Jobo 2502 Reel v. Hewes Pro Stainless Steel 120 Reel for Jobo 2520 Tank

[JDW22]

I've been carefully collecting SS Nikor developing tanks and Hewes 120 reels as I return to developing my old film. In recent conversations with one of the fine gentlemen on APUG, I've decided to give the Jobo tank/reels a try to see which works best for me. I have acquired a Jobo 2520 tank and a couple of 2502 reels. I've been practicing loading old 120 film strips on the 2502 reels and find it cumbersome at best. I'm sure the fault lies with me, but if I have little confidence in certain darkroom tools, I tend to not use them. Today I noticed that Hewes makes a reel that is designed specifically to be used in the Jobo 2500 series tanks. While it is a bit pricey, in the pictures I've seen on Freesyle's website, it appears it functions just like the vintage Hewes 120 reels I've used in the past. Except this has a wider internal diameter opening to accommodate the 1" Jobo center cores. If my research is correct, besides the differences between loading the Jobo versus the Hewes, the primary difference is that the Jobo can hold two rolls of 120 while the Hewes can only hold one roll.

Sorry for the long preamble, but I'd like to get comments (pro/con) from members that have experience with either or both of these reels and wanted you to understand where I was coming from.

Thank you in advance.

Jeff

 

[Sirius Glass]

I have steel tanks and Hewes stainless steel reels which I used for years. For one or two rolls I still use them, but usually I used the Jobo processor and Jobo reels. I have never used the steel reels in the Jobo tanks.

 

[ic-racer]

Back when I was evaluating a Jobo for purchase (late 1990s) I actually was able to speak with a very knowledgeable Jobo USA representative on the phone. My main concerns were the un-even development I was getting with 120 rollfilm. He insisted the Plastic 1500 and 2500 reels and the SS reels all performed equally well. The differences were in ease or difficult of loading (depending on which you prefer) and coordination with the two tank system that one might already have. I went with the 1500 plastic reels and have been using them for 120 film ever since without any film-edge issue or loading issues. I need to process ten rolls of 120 at a time.

 

[john_s]

The 2500 series takes a lot of developer. I use them for 4"x5" but for 120 film I don't see the need for such a big tank. Why not just use your Hewes reels in the Nikor tank?

 

[Sirius Glass]

The 2500 series takes a lot of developer. I use them for 4"x5" but for 120 film I don't see the need for such a big tank. Why not just use your Hewes reels in the Nikor tank?

Because processing black & white in a Jobo processor is so much easier. No air bells. No streaks. ... et al ...

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I use the 2500 series tanks and reels on my JOBO CPP2+. The reason I use the 2500 series tanks and reels is the ability to do two rolls per reel. With the tank I have (I forget exactly which model it is) I can load up four reels at a time, for four or eight rolls to a batch. After loading the 2502 reels a lot now, it is easier, but I would still give the convenience to stainless. I'd probably switch to those Hewes reels for the 2500 series tanks if they weren't so damned expensive.

 

[fotch]

The only reason I would choose my Jobo reels, tanks, is to process color with their temp controlled system. Otherwise, Nikor tanks & reels or Hewes reels for B&W is my preference.

 

[JDW22]

The 2500 series takes a lot of developer. I use them for 4"x5" but for 120 film I don't see the need for such a big tank. Why not just use your Hewes reels in the Nikor tank?

I have been using my Hewes reels and Nikor tanks. Unfortunately, I've experienced some streaking on the negatives that appears to be caused by the Nikor tank and the lid/top allows the developer to flow into the tank from the top. It appears that this design does not ensure an even/consistent flow of developer from the top down and streaking periodically occurs. The Jobo's center core causes the developer to be poured into the top but fill from the bottom in a much more consistent and even manner - no streaking. I love my Hewes/Nikor equipment and hate to set is aside. However, I can't abide the streaking.

 

[john_s]

Re streaking: have you tried a water pre rinse? I had used Jobo 1500 series for inversion processing for decades (35mm) and when I started using 120 film i got some faint disks of slightly reduced density despite not having air bells since the 1960s. The problem went away when I started a prewash of a couple of minutes. I know your problem is not the same thing, but maybe worth a try?

 

[fotch]

All my SS tanks are old however, never noticed streaking, ever, with any ss reels. I just recently purchase some Hewes but not used them yet. I don't expect they would cause streaking

 

[Tom Taylor]

The film doesn't "walk on" the 2502 reels like it will on the 1500 reels by simply alternating pressure on the sides with the index fingers while turning. With the 2500 reel you have to "push" the film on the reel with both index fingers on the sides. At least that has been my experience.

Thomas

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

The 2500 series takes a lot of developer. I use them for 4"x5" but for 120 film I don't see the need for such a big tank. Why not just use your Hewes reels in the Nikor tank?

What do you mean they take a lot of developer? I can do 8 rolls of C-41 or B/W in 1 liter of developer in a 2500 series tank. That's super economical compared to two rolls in a 1 liter stainless tank.