Film processors auto or not, experiences

Looking around, there is the info on all kinds on film processors, but I do not see a dedicated thread that basically summerizes them "all". I'm in the market looking for one, have not particular preference almost-auto or not, 4x5 max film size for me, but we could stick to larger capacitites, which I believe in some designs depend on drums used, so long as the base unit accepts them of course.

So, Jobo, Nova, Jack Doe Jr the III, whichever brand you have experience with, good and bad, recommend or run-away from, would be welcome.

Auto or Manual doesn't matter much to me. What I really need is some way to keep the temperature constant when it's in the processing tank. I can keep the chemicals at perfect temperature before I pour them in the tank. Once in the tank the temperature drops.

The ultimate in automatic film processors are the Phtotherm Sidelkcks - they do up to 4x5, are incredibly precise with temp control, fully programmable, self cleaning, solidly built, easily switch between C41, B&W, and E6 on the fly, automatic silver recovery..the list just goes on and on. They are truly fully automatic start to finish other than loading the reels/tank. Trouble is they've become even more expensive used ever since they stopped making new ones last year, but the chief tech still services them privately. And even if you can afford and can get your hands on one you also need to get the tank(s) and reels with it or find them - which are getting scarce. For most folks a CPA or CPP is more than sufficient, but if you want totally automatic and do volume it is hard to beat a sidekick.

Very sad they stopped making new ones.

Mike

Agreed on the Super Sidekick - an excellent machine. Hands-down better than any Jobo that I have used. (CP*-xxx series)

Hopefully we will have another soon http://midtonemachines.com/

If you are processing film, roll and a few sheets Jobo CPE3 if you are going to use Expert tanks CPP3. Jobo is supported by service and parts, now and for the foreseeable future. Automatic processor, absolutely Photo therm, I have no idea if there's still parts for these machines, Catlabs reconditions old machines. The beauty of a Jobo manual machine is when you are finished, you can drain it, clean it up, dry it off, and put it to bed. Nothing is left in the machine etc. I've got a CPP3 and a CPE2 plus ,both have lifts, both are super easy to use, especially the smaller one. Catlabs and others make reels that hold 8x10 sheet film that allows you to use with 2500 series drums, the Jobo 4x5 reels for the 2500 tanks work great especially when using the dedicated loader.
Easy, inexpensive, zero maintenance other than clean up.

nbagno - good to see you are forging ahead. Sad that Phototherm decided to end production just as film use continues to grow - it might have become a sustainable business if they had just held out a bit longer, but we're rooting for you!

MFL

There's a refurbished Phototherm Super Sidekick on the Bay right now. Free international shipping.

afriman said:

There's a refurbished Phototherm Super Sidekick on the Bay right now. Free international shipping.

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And it's priced very well considering it is refurbished. If I didn't already have a fully re-built SSK-8 I'd get it as a backup unit since they don't build and sell new units anymore. Instead I've picked up additional spare components to fix mine if it ever should need repair. Normally a refurb unit should easily go for over $3K or more.

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but from what I can tell the only roller film processor currently available is the Jobo CPP3.

The King Concept RP 2001 is still listed on the Omega website as "Closeout".

Photo-Therm discontinued sales in 2018.

Important Announcement - May 02, 2018

It is with great reluctance that, effective immediately, we are discontinuing all sales of film processors, all repairs of film processers, and most technical support for our photographic (Photo-Therm) film processors. This policy change is limited only to our photographic film processor products, and has no affect on any of our other product lines.

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I use the Jobo CPP2 for black & white and C41 color. I do not need the temperature control for black & white. I use the 3010 Expert Drum for 4"x5". I am very happy with the consistent results. I do not need an automated system, Samys Camera can do that for me.

We have one and a half FilmRunner in our lab, I like them, far better than the Jobo ATL1000 we had before. It has a bank of six 'bottles' which are fastened in the bottom of a tank, which is filled with water.
It is programmable in the sentence that either you use pre-programmed - or you do as I have always done, make your own program each time - and that is far easier than it sounds.
Pretty much a wizard on a display which takes you through each step (like temperature, rinse and so on) and then 'run' at the end. Very nice.

I don't like anything I can't fix myself. The simpler, the better.

Jobo for me. Yeah, I'm spoiled! LOL, I don't think I would enjoy processing film without it.