Info on Thermaphot ACP400 ra4 print processor?

[lallygram]

I'm hoping to build out a color darkroom in my studio, and found a Thermaphot ACP400 for sale locally. Does anyone have info on this RA4/BW tabletop processor? I've seen the ACP200, ACP302, ACP404, and ACP502/505 come up in my online searches, but can't seem to find any solid info on the 400 model. I assume it's quite similar to the ACP404, but would love to learn more about this specific unit before buying since it would be coming from someone who acquired it and has no darkroom knowledge. Any info/experience/suggestions are much appreciated, thanks!

 

[koraks]

Nope, sorry, I'm not familiar with that one. Things to look out for with these older machines, in general:

* The rollers in the racks are in virtually all instances damaged by now. These machines are decades old and most of the rollers have bloated, making the racks roll with lots of friction, or not even at all. There may also be paper transport issues due to this. Make sure to inspect and test thoroughly especially if the asking price is steep. Refurbishing the rollers is technically possible, but you'll have to find someone willing and capable of doing this and probably reserve a hefty sum for it as well. I recently inquired and refurbishing an entire Durst RCP (probably similar to the ACP400 in many ways) would cost way more than the market value of a machine in pristine condition (if such exists!)

* Some of the older RT machines were made for the ECP2 (?) color process, which had way longer process times than RA4 does. Some machines in the transition period had adjustable speeds, some older ones (like the Durst RCP200, which is in fact a Thermaphot machine) only had the older, slower fixed speed. These need to be re-geared to run RA4. You might be able to do B&W on the slow machines, but frankly I wouldn't see the point as it would limit you to RC B&W paper.

So check technical conditions of particularly the rollers, and the process the machine is geared for. Also check correct operation of the thermostat and if the motor runs OK. The thermostat is no biggie if it's not OK; you can probably get a replacement or bodge something together. The motor is probably a more challenging bit to replace if it's dead.

These machines in general were built very well, but keep in mind that they are decades old and were operated and stored in usually less than optimal conditions.

I hope someone can chime in with info specific to this particular model.

 

[peoplemerge]

The first thing you must know about starting to use any paper processor is to NEVER even plug it, let alone turn it on, when empty. You must first fill it with water or working solutions, or the thermostat will melt it, insulting your nostrils and pocketbook. Start with water and clean it.

I don't know about the 400, but I used the ACP200 for awhile. It was a lovely machine. The rollers and all mechanics arrived to me in perfect condition. Manual here: https://www.troeszter.net/Download/Duka/Instructions/Thermaphot_ACP200_Manual.pdf

I sold the ACP200 but kept the older Durst RCP20, which it is based on (and features 3 baths). My suspicion is the 400, which seems larger and will print 15" wide paper, could be a clone of the RCP40 (Correction: I also have use the RCP50), but might not be that large.

For the record, I believe @koraks is referring to the older RCP process (ECP2 is for printing negative film to positive, used to create motion pictures).

If you can pick up a working, fully sorted and ra4-speed 400, I would jump on it. Paper processing machines have gotten expensive to those who know how to use one and depend on them for work.

If if's not perfectly usable but you're mechanically inclined, you may be able to source the parts to convert from digikey. This page https://www.vogelstimmen-wehr.de/rcp20.htm talks about converting from RCP to RA4. Not that hard if you're the kind of person who would rather put in an adjustable suspension in your car than pay a mechanic. If you don't want to deal with it, PM me, I know people who are always interested in buying this kind of machine (esp if machine's near Southern California).

 

[koraks]

This page https://www.vogelstimmen-wehr.de/rcp20.htm talks about converting from RCP to RA4.

I did this together with a friend of mine (who did this conversion himself before) a few weeks ago. You do need a machine tool / lathe for this, otherwise it's a no go. It was a bonus that I had a 3D printer so I could make a new fan for the RCP. Overall, the operation isn't very complicated and the very same parts with the same SKU's were still in ample supply from the same outlet - but that's of limited use if you're in the US and you're working on a different machine...however, it does show that a conversion like this doesn't have to be overly complicated.

Thanks for the correction on the ECP2/RCP thing.

As to turning the machine on without water in it: you're right. It's not recommended, and in many ways a pretty bad idea. Just to check if the motor runs, it can be done, just for a few seconds. This will be brief enough to not have the heating element melt a hole in the planet. Better remove the racks before turning it on so the additional friction of potentially warped rollers doesn't create any problems.
Evidently, thorough inspection and cleaning is always the best idea before moving the plug anywhere near an outlet!

 

[peoplemerge]

Wow, it's great to know you got through the conversion. I still have to finish converting mine, I may have questions but that's off this thread.

 

[AgX]

I assume the ACP 400 is identical to the ACP 200, except for not taking 20cm but 40cm wide paper.