Originally Posted by
Peter Yeti
Don't worry, the Jobo drums are still produced for sure and they are excellent. I use the 2521 on a CPE-2 processor but you can also roll the tank by hand. It needs a bit of practice to load the 2509n reel in total darkness but once the films are in the closed tank, you can do the rest in daylight. I think that the HP combi plan is also still made, at least you can still buy it new from B&H. I bet it's cheaper than the Jobo tanks, not as cheap as trays though.
You might want to get a cheap pack of film and play with it for the beginning. As already said, the film must be handled in total darkness until developed. That's particularly important when loading your holders. Otherwise you may ruin an entire pack of film. Make sure the emulsion side is face up when loading the film holders. Take two shots right where you are, your back yard, your street, your dog, it really shouldn't matter because it's quite probable that the first try fails anyway. Develop with your prefered method and see what you get. Then you have two films for practicing. You can use them in daylight and figure out how to load film holders, development reels or other tank holders. You can practice till you feel safe to try it in the dark with undeveloped film. Don't worry, it's easier than it sounds.
Good luck,
Peter
P.s.: you even can sacrify an undeveloped film to figure out the loading procedures.
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