 50mm Lens- Near Mint!
$317.15est. delivered
$275.00 + $42.15 shipping
Buy It Now$275.00
Offers accepted
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Good buy
Titled near mint, with a lensboard and 50mm lens. Condenser head in the photo.
Seller: zenfocus
100% positive
View on eBay ↗: Beseler 23CII Series Darkroom Photo Enlarger w/Lens Board, 50mm Lens- Near Mint!
For parts
- Project piece
Beseler 23C II Enlarger Dichro 23dga DGA-1 Colorhead Darkroom Untested
$50.00+ shipping
$50.00 · shipping not stated
Buy It Now$50.00
Project piece
Titled untested, with a Dichro 23 dga color head. No transformer named. No shipping quoted; pickup or ask.
Seller: farmhousecleanout
100% positive
View on eBay ↗: Beseler 23C II Enlarger Dichro 23dga DGA-1 Colorhead Darkroom Untested
For parts
BESELER 23C II DARKROOM ENLARGER WITH LIGHT HEAD & Lens As Is
$192.72est. delivered
$147.01 + $45.71 shipping
Buy It Now$147.01
Offers accepted
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Our take
Sold as is, with the light head and a lens. Only about $20 less than a 23CII here with no as-is caveat.
Seller: pitskollc
99.5% positive
View on eBay ↗: BESELER 23C II DARKROOM ENLARGER WITH LIGHT HEAD & Lens As Is
Used
Beseler 23C II Medium Format Darkroom Photo Enlarger 23CII
$212.94est. delivered
$174.99 + $37.95 shipping
Buy It Now$174.99
Offers accepted
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Our take
Condenser head in the photo. No lens or carrier named.
Seller: hess6000
100% positive
View on eBay ↗: Beseler 23C II Medium Format Darkroom Photo Enlarger 23CII
Used
Beseler 23c ii Enlarger w/Dual Dichro Colorhead, 50mm lens, Timer
$890.00est. delivered
$395.00 + $495.00 shipping
Buy It Now$395.00
Offers accepted
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Our take
Dual Dichro color head, 50mm lens and timer, but shipping is $495. The photo shows a box on the baseboard; ask if it's the head's power supply.
Seller: jabert-64
100% positive
View on eBay ↗: Beseler 23c ii Enlarger w/Dual Dichro Colorhead, 50mm lens, Timer
Used
Beseler 23C II Darkroom Photo Enlarger w/ Manual + Carriers
$150.00+ shipping
$150.00 · shipping not stated
Buy It Now$150.00
Offers accepted
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Our take
Titled with carriers and the manual. The photo shows it packed in a box. No shipping quoted; pickup or ask.
Seller: ashlestr
100% positive
View on eBay ↗: Beseler 23C II Darkroom Photo Enlarger w/ Manual + Carriers
Used
- Check the seller
BESELER 23C II SERIES - DARKROOM PHOTO ENLARGER
$583.21est. delivered
$500.00 + $83.21 shipping
Buy It Now$500.00
Offers accepted
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Check the seller
Zero-feedback seller. Condenser head in the photo.
Seller: ynbdg38
No feedback yet
View on eBay ↗: BESELER 23C II SERIES - DARKROOM PHOTO ENLARGER

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Brand

Format

Light

Read

Beseler 23C II

Spec at a glance

Maker

Beseler

Format

Medium format, up to 6x9 cm

Stock head

Condenser

Takes

Minox and 110 up to 6x9 cm (2¼x3¼ in)

Light source

Condenser head with one adjustable condenser set; Dual Dichro and Dichro 23 color heads were options

Lamp

PH111A on early units, PH140 on later ones (both 75 W, 120 V)

Lens mount

4x4 in Beseler lensboards, 39mm threaded or drilled

Column

Twin alloy beams, counterbalanced head, crank elevation

Big prints

Head turns for wall projection; extender base and XL baseboard for cropped 16x20 in

Also listed as

23CII, 23C-II, 23 C II, Beseler 23CII

Typical eBay ask (Oct 15, 2026)

$310–$600

Light, carriers, bellows and lens

Light source and lamp

The stock head is a condenser lamphouse with one pair of condensers that you move for each format, which Beseler called Cone-of-Light. Early 23CIIs take a bayonet-base PH111A 75 W opal lamp (Beseler #8104) and later ones a PH140 75 W (#8101), and KHB Photografix still sells both. Some come with a Dual Dichro or Dichro 23 dga color head instead, which runs a quartz lamp, so ask which head and lamp are fitted.

Carriers and condensers

Beseler made 19 carriers for the 23CII, from Minox and 110 up to 6x9 cm, plus glass carriers and the Negatrans roll carrier. Every format needs its own carrier, but the condensers stay put and you just raise or lower them on the upper bellows. Check the photos for which carriers come with it, since each extra format is another part to find.

Column and bellows

The head rides on twin alloy beams with a counterbalance, goes up and down on a crank and focuses with knobs on both sides. There are two bellows, a lower one for focus and an upper one between the negative stage and the condensers. KHB says the original crank handle is one of the most commonly broken 23CII parts. Ask for photos of the crank and of both bellows.

Alignment

The lens stage tilts for distortion control and the head pivots for wall projection, so both need to be locked square for normal printing. Beseler sells a bilateral alignment tool (#8139) with two spirit levels that mounts in the lens stage. Ask whether the tilt is at zero and whether a level reads the same on the baseboard and lens stage.

Lens

Lenses mount on 4x4 in Beseler lensboards, threaded 39mm or drilled for a retaining ring, and the same boards fit Beseler's 4x5 enlargers. A lens isn't part of the enlarger, so check the listing for a lens and its board. Beseler's chart pairs 50mm with 35mm, 80mm with 6x6, 90mm with 6x7 and 105mm with 6x9.

Timer and power

A condenser 23CII plugs its 120 V lamp straight into an enlarging timer, with no transformer. The Dichro 23 dga color head needs its own 24 V transformer, and Beseler warns to use only an AC-output voltage stabilizer with it. If a color head is included, make sure the transformer is too, because the head won't light without it.

Shipping and pickup

Beseler built it heavy on purpose and calls it built like a bridge, though we couldn't find a published weight. KHB lists the condenser assembly alone at 1.75 kg. Local pickup is easiest. If it ships, ask for the condensers and lamphouse to be packed separately from the column.

Should come with it

Condenser lamphouse with both condensers and the lamp cap

At least one negative carrier (usually 35mm)

A 4x4 in lensboard

Crank handle and both focus knobs

The transformer, if it has a Dichro 23 dga or Dual Dichro 23 head

Hard to find if missing

Original crank handle (KHB sells a stronger later design)

Dichro 23 dga and Dual Dichro 23 power supplies (used only)

6x9 cm and specialty negative carriers

Upper and lower bellows

Check the listing photos against these lists, and ask the seller about anything you can’t see. A missing carrier, condenser or lens board should come off the price.

What to check

01Carriers: Check the photos for which negative carriers come with it. A 35mm carrier plus the 6x6, 6x7 or 6x9 one you need is a complete start.

02Condensers: Ask for a photo inside the lamphouse showing both condensers. Clear glass with no chips or cracks is what you want.

03Lamp: Ask whether it takes the bayonet PH111A or the later PH140. Both are still sold, but you need to know which to order.

04Bellows: Ask for a photo of both bellows with the head racked down. They should be whole, with no cracks or tears in the folds.

05Crank and lock: Ask the seller to crank the head up and lock it. It should climb smoothly and stay put once locked.

06Lens stage: Ask whether the lens stage tilt is set at zero. A stage that sits parallel to the baseboard is ready to print.

07Lens and board: Check whether a lens and 4x4 in lensboard are included. Without a lensboard you can't mount a lens.

08Color head power: If it has a Dichro 23 dga head, look for the separate transformer in the photos. The head won't light without it.

09Pickup: Plan on local pickup, or ask how it'll be packed. The condensers should travel padded and apart from the column.

New to used enlargers? How to check a used enlarger covers the bellows, the column, the lamp and alignment, and condenser, diffusion and color heads explains which light source suits how you print.

Spec at a glance

Light, carriers, bellows and lens

What to check

Which one to buy

For sale on eBay

Beseler 23C II Darkroom Photo Enlarger w/ 80mm Lens, Condenser, Black

Beseler 23CII Series Darkroom Photo Enlarger w/Lens Board, 50mm Lens- Near Mint!

Beseler 23C II Enlarger Dichro 23dga DGA-1 Colorhead Darkroom Untested

BESELER 23C II DARKROOM ENLARGER WITH LIGHT HEAD & Lens As Is

Beseler 23C II Medium Format Darkroom Photo Enlarger 23CII

Beseler 23c ii Enlarger w/Dual Dichro Colorhead, 50mm lens, Timer

Beseler 23C II Darkroom Photo Enlarger w/ Manual + Carriers

BESELER 23C II SERIES - DARKROOM PHOTO ENLARGER

Compare with

Beseler 23C III

Beseler 23C XL

Beseler 45MX

Omega D5

Durst M605

Keep exploring

Spec at a glance

Light, carriers, bellows and lens

What to check

Which one to buy

For sale on eBay

Beseler 23C II Darkroom Photo Enlarger w/ 80mm Lens, Condenser, Black

Beseler 23CII Series Darkroom Photo Enlarger w/Lens Board, 50mm Lens- Near Mint!

Beseler 23C II Enlarger Dichro 23dga DGA-1 Colorhead Darkroom Untested

BESELER 23C II DARKROOM ENLARGER WITH LIGHT HEAD & Lens As Is

Beseler 23C II Medium Format Darkroom Photo Enlarger 23CII

Beseler 23c ii Enlarger w/Dual Dichro Colorhead, 50mm lens, Timer

Beseler 23C II Darkroom Photo Enlarger w/ Manual + Carriers

BESELER 23C II SERIES - DARKROOM PHOTO ENLARGER

Compare with

Beseler 23C III

Beseler 23C XL

Beseler 45MX

Omega D5

Durst M605

Keep exploring