Handheld processing in a Jobo Expert drum?

[thomas_m]

I've recently purchased a 4x5" rig for a specific short-term project and need to figure out what to do about processing. It will probably be low volume, 4 shots a weekend or so for the next couple months. However, I also shoot about 3-4 rolls of MF per week that I'm currently developing in Patterson tanks.

I've been thinking about a Jobo rotary processor with the addition of LF to my arsenal but wouldn't really need it if I end up not liking LF enough to continue. I first thought I'd buy an HP Combi tank and then if I like LF enough to continue after the current project, pick up a used Jobo processor on Ebay.

I'm now wondering if I can just buy an Expert drum instead of the Combi, hand process and then use it with the rotary if I decide to take that step in the future.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

T.

 

[Nick Zentena]

I think the expert has to be spun some how. You might be able to hand spin it. Roll it around a table. Or in a sink full of water. Or maybe stick it on a motorbase. So it'll be rotary no matter what.

If you want to avoid rotary the 2500 type tanks can be used with inversion mode.

 

[gbroadbridge]

If you're considering buying a drum, then buy one with a jobo attached

Otherwise consider just processing in trays, that will be a lot easier than trying to manually rotating a drum

 

[roteague]

I'm now wondering if I can just buy an Expert drum instead of the Combi, hand process and then use it with the rotary if I decide to take that step in the future.

What would be the purpose? The Expert Drum is specially made for use with the Jobo; it works like multiple miniature rotary processors inside a rotary processor, designed to create a more even flow of chemicals over the film (than the standard drums).

 

[thomas_m]

First - No darkroom available so no tray processing. Changing bag and a big sink, that's it for now.

Second - Not sure I will need a Jobo for the long-run as I am not sure I will continue LF past the current short-term project. The Pattersons work fine for my MF stuff alone.

Third - If I have to buy a daylight tank, I might as well buy one that I can still use if I _do_ end up with a Jobo in the _future_.

Fourth - I'm talking about agitation through inversion, not rolling. Obviously it would require more chems than normal rotary processing.

Thx again,

T.

 

[Lee L]

Don't know if you've ruled this out:

http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/JB2220.html?&ac.cat.CatTreeSearch.detail=y&type=SPDSEARCH

I suspect you could do well with it by hand, and cut down on the chemistry amounts relative to hand inversion. I'm not sure how well the Expert drums do for inversion anyway, since they are specially engineered for rotary.

Lee

 

[Nick Zentena]

Fourth - I'm talking about agitation through inversion, not rolling. Obviously it would require more chems than normal rotary processing.

Then I think you need to forget the expert drums. Try the Jobo 2551 tank and the 2509N reel.

 

[Nick Zentena]

Personally I wouldn't buy the jobo base. instead look for a used Unicolor motorbase. Less money and it's powered.

 

[thomas_m]

Then I think you need to forget the expert drums. Try the Jobo 2551 tank and the 2509N reel.

Thaks Nick. I think that's my plan. TO tell you the truth, I had NO idea the expert tanks were so much more expensive than the standard, especially give the latter's availability on eBay.

Thanks for the base comment too.

Much appreciated everyone.

T.

 

[roteague]

You may want to look at this: http://www.jobo.com/jobo_service/us_analog/instructions/instructions_misc_expert_drums.htm