Thinking of buying an Jobo expert drum to process B/W film. Would appreciate co mments. Also what is the best combo with this tank and the JOBO processing mach ines? Are they really much better than say a CombiPlan? Are they worth it? Ho w much would a set-up set me back? Thanks in advance
I used the expert drums for 4x5 years ago and had absolutely no complaints. If you do a volume though, get two... I know they are expensive but you have to make sure they are absolutely dry for the next batch. Cheers, Scott
Hi Yaakov, I've used a CombiPlan and now use a JOBO. The JOBO is wonderful. I've heard people say that the JOBO causes problems because of conststant agitation, but I've not found this to be true. With the expert drum you can develop 10 sheets of 4x5 with as little as 210mL of chemistry. I use the developer as a single shot and get extremely consistent results. If you have done a lot of testing with hand agitation, you may need to retest due to the constant agitation, but otherwise I think you will like it. It works extremely well with processing color and E6 too. You can check out JOBO's WEB site at http://www.jobousa.com
Regards,
Hello Yaakov,
I switched from the Combi to the Jobo system and have no regrets. For b/w you do not need to purchase a jobo processor, assuming that the temperature in your darkroom can be kept constant and moderate. I use either the Jobo 3010 drum-10 sheets 4x5 or the jobo 2500 series drum with two of the 2509n reel sets. These I place on a Unicolor Uniroller. After running tets I determined my E.I for the B/w films that I use. I have also used a jobo processor to check out my hybrid system and was pleased to note no differences between the negs. All are well developed, no surging, streaks, etc. I would be careful about the amount of developer. Check with Jobo on dilutions of developer and quantities needed. I use either FG7 or TmaxRS and use at most 900 ml for a full load-10(3010) or 12 (2500). The 2500 series gets rapped for problems but I have yet to encounter any. It does take a bit longer to load. Good luck. Bob
I have used the older JOBO CPE2 for a couple of years, and after testing and rec alibrating times and dillutions, have always had excellent reuslts. The CPE2 i s the older model and uses two speeds. I have the best results using the slower of the two (about 30rpm versus 70). I also use the older 2500 series drums and have never had a problem. If you do purchase new, I recommend getting the lift if it is not standard. It makes it easy to ge consistent results. You may want to check Shutterbug and Ebay for used setups. You might get lucky and find one wit h film and print drums that someone bought, used about three times and did not h ave the patience to learn how to use. They usually go for a third to half the c ost of new.
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