Processing Ilfochrome Fiberbase Prints

[Peter Hruby]

Hi all,

I red some forum questions about processing fiberbased prints. I do like Ilfochrome Classic , you might agree or disagree with me, but the real question is to processing it right. I do a special project where my intention is to make 4X10 direct to ciba prints. Now we will get to a process. I need to process it right. Every picture is an original, so you might imagine that I need a good processor to eliminate as much error as I can. There are few choices on th market such as JOBO, ILFORD CAP-40, FUJIMOTTO and others I don't know about them.

I need your help.

I need to find a processor I can process Cibachrome prints 4x10 properly, also occasionaly I will do some film sheets 8x10 or prints 8x10 to 20x24.

Also if you have any other suggestions about other papers I can print directly on them, let me know their pros and cons.

I know some cibachrome gurus are here and they might give me some very quality inormation. Thank you all for your contribution.

Peter Hruby.

[bob carnie]

Peter
You can use a Jobo rotary processor to process cibachrome, as well this processor will allow you to do b&w, RA4 , c41, E6,and black and white film.
I would suggest this is a multi purpose machine with a very good track record that I believe a lot of photographers are using.

[JanE]

My experiences of processing Cibas is that for highest quality you want to use the low contrast CF1k polyester based paper. (In fact, there's never exist any fiberbased Ciba-material)

To avoid any crossowers in colors the Ilfochrome process P-3 or P-3X shoud be used.
The tabletop machines uses the process P-30, operating at lower temps, directed merely for amateur use and will not give you eg. a linearized grayscale.

Jan, Finland.

[Peter Hruby]

You are right Jan, there is no FB Cibachrome, thank you for making correction in my posting.
Regarding Bob's answer, there are some cons to a JOBO processor poster earlier, especially that JOBO's are not recomended for Cibachromes and that cleaning and drying of drum must be very extensive to avoid any stains.

Can anybody correct me if I am wrong what I said?
Thank you both for contributions.

[Nick_3536]

I use the drums for RA-4. If I was making a lot of prints it would drive me crazy. Now I have three drums that handle my normal size [8x10] so it's okay but it's not my idea of a high volume setup. If you are printing enough I'd consider a Jobo for film and a print processor for the prints. Not the cheapest method.

[bob carnie]

Peter
I know of many who use a jobo for printing , as suggested it is slow and more drums would be helpful.
If you can find a Cap 30 (i think that is the right name) you can do upto 9 16x20 or up to 20 11x14 before changing the chemicals
I own a P3xexel 30 inch machine , but before this processor I have used a cap 30.
If you are printing one image and evening a Jobo is totally usable and price consideriate as as I have stated many use this method with great results.

[Peter Hruby]

What about Fujimoto? Does anybody has experience with this processor?

[JanE]

Take extreme care if you use Cibachrome processes in machines not designed for this. The bleach component of any silver-dye-bleach is very acid, and may in worst case dissolve the tin around electric components and make your hobby rather electric........

Otherwise the Ciba-process is rather kindly. The exposures and temperature tolerances are not as critical as in negative work. One problem, also in other processes, is to avoid streaks and other ununiform buildings in uniform areas. Eg. the older CAP has pigged bottom plates that has caused a lot of troubles with streaks and tangles.

[Peter Hruby]

Ok, so, if I would make lets say 10 - 20 prints a month, would be jobo cpp model sufficient for my scope? Would be quality of processing acceptable by other professionals?

That is the real question I would aks here...

also, the next step is drying of prints. I know Ilfochrome is not flat whan you dry it on clips... What are my choices? Is any good print dryers for polyester based Ilfos?

[Asher Kelman]

Ok, so, if I would make lets say 10 - 20 prints a month, would be jobo cpp model sufficient for my scope? Would be quality of processing acceptable by other professionals?

That is the real question I would aks here...

also, the next step is drying of prints. I know Ilfochrome is not flat whan you dry it on clips... What are my choices? Is any good print dryers for polyester based Ilfos?

So are there any answers to Peter's last question on drying?

Asher