Jobo 2551 with 2502 reels for manual development? Good choice?

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patashnik

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I'm currently down to my last tank, and I need to order a new one. I've been thinking about getting a Jobo 2551 with Jobo 2502 reels, and was wondering if this would be a decent choice for manual development. I don't have one of those machines (ATL-1500, etc), and will not get one either. I like the idea of developing 5 rolls in one go, as I normally shoot only Ilford Pan-F Plus 50 or Ilford Delta 100, depending on the time of the year. I only do small format film, ie. 135-format. I know steel tanks and reels are preferred among many, but I never got them to work for me.

Anyone have experience with this particular tank/reels?
 
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vedmak

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jobo reels are nice, but why would you want to get a tank and 5 reels for manual development? I am sure you can find some steel tanks that do 4 at a time, they would be far less expensive. And if you want to get jobo tank, maybe pick up a cpe processor as well(rotary uses less than half of the chemistry) , it will give you constant results with your B&W and you can easily develop C41 with Digibase or Tetenal kits. Just my 2 cents.
 

Neal

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Dear patashnik,

I have used the combination you mentioned with a home built processor. The first one I built was nothing more than a gear-motor that turned at 75rpm with some washers attached to the shaft to mate with the magnet and chair casters that I could move in a piece of wood. It turned in one direction only and there was never an issue with 4x5 or 35mm film even when I used all 5 reels. As others have asked, how often do you need to develop 5 rolls at once? You might be happier with a conventional tank. Dead Link Removed and Freestyle sell a great tank that will do 2 reels under their own brand name. I used one for years and it works great. Paterson products are so robust we use them in our community darkroom without issue.

Good luck in whatever you decide,

Neal Wydra
 

fotch

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I have the Jobo and find that it is the easiest and best plastic reels that I have ever used. Same with the smaller Jobo 1500 series. I also use the CPA, which is why I have their tanks.

That said, if not using the processor, I would rather use stainless steel. When you state you could not get them to work for you, I am guessing you had trouble loading the reels? If so, get better quality reels. My Nikor, Kindermann, load just fine. I have recently purchased some Hewes, only test loaded film, and must say, I would recomend the Hewes.

The reason I would not favor the Jobo without the processor is the need to keep the tank rolling manually vs. a motor. Too much work.

Also, I think the SS is a bit faster, which is a minor point.

Good Luck.
 
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