120 film processing options in CPE-2+

[Pasto]

Just getting back to processing C-41 in a Jobo CPE-2+ after about 15 years. I'm trying to figure out the most efficient (chemistry and time) approach to processing 120 film. My major constraint is that I have a maximum of 500ml solution to work with. This is because my C-41 kit makes 500ml of solution. I can buy the 1000ml kit but I rarely process that many rolls at a time. I have a document with tank capacities and volume that appears to be legit but I have no way of confirming this. I attached it below. According to the document, these are the options:

1500 series tanks, with 1501 reels

1) 1520 tank, 2 rolls of 120 on 1 reel, minimum volume 240ml
2) 1510 Tank + 1530 module, 4 rolls of 120 on 2 reels, minimum volume 470ml

2500 series tanks, with 2502 reels, all film loaded on outside of the reel (i.e., none below red clip)

1) 2521 tank, 1 roll of 120 on 1 reel, minimum volume 170ml
2) 2551 tank, 3 rolls of 120 on 3 reels, minimum volume 330ml
3) 2563 tank, 4 rolls of 120 on 4 reels, minimum volume 400ml

I like the compact nature of the 1500 tanks and reels, but there appear to be more options with the 2500 series tanks and more wiggle room as regards minimum volume needed (470mm for 4 rolls in 1500, 400ml for 4 rolls in 2500). Also, the 2502 reels will be easier to load as I will never need to load 2 rolls on one reel.

Any insights, corrections, suggestions would be appreciated. Anyone can confirm the capacity and volume in the attached pdf?

Thanks.

 

[Sirius Glass]

For C-41 film, use the 1 liter Unicolor kit to develop 16 rolls in 2 or 3 days. I use 500mls each time and return each chemical back to the remainder of that chemical allowing the stock solution to mix with the used stock solution, just as the directions state. Mixing the two allows each 1 liter quality to allow the chemistry to have it greatest usage and life.

 

[Pasto]

Thanks for this.

 

[grahamp]

For the 2500 series tank, your single 120 film volume is wrong - it is 270ml, not 170. Probably just a typo, but confusing. The CPE2/CPE2+ have a motor limit to 600ml, but you are unlikely to get close to that.

The 2502 reel is rated for 2 x 120 in 330ml, and the 2501 reel for 1 x 120 in 270ml or 2x 120 in 560ml using the 2521 Multitank 2 (that's what in on the side of the tank).

What is the capacity of your 500ml kit?

 

[Pasto]

OK, so pdf is not accurate. Just to confirm, the 2521 tank with 1 roll of 120 on 1 2502 reel, film loaded outmost end of reel (i.e., before red clip) is 270ml? This is very confusing indeed. My 1520 tank indicates 2 x 120 on one 1501 reel and the volume is 240ml, which is consistent with the pdf! What 1500 series tank do you have?

I'm using Flic Film (Canadian place) C-41 kit with separate bleach + fix. Capacity is 8 per 500ml.

 

[grahamp]

The 1520 tank with 2 x 120 on one reel is 240ml.

Actual smallest tanks in the 1500 and 2500 series:

 

[grahamp]

You can go a little above the minimum, but not significantly below the amount.

 

[Pasto]

OK, this is making sense now. The numbers you have are consistent with the pdf I attached. The difference lies in whether the 2502 reels are loaded with 1 roll or 2. With one roll only the volumes are less than they are noted on the tank itself. It seems that Jobo marked the tanks with volumes for 2 rolls per reel. Possibly to error on the side of caution. I verified that the pdf I originally attached comes directly from the Jobo website. I also found a Jobo publication that confirms the volumes and capacities for the tanks. I can't attach it here as it's too big. If you want a copy send me an email... luigi [at] luigipasto.com

 

[mshchem]

OK, this is making sense now. The numbers you have are consistent with the pdf I attached. The difference lies in whether the 2502 reels are loaded with 1 roll or 2. With one roll only the volumes are less than they are noted on the tank itself. It seems that Jobo marked the tanks with volumes for 2 rolls per reel. Possibly to error on the side of caution. I verified that the pdf I originally attached comes directly from the Jobo website. I also found a Jobo publication that confirms the volumes and capacities for the tanks. I can't attach it here as it's too big. If you want a copy send me an email... luigi [at] luigipasto.com

The 2501 reel was a long roll reel for 72 exposure 35mm film. Had a dedicated loader. Not sure what became of these. 2502 is the current 25xx series reel.
I have both 2500 and 1500 tanks and reels usually just use the 1500 sets.
I agree with how Sirius Glass is using the 1 L batch
I've divided (Tetenal) 5L kits into 8 625 mL batches works nicely.. I used 625mL Gatorade bottles for the solutions.

 

[Mick Fagan]

The Jobo 1540 tank, which comprises 1 x 1510 tank with centre core, plus 1 x 1530 extension with three film extension core. The 1510 tank is the base, you attach the extension to it to make the 1540 tank. The base centre core from the 1510 takes the 1530 centre core to make the correct length centre core.

This combination is perfect for C41 (or anything else) requiring just a little under 500ml of chemistry. I always used 500ml of chemistry and I mainly used 35mm film, 4 rolls at a time.

Using the 1500 reels for a single 120 film per reel is really easy, using the 1500 reels for two 120 rolls per reel is a little bit fiddly, but very doable. Just make sure you attach the red stoppers before you start loading in the dark, I did that once only.

 

[koraks]

1) 1520 tank, 2 rolls of 120 on 1 reel, minimum volume 240ml

This is what I use for 120 when I need rotary processing (e.g. for color), although I only ever load a single roll of film onto the reel. I use ~250ml of developer, which is the main reason I prefer this tank: it's very economical. I have a 2500 tank as well, but I don't think I even have a roll film reel for it; I only use it for 4x5".

 

[Pasto]

Thanks to all for the help!