Jobo Confusion

[dazedgonebye]

Ok, I've now got a uniroller and I'm looking for a jobo tank and reel system that will fit.
I get the general idea that something in the 2500 series will do. Am I right about that?

As to the reel. I keep seeing reels with a loading system. Is the loading system mandatory or just so handy you really want to have it?
See this listing:http://cgi.ebay.com/Jobo-2508-4x5-Film-Loader-Base-Reel-Loader-Guide_W0QQitemZ300273131688QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item300273131688&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72:1234|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318

 

[rogue_designer]

for the 4x5 on reels, the loading system really is handy. Not required, but certainly handy.

The larger Expert drums have no need for it though.

I've never used the Jobos with the Unirollers, so I couldn't say on your other question.

 

[venchka]

I have a pile of Jobo stuff. Here's what I do and know:

1. Loader thingie for the 2509 4x5 reel: I have it. I use it. I imagine you could do without it.
2. 2553/2551 Tank: Same tank, different drive set up for Jobo processors. The cog lid is easiest to fill when the tank is on the Uniroller. Holds a bunch of reels. Great on the Uniroller. Something I figured out: 800ml of developer offers a nice cushion for processing. I never felt comfortable with filling and timing until the lightbulb went on. Place an empty reel in the bottom set to 120 height. Stand the tank vertically. Find a funnel that fits in the opening. Pour in the developer. Turn on the Uniroller. Hold the tank (still vertical) over the Uniroller. Quickly turn tank horizontal, place on rollers, turn on timer. I dump the developer with 30 seconds to go. Repeat the filling process as above. When the timer buzzes, I put the tank on the rollers. A bit hectic, but practice makes perfect.
3. The shorter tanks that hold 2 35mm or 1 120 or 1 2509 reel won't work on the Uniroller unless you figure out a way to make an extension to fit the rollers.
4. 3010 Expert Tank: Best thing for sheet film since Ansel Adams first dropped a sheet of film in a tray. If you ever find one cheap jump on it. I did. I'm really glad.

Good luck! If you have anymore questions, holler!

 

[dazedgonebye]

Thanks,
I think I know I want the 2551...holds 2 4x5 reels and fits on the roller.

Sounds like I will be more grateful than ever to be using Barry's 2 bath developer. I hate dealing with precise times or temps for that matter.

Oh yea...I'm going to need something to shoot 4x5 with! 🙂

 

[venchka]

The 251/2553 twins hold 3 2509 reels. In fact, you can load 4x5, 120/220 and 35mm at the same time. The lids are interchangeable. If a 2553 comes along at a good price, go for it. If you find you want or like the other lid, they are easy to find.

There is endless discussion on the 'net about the 2509 (original) and 2509n (new with wings) reels. I have the 2509 and it works for me. I suppose the 2509n would be the one to look for just in case it is better. Also, there is endless discussion about 4 sheets versus 6 sheets in the 2509 reels. I've never had more than 4 sheets to load so I can't say for sure which is better or worse. Keep looking for a 3010 while you learn with the 2551/2553. It's that good.

There are a bunch of nice 4x5 kits listed on The Large Format Photography Forum. I saw some Shen Hao kits yesterday. Nice camera. A friend of mine bought one right after I got my Zone VI. We both like our cameras. Each is capable of making great photographs. Operator skill is the limiting factor.

Good luck!

 

[dazedgonebye]

Thanks Wayne,
I've got my eye on a 2552 with 2 reels at the moment. One advantage of not having the 4x5 camera is that I'm not in a hurry and can wait for bargains.

I saw that shen hao listed for around $800 with lens. Looks good...but this close to Christmas, all monies are headed toward spoiling two little boys.
Actually, I think my first 4x5 will be somethig pinhole...perhaps something home made. I feel the need for bigger negatives for my low fi work...for some reason.

 

[venchka]

Exposing sheet film is always good.

2552 tank? Is that a short one that holds 2 reels @ 35mm or 1 @ 120 or 1 @ 4x5? You will need some kind of gizmo attached to the tank to span the rollers on the Uniroller base. It's workable. I did one batch with my short tank duct taped in the open end of a 2840 11x14 print drum. As luck would have it, I got my 2553 tank shortly afterwards.

Happiness is HP5+, Xtol, 1:3, Jobo 2553 or 3010 tank, Uniroller or Beseler motor base, 9 minutes @ 68F.

Hands free agitation and even development: Priceless!

 

[dazedgonebye]

Sorry, 2551. holds 2 4x5.

 

[venchka]

2 2509 reels if I'm not mistaken. 12 sheets if you are in the 6 sheets/roll camp.

5 ea. 35mm or
3 ea. 120 or
2 ea. 4x5

Lots of film. Better get busy exposing film.

 

[snip]

I've never used the loader with my 4x5 reels, never bothered me.

I use a tank with a cog that takes 3 reels of 4x5 on a Jobo CPE2+ with a lift, it's a breeze.

Obviously the tank takes 35 and 120 reels too.

I also have smaller tanks.

Why the aversion towards the jobo bases? they keep things nice and warm, I use mine for colour too.

filling and draining in the light is absolutely no problem but I imagine that without the lift system it would be a bit of a to-do, never tried it without.


//Jan

 

[venchka]

My aversion to the Jobo "machines": Simple. They cost too much! Warm isn't my problem here on the Gulf Coast of the USA. Keeping cool is the problem. I fill the kitchen sink with water, keep the chemicals in the fridge, add ice as required. I get the devloper to the temp I want and the other chemicals hold close to that temp. while I develop. $20 for 2 motor bases (one was free) sure beats several hundred dollars for a machine that can't be repaired.

That's just the way I am.

 

[venchka]

Stop the Presses!

Stop the Presses!

Sorry, 2551. holds 2 4x5.

Bulletin! Bulletin! Bulletin!

I was incorrect! Yep. Make a note of it. I was wrong.

The Jobo 2551/2553 tank holds TWO 2509 reels. Twelve sheets total.

Never trust my memory! I looked on the tank last night.