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Thread: JOBO CPE-2 / CPA-2 / CPP-2

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Posts
    108

    JOBO CPE-2 / CPA-2 / CPP-2

    Ok, this is a tought one. I idenitifed my source of frustration, which is my lac k of counter space, and my anal retentive nature in development - I want consist ent, reproducible results.

    So, I am looking at the sub-$2,000 JOBO units.

    The marketing blah blah blah on Jobo's web site tells me very little. What are m ost people using out there for developing 4x5 negs only? Which drum unit? This g ets kind of confusing, since I have yet to see one of these fine units in person .

    I noticed that the CPE-2 is going for $575 on B&H, and there is a $200 rebate, w hich I could apply toward a lift. So, for something like $625, I would have a de cent system. What is the major benefit to going to the CPA / CPP systems? I don' t have a need to do large amounts of negs at one time, but I would like as much automation as possible, given that my space is limited, and my only water flow w ould come from a faucet in the kitchen or bathroom.

  2. #2

    JOBO CPE-2 / CPA-2 / CPP-2

    Mechanised drum systems are complete overkill for a few B&W negs, IMHO. Have a look at the 'Combiplan' tank. By the time you've loaded a drum, and tempered its water bath, you could be on the washing stage with a simple tank system. I use a 'Dallan' SS tank, but they're no longer available. The Combiplan is the nearest modern equivalent, and in any case, takes much less processing solution than the Dallan. If space is an issue, the footprint is about 1/8th that of a drum unit. If you don't also have running water and drainage to hand, then I can't see how a drum unit will help.

  3. #3

    JOBO CPE-2 / CPA-2 / CPP-2

    I have the CPA unit and I think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. You have excellent control over solution temperature which allows me to dable with chromes. It eliminates fumbling around in the dark. It eliminates staring at the timer every 30 sec. for agitation intervals. It just makes the whole process of developing negatives easier. The CPA/CPP units allow the use of the Expert drums (CPE does not), I believe the 3010 can handle 10 sheets of 4X5 film at one time. The Expert drums are definitely the way to go for sheet film in my opinion. The CPP unit allows cooling of the water bath if the temperature is too high, but that can also be accomplished with the CPA by inserting frozen water containers in the water bath.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Jan 2000
    Posts
    29

    JOBO CPE-2 / CPA-2 / CPP-2

    I have a CPE-2 and do my own 4x5 and 35mm B&W, and 4x5 E6 processing in it. I then scan my negatives and print digitally. I love the CPE, the only problem I had early on was keeping the temperatures even since the CPE does not have a circulating pump in it. I fixed that by buying a $10.00 submersable aquarium pump. I can set up the Jobo, shoot my film, soup it, and have chromes to look at an hour later, beats the heck out of driving downtown and dropping my film off! My other suggestion is to purchase a plastic clothes hanging bag, the square type that hang in the closet. These make great drying booths which will keep the dust off of your negatives as they dry.

    Hope this helps,

  5. #5

    JOBO CPE-2 / CPA-2 / CPP-2

    I decided on the CPP2 for one fundamental reason - consistency. When you are trying to use the zone system to its optimal, I feel that eliminating as many variables as possible (temp and agitation) improve the results as much as practical. It all spells confidence with a big C. However, saying that the JOBO is not the system for highly dilute developers and extended development times. Sexton is a JOBO user and has a good write up in this website.

    Many feel that trays and other tank systems work great for them and that is fine. You have to determine what works for you. It saves space and I like the automation. I also wash the negs in the drums. Best darkroom decision I ever made.

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Posts
    108

    JOBO CPE-2 / CPA-2 / CPP-2

    Thanks for the responses so far. You have all brought up good a good point. Yes, I do spend a considerable amount on E-6 processing, and I would love to do them at home, if possible. Even if I splurged on the CPP-2, is this just crazy?

    With B&W development, I am trying to solve a space issue, a consistency issue, and a pain-in-the-butt issue. Looks like I could add an entire process (E-6) as well. Wow, that would save me a load of cash in the long run.

    So, a CPA-2 or CPP-2 would allow me the use of their professional drums. I assume the 3000 series. Other than number of negatives you can process at one time, what is the benefit? Less chemistry? Less likelihood of streaks? Just curious.

  7. #7

    JOBO CPE-2 / CPA-2 / CPP-2

    I have never had a problem with streaks on any negatives processed with the JOBO drums. However, I use a small amount more chemistry than suggested just to be safe. I feel that the drums are probably the most innovative design we have seen in some time. Actually allows a water jacket internally and uses a reasonable amount of chemistry.

    Do these use less chemistry than other systems? Probably not. Many I know to me at least, seem to run more film than they should through their tanks and trays whereas I use them one shot. The relationship between sq inches of film and development chemistry should be consistent and JOBO has done a considerable amount of testing to ascertain safe recommendations. I have never had a problem with 4x5, 5x7 and 8x10 over the last three years and I use different drums for each. You can easily justify the cost of a processing unit by doing the math based upon farming out all of your processing (B&W and color). The lift is useless with the larger format drums and you will quickly develop the technique to raise the lift system with your fingers and let the gears engage at the pause for rotation.

    Another very important variable I look for no matter what I am considering to purchase - customer support. Call JOBO and chat with a representative and ask them some of your questions. Should you ever have a problem, it is nice to know that they will be there for you.

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Jul 2001
    Posts
    60

    JOBO CPE-2 / CPA-2 / CPP-2

    While I use a Jobo CPP, if you're just getting started in LF and not sure you want to continue, tray development doesn't take that much space for 4x5. The Jobo takes about 40" of counter space. Using 8x10 trays, you're talking about the same geography.

    If you do decide to buy a Jobo, try to find a good used one. I've seen a number for sale that are in like-new condition. The primary thing to wear out on these is the motor, especially if there overdriven with too heavy a load of chemicals. These are frequently on eBay, as well as in used photo stores and camera shows.

    Good luck.

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Jan 2001
    Posts
    150

    JOBO CPE-2 / CPA-2 / CPP-2

    I use the JOBO CPP-2 for B&W 4x5 negs and all my printing. I am very happy with it. I highly suggest the extra expense for the CPP-2 because of the cold water solenoid. My darkroom often goes well above 68 degrees and the machine automatically lets in cold tap water to adjust. Much nicer than ice bricks in the water which will then keep the heater constantly running. By the way these machines average 500 watts power consumption which is a lot! You do not have to have special plumbing. I have just run a garden hose to the back of the machine for this purpose. I have a PVC small pipe that runs through the wall of my space to bring the water in. When I am done, I just put the hose away...

    Comments on service support are true; it is great. If you use Tri-X and HC110 you need to talk to the service guys about the 3010 drum because there is a slight manufacturing defect in the grooves that makes this particular film only have some slight marks of non removed anti-halation coating at one end of the negative. They are very small. They have told me that this is being corrected, but current stock has to be sold off. All other films seem to be OK.

    Comments about dilute developers are correct. My HC110 has to be very diluted to get all my zone system numbers correct on testing and therefore because of the one liter limit on fluid in the 3010 drum and because of capacity limitations, I can only develop 4 4x5 negs at a time despite there being slots for 10 negs in the tank. All in all I am happy especially with being able to work in the light and no smelling fumes at all. My wife who has the good nose in the family says that it is odorless...

    Email me if any other questions.

    Scott

  10. #10

    JOBO CPE-2 / CPA-2 / CPP-2

    I've been tempted to pick up a used CPE-2 at my local shop every time they have them, but I haven't done it yet. I can't justify the more expensive processors. However, I do use a Jobo 4x5 tank and reel and use it to develop manually. It's great. I find it to be reproducible and easy. The fact that it produces such good results manually makes me want to try one of the processors.

    Dave

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