Developing Fibre paper in a Jobo drum

leeturner · Aug 30, 2006

Is it possible to process FB paper in a Jobo drum as I've read that the paper tends to get marked with the "ribs" of the drum? I don't have the trays for larger paper but have a couple of 28xx jobo drums and a beseler roller base.

Dave Miller · Aug 30, 2006

leeturner said:
Is it possible to process FB paper in a Jobo drum as I've read that the paper tends to get marked with the "ribs" of the drum? I don't have the trays for larger paper but have a couple of 28xx jobo drums and a beseler roller base.

Yes, perfectly possible, thats the way I develop all my 12 x 16 and larger prints. Never had a problem with marking.

leeturner · Aug 30, 2006

Thanks Dave. I'll give it a go tonight, I just didn't want to end up with a 16x12 papier mache glob.

TheFlyingCamera · Aug 30, 2006

Just bear in mind that for fiber paper, you'll need significantly more chemistry than you need for RC paper, as the paper will absorb a fair bit, and you'll want to make sure you have enough to evenly cover your print throughout the development cycle,or else you'll get flow lines of uneven development.

Photo Engineer · Aug 30, 2006

You also have to be careful removing the print from the drum, as the fibre tends to stick to the drum surface sometimes. It may tear.

PE

Dave Miller · Aug 30, 2006

Photo Engineer said:
You also have to be careful removing the print from the drum, as the fibre tends to stick to the drum surface sometimes. It may tear.

PE

Both valid points above, however I use the JOBO recommended amount of chemical, about a 100ml from memory. If the wet paper is difficult to remove after processing, then I stand the drum on end and run water down the back of the print whilst easing one corner of the paper away from the drum. I then wind the paper in on itself a little and lift it out. Sounds much harder than it in fact is, but as ever practice makes perfect.

Nick Zentena · Aug 30, 2006

If you're having volume issues how about a plain water pre-wash? Then the problem becomes adjusting developing times.

Peter De Smidt · Aug 30, 2006

some papers might have marks from the ridges in the drum. If so, you can use plastic window screening to make a sleeve that goes between the drum and the paper.

Byron Worthen · Aug 30, 2006

Fiber prints in JOBO drum

I do all my printing with fiber based paper in JOBO drums. I did have problems for awhile with chemical marks on the backs of prints. I now thoroughly wash (not just rinse) my drums between runs. I have also found that a pre-rinse with plain water helps to keep contrast from going high from the higher agitation compared to tray printing, just as a pre-rinse helps with negatives.

rjmdmc · Aug 30, 2006

leeturner said:
Is it possible to process FB paper in a Jobo drum as I've read that the paper tends to get marked with the "ribs" of the drum? I don't have the trays for larger paper but have a couple of 28xx jobo drums and a beseler roller base.

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There always seems to be a problem with fiber and Jobo's 1500 series tanks leaving a demarcation line in the middle of the print. The plastic screen solution solves that problem, but now I develop all my Fb 8X10's in Jobo 2500 series film tanks. No lines or marks, just good prints. 11X14's have never been a problem in the 2500 series.

Regards.

Bob

Photo Engineer · Aug 30, 2006

Dave, that is the way I do it too, I just wanted to put up the precautionary note.

I should add that there are smooth Jobo tanks without ridges. You can use these if your tanks leave marks from the ribs. FB paper is harder to remove from these than the ribbed tanks. The method Dave describes is very good.

PE

leeturner · Aug 31, 2006

Thanks guys for all the advice. I gave it a go last night with some 16x20 Ilford Galerie (no half measures here!). It worked a treat and the fact that it was a drum and extension made it easier to remove the print. There were no discernable marks on the paper when taken from the drum, I managed to put the creases in later
I prefer a slightly constrastier print and it looks like the drum method will suit this. So a treble first for me. First time with 16x20, Ilford Galerie (stunning paper) and processing in a Jobo. All in all a good nights work although the wife wasn't too pleased with me using the bathtub as a print washer.

Developing Fibre paper in a Jobo drum

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