HP Combi-Plan T 4x5 Sheet Film Developing

[percepts]

Another way to go would be to find the largest diameter PVC pipe that will fit in the Jobo and cut a length of it, cap both ends and use it as a spacer that would hold the reel in place and obviate the need for so much solution.

The simplest option would be to buy a 2521 tank which are not expensive as you already have the reels. N.B. the 2523 tank has cog on lid and is for use on processor with lift. I don't think the lid on the 2523 is sealed so is probably not suitable for inversion. I could be wrong about that so perhaps someone with a 2523 could comment.

The reels you bought should each have two plastic pieces which clip into either side of reel after loading film. These put film under pressure in grooves. If those pieces are missing you are stuffed as film will come loose in processing. However it looked like I could see a couple in the photo.

 

[Mahler_one]

NOT TRUE!

Jobo have stopped making processors for mini labs which were the high end ATL processors.

The CPE and CPP are stil in production and the smallest ATL (ATL1500) is also due for shipment very soon (as soon as it passes EU regulations. Some problem to do with soldered circuit boards I hear).

N.B. The ATL1500 does NOT accept expert drums.

If Jobo has indeed started to make their processors again then such news is very good indeed. However, the latest news from Omega ( two days ago ) is that Jobo is no longer making the CPE,CPA, and CPP2. I have no information about the ATL line. I hope you are correct, and that my information is wrong.

Edwin

 

[jmdavis]

If you can work in the dark, Eugene Singer's alternate development method described on the LF page will produce repeatable and efficient results. I have been using it now for 3 years or so for 4x5 and I am very happy with it.


Mike Davis

 

[Sportera]

I use the Combi tank with no problems as well. I have noticed that if I hold the funnel upright the tank seems to fill faster, other than that the system works well for me

 

[percepts]

If Jobo has indeed started to make their processors again then such news is very good indeed. However, the latest news from Omega ( two days ago ) is that Jobo is no longer making the CPE,CPA, and CPP2. I have no information about the ATL line. I hope you are correct, and that my information is wrong.

Edwin

I spoke with Firstcall Photographic very recently about this. They are the UK importer of JOBO and this is what they told me. i.e. CPE and CPP are available and ATL 1500 will be very soon.

http://www.jobo.com/jobo_press/pr/gb/2006_06_10_JOBO_Analog_Engl.pdf

The above is official JOBO press release. Note that it says the AUTOLAB series which are the ATL processors. It says nothing about CPE and CPP which are for very small labs or amateurs.

The press release is a little vague on this to say the least and it could be easily interpreted as meaning all processors will be terminated.
Could even be that they stopped and restarted or they are not selling to the US. I don't know

All I can tell you is that the UK importer says they can get them and that the ATL 1500 will be available as soon as Eu regs are met.

 

[Renato Tonelli]

Omega-Satter is the graveyard of other companies' equipment. When i called them for information on ATL1500 parts (battery back-up), they were barely helpful. B&H finally shipped me the battery.
I really hope percepts is right: maybe the re-introduction of the processors will mean better customer support in the US. JoboUSA staff was always helpful and knowledgeable about the products they distributed.
Another dud is Arkay: a stainless steel tray (I'd like to use it for Polaroid emulsion lifts) has been on order since Dec. 06. Why? They are "waiting for parts"! Is stainless steel aluminum in short supply? It's almost amusing.

 

[GeorgesGiralt]

My 2¢ advice on the processing of 4x5

Hi !
I've used trays, deep tanks the Combiplan and was relieved when I get the Jobo 2521 and 2509 reel to develop my 4x5 negs.
I was and I'm still unable to get ONE decent sheet of the Combiplan. And, you know what ? Only the best shots are totally destroyed. The others are partly useable, but the remains are not as large as a 4x5 .... Bear in mind that the lid begins to leak very soon after purchase, so if you've rash or some sort of allergy, think twice. Last but not least, my Combiplan state on the lid that one need to pour 1200 cc chemistry to cover the 4x5.
I use now only the Jobo as an inversion daylight tank putting into it 1450 cc chemistry (not so far from the Combiplan or the trays). No leaks, fast to fill or empty, reels are so easy to load (I do not use the "loader") and, if you've a lot of film to do, buy that extra 2509. Once the first processing will be done, load the dry 2509 and start again. This way you can re-use one shot chemistry up to exaust (HC110 dil H mixed for 1.450 liter will be able to process 15 sheets if you follow the Kodak 6 cc per 8x10 film) ! Cheaper than that is non existent...
Oh, I tried once the 2551 which takes two 2509 reels, it is barely practical. You need 3 liter chemistry in it, so it is really heavy to invert and move. But you will save on gym club....
P.S. : The Comiplan is very good at glass plates ! This is why I keep mine

 

[XRe]

Looking at B&H, it says the 2521 comes w/ a magnet attached for use in a processor, and that the tank is "too big" for inversion. I'm not doubting you guys at all Just curious about some clarification. The magnet is at the base of the tank, correct? And the cap on the tank is the same as the one that comes on something like a 1520 hand inversion tank (which I have)??

One would also need to buy a reel, correct? What about the film loader? Necessary?

I just bought a Combi tank on eBay for $45 (w/ shipping) - but I'd rather use a Jobo. Totally did not realize there was a viable Jobo hand inversion tank....

 

[jstraw]

My Combi Plans don't leak. They don't ruin film. They don't require 1200 cc of solution.

I must be using them incorrectly.

 

[percepts]

Jobo tank numbers ending in 1 do not have a cog lid and are used on processors without a lift accessory.

Jobo tank numbers ending in 3 have a cog lid and are used on processors with a lift accessory.

2521 is suitable for hand processing.

 

[jstraw]

Will a cog make a tank unsuitible for hand processing?

 

[XRe]

For inversion processing, yes. For careful roller processing, maybe not. W/ a cog, there's nothing stoppering the tank up, so solution can slosh out. With the small amount that rotary processing uses, this isn't an issue, but if the tank's full.....

 

[percepts]

Will a cog make a tank unsuitible for hand processing?

I think the cog lids are designed with a hole in them so that the chemistry can be poured out using the lift. So I don't think think they are suitable for hand processing. That is why I said the 2521. See my earlier post.

 

[percepts]

OK I have just spoken to Jobo in Germany so this is correct factual information:

Due to International demand Jobo have decided to make one last production run of the CPP-2 and ATL 1500 processors. They estimate that the volume of machines produced will satify demand until the approx end of 2008. This production will be the last. After that no further processors will be produced.

If you want to use use expert drums then the CPP-2 with lift is mandatory.

There you have it straight from the horses mouth.

p.s. Omega Satter should know about this.

 

[PhotoBob]

4x5 film development tanks

I have two of them and really like them - no troubles.
Just take note of the time it takes to fill and drain the tanks if you consider your chemistry times as critical.
The film loading guides are also very useful.

 

[jstraw]

The Jobo I bought says it comes with a cog and lists a part number for the cog. Perhaps someone added the cog and I'll have the option of using it without the cogged lid. I guess I'll see.

 

[bdial]

Speaking of Combi-plans...

I have one that came to me in a small collection of gear I bought a few months back.
I'd like to use it, but one of the caps (the ones attached to the strings) is cracked and the other is missing.
Can anyone suggest a tried and true replacement? So far, I haven't located any suitable plumbing-stuff replacements. I am working on fabricating my own with some PEX tubing and black RTV, but so far, it's not looking promising.

Thanks

 

[seezee]

Speaking of Combi-plans...

I have one that came to me in a small collection of gear I bought a few months back.
I'd like to use it, but one of the caps (the ones attached to the strings) is cracked and the other is missing.
Can anyone suggest a tried and true replacement? So far, I haven't located any suitable plumbing-stuff replacements. I am working on fabricating my own with some PEX tubing and black RTV, but so far, it's not looking promising.

Thanks

These guys carry some parts. Additionally, I recently wrote to Omega Brandess customer service (CustomerService@omegabrandess.com) and they are checking on their remaining parts stock for me.

 

[seezee]

Speaking of Combi-plans...

I have one that came to me in a small collection of gear I bought a few months back.
I'd like to use it, but one of the caps (the ones attached to the strings) is cracked and the other is missing.
Can anyone suggest a tried and true replacement? So far, I haven't located any suitable plumbing-stuff replacements. I am working on fabricating my own with some PEX tubing and black RTV, but so far, it's not looking promising.

Thanks

bdial, I heard back from Omega, and they did indeed have the parts I needed. It's likely they have the caps as well, so I encourage you to write to them and post back here with your findings. The parts I needed were the ratcheting clip 459466 = $8.99 & the funnel 459425 = $5.40.

 

[bdial]

bdial, I heard back from Omega, and they did indeed have the parts I needed. It's likely they have the caps as well, so I encourage you to write to them and post back here with your findings. The parts I needed were the ratcheting clip 459466 = $8.99 & the funnel 459425 = $5.40.

Thanks for that heads-up Seezee, I'll check with them. My DIY attempt at a cap didn't work terribly well.

 

[KenR]

I have used this tank for many years and have never had a ruined run of film. Yes, it does leak a bit - a couple of drops with each inversion cycle, but never enough to run out of solution in the tank. I never use the little funnel that comes with the tank. Rather, I fill the tank in the dark and then dunk in the film and start timing as I dunk the film. I put on the top and turn on the lights as I do my initial agitation. I time things as I do for my medium format film as I use the same agitation scheme. At the end of development, I turn out the lights, take off the top, pour out the solution and pour in water/stop. Agitate and then take off the top, dump the water and then pour in the fixer. Put on the lid and then begin agitation for the fixer cycle. When done, top off, water in and stick a hose into the bottom of the tank to wash the film. Works for me.

 

[seezee]

Thanks for that heads-up Seezee, I'll check with them. My DIY attempt at a cap didn't work terribly well.

Thanks for that heads-up Seezee, I'll check with them. My DIY attempt at a cap didn't work terribly well.

I just heard from Omega Brandess. The parts are finally up on the website here. They have most of the parts; only the tank itself & the top spacer rod appear to be unavailable.

 

[Tim Layton]

I have several of them and have been using them for many years without a single issue. They do drip a little bit with inversions, but I have no issue with that. They have always worked exactly as designed for both sheet film and even glass plates.

Fisrt of if this is in the wrong forum [Please move] Now is any one use-ing this equipment to do 4x5 begatives?[HP Combi-Plan T 4x5 Sheet Film Developing Tank System] what I like I can use it in daylite to process : any problems found use-ing it: Thanks folks for any infomation: