Any Vancouver area LF'ers using Jobo 3005?

[Dave Swinnard]

My brother just obtained an old 8x10 camera - and since his darkroom's just a pile of equipment sitting in a corner awaiting a place to live in his basement, I just might be able to "borrow" it for a while...

I was wondering if any of you local folks are using the Jobo 3005 Expert drum for your sheet film processing? If so, I'd like to talk with you regarding your experiences.

Dave

 

[Thorney]

Hi Dave,

I am in Victoria but have the Jobo 3005 Expert (the one that does 5 8x10 sheets at once). I certainly can give you a few tips with this one.

I use a Beseler motor base that goes in one direction - my other base oscillated and did not revolve completely around with the big 3005. Still, I need to baby sit it while it works as it can move a bit.

Also, I got in touch with Jobo and they recommended using 1.5 litres of developer but to do 750cc for half the time and then pour out and put the other 750cc in. This worked well.

I bought a transmission fluid plastic funnel with a long bendable hose on it. This allows me to pour chemistry in while the tank rotates. I keep the business end of the tank overhanging the sink...

I highly recommend you get the plastic foot pump for opening the tank as the lid can get welded on there. And don't open it with your face directly over the tank as you could end up with stitches.

Let me know if you need any more info.

Thorney

 

[Dave Swinnard]

Hi Thorney

Thanks for the information. I've got the foot pump for my 3006 tank as I've been using 4x5 for a good while and totally agree it's not really a luxury. (before I got the pump I was stupid enough to blow gently, and then a bit harder into the opening - sealing it of course so as to pressurize it... I didn't lose (or loose) any teeth but I did buy a pump right away.)

Back in the '80s before I got the Jobo, I use an old Unicolor 8x10 paper processing tank on a Unicolor roller and discovered the hard way that it needed attending, even when the thing was totally level.

Now I have to talk my brother into springing for the 3005 drum...

Dave