Processing 4x5 with Jobo 2561 & 2509N reel

[gbr1000]

I am new in processing 4x5 and was wondering if getting the Jobo 2561 tank with the 2509N reels a good route to go. I do have a Unicolor roller to use with the drum. I don't have a darkroom, just a nice changing bag. I was wondering how hard is it to load the 4 x 5 on a reel? If anyone has any experience in this process, I would appreciate to hear from you.

Thanks
Gary

[Nick_3536]

It's not that hard to load. Inserting the black plastic bits on the side of the reel are a bigger challenge. Still not too hard once you've done it a few times.

I'd lean towards the 2551 myself. I don't think that the 2561 is big enough for 3 2509N reels so unless you need to run 6 35mm reels or 8 rolls of 120 you don't gain anything with the 2561. But it'll be a little more expensive and uses more chemicals.

[Darryl Baird]

yes, everything that Nick said....

I use the 2551 and 2509 reels, with never more than 600 ml of developer with a Unicolor base for 12 sheets maximum at a time.

[Paul Metcalf]

Ditto to all. and.... also make sure the fill tube is inserted from the proper side of the reel, otherwise the reel will spin and will not properly rotate through the liquid in the bottom (you'll get very uneven development - yes, based on experience). The correct orientation is obvious once inserted because the reel doesn't rotate around it (or not much).

[Alex Wei]

I use Jobo 2523 and 2509N reel for 4X5 also, and it's not hard to load films onto the reel. I do invert and shake the tank instead of rotary process, so I never put the plastic stopper on the reel. I find it's very good for semi-stand process.

[gbr1000]

Just want to thank you all for your helpful response. As a newbie in developing sheet film, is nice to come to a place where you get good advise from a friendly group. I'm going to go with 2551 & 2509N, maybe I would get a film loader, I guess that's another thread.

Thanks
Gary

[Jiri Vasina]

A question on a related note:

Does the 2509N reel take also 9x12cm sheet film? (can it be moved to accept it?) Or is it solely for 4x5".

Thanks a lot

Jiri

[Nick_3536]

4x5 9x12 and the European smaller sheet film. 6.5x9??? I forget what the smallest is. With the two bigger sizes you use the included inserts. One set is included for each size. They are a different. For the smallest size they aren't used.

The Jobo loading manual is likely still on their website.

[Wilbur Wong]

My 2509 reels came with both 4 x 5 & 9 x 12 inserts.

I always used the Jobo special film loader made for the process, I think it was part no. 2508, which made it very easy. Think of it as a 35mm or 120 film reel assist guide on steroids - the good part is that the film doesn't need to be arched, but is fed into the film slots flat.

[Wilbur Wong]

You should be able to load it all without a darkroom, but I would suggest using a changing tent not a changing bag.