Jobo CPE2 Processor - advice

[Monz]

Dear All,
How easy or difficult would it be for a novice to process black and white 35mm and MF film using the above kit? Could this kit be used without the need for a darkroom?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.

--
Monz

 

[rogue_designer]

You would need a dark tent to load the tanks, and depending on which size tank you use, finding a tent large enough can be fun.

For a novice, however, I don't think that the Jobo is necessary. You can use hand agitated daylight tanks (even jobo tanks, if you might want to go that route in the future) without the processor. The temperature control is less critical for B&W than it is for color.

 

[rxmd]

You don't need a tent, an ordinary changing bag will do. Really big tanks won't fit in there, but then they won't fit in the CPE either 🙂

The CPEs are nice. Some people prefer the version with lift for easy changing of chemicals (I don't because I think it's a sloppy business and also coupling the tanks to the rotating motor is better with the lift-less version's magnet coupling than with the lift's system of gears). The CPE does have an advantage when you want to do special processes, like C-41 colour, E-6, or B&W slides. If you get the CPE for a low sum, it might be worth it. Otherwise it's probably better to start learning B&W by doing everything by hand... And it has the added advantage that if you've got all the tools you need for developing by hand, you don't need anything extra to start working with the CPE 😉

 

[Gid]

I did all of my B&W processing using a CPE-2. Loaded reels in a changing bag. Really easy. I had the lift, which I liked. Reduce inversion development times by 10 to 15%.

Good luck.

 

[Monz]

Thank for the advice rogue-designer, rxmd and Gid. With the popularity of digital, used Jobo kits are going for very reasonable prices. The plan would be to process at home and then scan the negatives and maybe, one day, do some printing at home as well.

All the best.

--
Monz

 

[Midoriyama]

Jobo CPE-2 Replacement Parts

Jobo CPE-2 Replacement Parts

Does anyone know of a vendor for a replacement circuit board and fuse for the CPE-2?
I recenlty purchased a used machine but have since gotten fluids into the circuitry.

Will the unit operate once the board has dried out or am I looking at having to replace the board?

Thanks

 

[jbf]

so long as the circitry was not on or active when the water or fluids got on it it should be ok.

your best bet would be to wash it in distilled water first... then let it dry... and then fire it up to see if it'll work.

 

[venchka]

I got enough tanks and reels to do 35mm & 120 film for free. Ask around. Lots of them out there. Chemistry is cheap. If you have an inside room these are usually dark enough to load film. I have an inside laundry room and a doubled sheet blocks what little light gets to it.

Good luck!

 

[Monz]

Thanks venchka,
Since I started the thread, I have bought a CPE-2 kit at a very reasonable price. I load the tank in a changing bag (bought on ebay) and have been successful with both 35mm and medium format B+W film.
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Monz