What is the value of a Jobo CPE2?

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gdi

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I have an opportunity to buy what seems to be a decent CPE 2. What is this thing worth, roughly? It has no lift or E-6 kit. (I can get it for about $200 and it comes with other junk I would just sell or give away)

Also, I assume this could make my home development a lot less messy, but does the tempering bath water stay clean? I ask because I think it 2 gallons and I'd like to put that down the drain while collecting the rest of the chems for a waste site.

Anything specific to look out for?

Thanks!
 
Well, I don't know how many drum processor users there are these days -- but I'm at least one of them. I have no idea what it's worth but if it 's right for what you do, it's worth it. For what I do, I'd pay $200.

For B&W printing, I don't bother. I use my CPE2 strictly for Cibachrome prints. If I felt like bothering with other colour print processing it would be fine for that too. Like yours, mine has no lift but that's never bothered me. It's not as if I'm on an assembly line and have to move quickly. I'm deliberate so would gain nothing from the lift. Mine has a temperature dial that can't be trusted for its absolute number value but on the other hand it's consistent. In other words, the dial on my unit is 2 degrees off -- but it's always 2 degrees off so I can just compensate and everything's fine. For Cibachrome processing, a drum processor is a must because it must be light tight, the chemicals are really expensive, and the CPE2 uses only 150ml of each chemical for each 11x14 print. Oh, and the unit makes it possible to walk away for hours at a time and then re-start as if nothing happened.

I should just add that I've never used to to develop film so can't comment on that.

I hope this was helpful but even if not, I'm happy to read about someone....anyone....wanting to utilize such traditional chemical darkroom equipment.
 
gdi said:
I have an opportunity to buy what seems to be a decent CPE 2. What is this thing worth, roughly? It has no lift or E-6 kit. (I can get it for about $200 and it comes with other junk I would just sell or give away)
Click to expand...

Last time I looked - a while ago now - they were going for around 80-100 UKP ($150-190) on ebay here in the UK. You'll need the Jobo measures with the setup and tank with all components - tank dependent on what you what to process. Spares and replacements for all parts are still readily available but expensive, so get the full set when you buy one.

gdi said:
I Also, I assume this could make my home development a lot less messy, but does the tempering bath water stay clean? I ask because I think it 2 gallons and I'd like to put that down the drain while collecting the rest of the chems for a waste site.
Click to expand...

Not sure about less messy - but certainly more convenient...I use mine all the time - for b&w and color. Rotating tank means consistent results and allows me to be cleaning up/preparing next step while it runs.

There shouldn't be any leaks from the tank while processing - though there is a risk with color work from gasses popping the lid. So the water will just be water. You'll need to replace it every now and then - I do mine once a week - or it suffers from the usual problems of standing water in open air.

gdi said:
Anything specific to look out for?
Click to expand...

Just make sure you get all the bits for the tank and as many extras as possible - esp Jobo bottles and Jobo measures that need to stand in the tempering bath.

Have fun. :)
 
Thanks for the input - but I have pretty much decided to pass. I am in a situation where I have to store and find a way to dispose of my waste chemicals and found out today that it will probably cost prohibitive.

I guess I'll have to stick with the lab...

Darn
 
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