Are JOBO processors and parts still manufactured?

I'm looking in to purchasing a used CPP-2 for what seems to be a good price. The seller says that the motor works, but the unit needs some cleaning and recalibration. I've been trying to find out info on the cost of a new one to see if it would be more worthwhile to buy new or if the used one represents a better deal with a big "unspecified repair cost" factored in. I seem to remember someone mentioning that replacement parts are no longer made for these, but I'm not sure. It's also proving difficult to find anything other than the CPE-2 and Autolab models online.

Can someone please fill me in on the status of this company and products?

Also, if anyone knows who the Canadian distributor is I'd be very greatful. I'v e-mailed OmegaSatter but they haven't gotten back to me yet.

- Justin

Justin, I am in Langley, BC and there is no availability of Jobo machines or parts in Canada. The fabrication of parts was discontinued in November of 2006,and Omega-Satter USA took over the assets of Jobo photo processing products. I have no idea where you would get a "repair." The usual fault was the circuit board, which was easy and cheap to replace some years ago. Now, whatever parts you can buy is dependent on wherever you can find them. After using a Jobo for some time you will realize that it would not be the end of the world if it gave out, and lots of film people have never used one. The tanks on the other hand are eternal with no moving parts and can always be rotated for the requisite amount of time in a tempered water bath. But similar with Unidrum. Good luck in Nanaimo. Send back to me if you have anything I could help with.

Hi Whitedog, hi Justin,

there is somebody in W.-Germany who does this work. If you are interested, I can send you the address.

Good luck

Clemenstriest

According to the JOBO press release from May, 2006 (unfortunately only in German), all darkroom equipment including the Autolab, Printlab, ProDry, Paper Dryers and all color processors are no longer produced. Unused stock is still available from a number of sources and parts and service are still readily available, at least here in Germany.

If you love using a JOBO do what I did. I purchased a second machine on Ebay for a backup. The price for a used one depending on extras is low enough to justify having it sit on the shelf untill it is needed.

hal9000 said:

According to the JOBO press release from May, 2006 (unfortunately only in German), all darkroom equipment including the Autolab, Printlab, ProDry, Paper Dryers and all color processors are no longer produced. Unused stock is still available from a number of sources and parts and service are still readily available, at least here in Germany.

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In that press release it is stated that those machines are no longer produced.
It is further stated there that accessories (inkluding the tank/drum systems) and spare parts will be available in future

I am having a Sidekick unit modified for Elevators needs, brand new rotary system, parts and components readily availabe in North America.
Owner of the system came to my shop and was intriqued by our usage and is happy to work with us.

A new unit is under $5000 and easily supported.

With few modifications to the Sidekick we will happily move to their product and trash the Alt and Alt2300. Omega Sattar does not properly support Jobo, parts are 90days from request and for a working film lab this is unacceptable.
I was going to buy as many used units as suggested, but the alt series is quite large and it seemed as a logical step for short term problems, but we plan to produce film here for as long as I can stand up to the sinks, so we needed a better solution.
We believe the Sidekick group are very promising, and they are located in New Jersey.


Replacing a lift arm is very pricey , even with the fact I have a Jobo factory trained tech on call here in Toronto.
It is sad to see Jobo systems going this way, any unit with lift arm is painful and costly to repair, and when you have to replace the air distributer .. forget about it..


** there is a guy in the States who does have parts and quite friendly and willing to repair units. But when you get into auto lift arms and air distributers that are on the Alt Series it gets really problematic.
Sorry but I do not have his name but I do think he lurks here on APUG.**

Justin Silber said:

I'm looking in to purchasing a used CPP-2 for what seems to be a good price. The seller says that the motor works, but the unit needs some cleaning and recalibration. I've been trying to find out info on the cost of a new one to see if it would be more worthwhile to buy new or if the used one represents a better deal with a big "unspecified repair cost" factored in. I seem to remember someone mentioning that replacement parts are no longer made for these, but I'm not sure. It's also proving difficult to find anything other than the CPE-2 and Autolab models online.

Can someone please fill me in on the status of this company and products?

Also, if anyone knows who the Canadian distributor is I'd be very greatful. I'v e-mailed OmegaSatter but they haven't gotten back to me yet.

- Justin

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After I bought my used CPA machine and started thinking about its operation, I began to have the "what if" heebie-jeebies.

Small water pumps are available and so are aquarium heaters. There's just not that much to one of these and I really see no problem in fixing one of these should the occasion/need arise - the biggest issues for me were the tank and also the lift apparatus which could be duped, but why when someone else already made it?

A disclaimer - by trade, I'm a diemaker and also like to piddle with electronics and electrical/computerized machine control systems. Occasionally, I let the magic smoke out of my projects (scares hell out of the wife), but more often than not, they work. Not looking for other projects - just my own.

The 'what if' happened this pm - developing an 8X10 negative with the CPA and the gears or whatever's in the lift stripped.

After getting over the urge to toss it into the back yard, I remembered that Boston Gear makes about anything along those lines in nylon, so ... One more project.

ARGH!!

Try contacting joboman@aol.com.
I also get parts at omegasatter.com
The sidekick is a good alternative, but I don't think you can develop film larger than 4x5, see phototherm.com
When my Jobo dies, I'll just continue using a motor base with the Jobo drums. That works well with black and white film, never tried it with color.
Also, BTZS tubes work well in a phototherm.com water bath.

Bob,

I'd be interested in the result of your Sidekick project for future reference.

Tom.

Hi Tim

joboman is the guy I was referring to.

I had a three hour meeting with the owner of phototherm here in my Lab, He is willing to make custom modifications for me which include a drum tor 8x10,11x14 and much larger capabilities.
I am very confident that the Sidekick with modifications will meet my needs , and for those who are worried about future rotary processing , I think phototherm has a great product.

I am going to his shop in New Jersy this fall, with roll film , 4x5, and 8x10 and we will test his unit with real film. We will be testing PMK setup and C41 and he is going to program the machine for my needs. He is adapting a drum to hold 3 8x10 sheets,
I am very impressed with the owners product, and his ability to think through my specific needs and come up with practical answers to all my concerns.

If it works as I am quite confident it will, my prays have been answered as I love my Jobo's and the loss of parts/service was starting to get very costly.

Tom I will post here once I am happy with the full tests.

Bob

Tim Boehm said:

Try contacting joboman@aol.com.
I also get parts at omegasatter.com
The sidekick is a good alternative, but I don't think you can develop film larger than 4x5, see phototherm.com
When my Jobo dies, I'll just continue using a motor base with the Jobo drums. That works well with black and white film, never tried it with color.
Also, BTZS tubes work well in a phototherm.com water bath.

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Bob, that's good news, please keep us informed.