Question:
I've tried to print standard postcard size from my 6x9 negatives andcan't get the image to focus at the close distance. I've tried 50mm,100mm, and 135mm. Nothing works. I'm using a Beseler 23C III XL withCold Light head (no condensers). My guess is that I need some sort ofrecessed or protruding lens board to either increase or decrease thedistance from lens to negative, and then my standard medium format 100mmlens should work. If this is correct, does anyone know if Beseler orsomeone makes such a thing for the 23C's/ TIA!-Fred

Answer: Turn the lens board around so that the lens is facing the negative. Itmakes stoppingdown the lens a bit difficult but that may do the trick. I used asimilar trick many yearsago to make postage stamp sized images from 2 1/4 negatives. I use a beseler 23CII XL and don't have trouble printing a 4x6postcard from 6x9 using a 105mm. If I were near my darkroom Icould tell you what sort of lens board my 105mm is on, but I'mnot, so I can't. But yes, Beseler does do recessed and extendedlens boards for the 23C, and any good dealer should have them orbe able to order them -- if you can't find one locally, I'd tryB&H in NY, which usually has a decent stock of lower-cost usedstuff for the 23C -- it's not like lens boards or neg carrierswear out.