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

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?

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.

or look at the 1500 series tanks and reels.

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

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.