Another Jobo Question

[DJGainer]

Currently I am using tray development but am considering tank development. I am looking at a 2500 series tank and using it on a roller base. I have a few questions:

Looking at the B&H site I can get a 2500 series tank with either a cog or a magnet, but I don't know which would be better.
Additionally, both tanks only permit 270ml of liquid, is this enough to develop several sheets of 4x5 film?

I see they have the 4x5 reels, but they also have a loading base and loading guide (are base and guide necessary?)

Advice appreciated.

-Dave

[eric black]

I use 250 mL of liquid in a 3010 expert drum and develop 10 sheets of 4x5 at a time with no problems in quality.

[Nick_3536]

Currently I am using tray development but am considering tank development. I am looking at a 2500 series tank and using it on a roller base. I have a few questions:

Looking at the B&H site I can get a 2500 series tank with either a cog or a magnet, but I don't know which would be better.
Additionally, both tanks only permit 270ml of liquid, is this enough to develop several sheets of 4x5 film?

I see they have the 4x5 reels, but they also have a loading base and loading guide (are base and guide necessary?)

Advice appreciated.

-Dave
You want magnet. Not for the magnet but for the rubber stopper. The red rubber cap will stop the thing from leaking. This is a plus on a rollerbase.

Second point. If you're using a rollerbase you want one of the 2551,2561 or 2581. Nothing smaller. Smaller won't fit the roller. The 2551 needs almost 600ml the other two need more.

Min developer amount depends on your developer. I use dilute D23 and need lots of developer. Not a problem the tanks will hold much more then the min amount that Jobo lists. Plus the rollerbase is strong enough.

You don't need the loader but it doesn't hurt. If you want the loader see if they have the kit still.

[DJGainer]

You want magnet. Not for the magnet but for the rubber stopper. The red rubber cap will stop the thing from leaking. This is a plus on a rollerbase.

Second point. If you're using a rollerbase you want one of the 2551,2561 or 2581. Nothing smaller. Smaller won't fit the roller. The 2551 needs almost 600ml the other two need more.

Min developer amount depends on your developer. I use dilute D23 and need lots of developer. Not a problem the tanks will hold much more then the min amount that Jobo lists. Plus the rollerbase is strong enough.

You don't need the loader but it doesn't hurt. If you want the loader see if they have the kit still.

Nick,
What do you mean smaller won't fit the roller? I have a roller base for a ciba drum, but can't understand why having a smaller tank would make it more difficult.

Also, B&H does not have other options. Do you know where I could get a 2551 -61 or -81?

[Nick_3536]

The shorter tank 2521 won't span the two rollers. At least not on the Unicolor or Beseler bases. Ebay tends to have used tanks for not much.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/115414-REG/Jobo_J2561_Six_Reel_Film_Tank_with.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/25564-REG/Jobo_J2551_Five_Reel_Film_Tank_with.html

B&H needs to fix the search function.

[venchka]

Interesting question. I have 3 of the small 25xx tanks and one 2553 (same as 2551) and several lids: some with cog and some with red stopper. I also have two motor bases: Uniroller and Beseler. 5 roll film reels, one 2509 reel and the loader.

The cog lids are easier to fill with a funnel+tube while the motor base turns the tanks. The lids with red stoppers are easier to use with a full tank for inversion/stand development. The 252x (short single 120/2 35mm reels) tanks don't work well on a motor base. They will fit in the open end of a 2840 print drum held together with duct tape and the whole contraption rides on a motor base. The 2551/2553 (same tank-different lid) combination with 1-5 roll film reels, 1 or 2 2509 reels (4x5) OR 1 35mm, 1-120/220 AND 1 2509 reel spans the motor base just fine. The Expert 3010 also works well on the motor bases.

In summary:
2 motor bases: $20
3 small tanks, 3-4 lids, 3 stoppers, 2840 print drum, 2553 tank & ext. tube, 5 adj. reels, 1 2509 reel, 4x5 loader and 1 Expert 3010 tank with cleaning sponge: $183
Perfectly uniform development without hand rolling: Priceless!

To date, I have used 400ml to 1000ml in the Expert 3010 tank for 1-6 sheets of 4x5 and 400ml in a small 252x tank for 1 roll of 120. I just got the 2553 last week and I haven't had a chance to use it yet. It will easily hold 1000ml for multiple sheets or rolls.

[venchka]

ps: I looked last week and there were 2551 tanks & 4509 reels on ebay.