Jobo 4x5--film guide?

[MattCarey]

Hello,

I am considering a 4x5 daylight tank over tray processing. That way I could hang out with my kid while agitating rather than hiding in the bathroom!

When I look the Jobo tanks on the web (here at B&H for example), I see the loader base and film guides in this kit:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=25445&is=REG

do these really help? Is a tank and a reel all I actually need?

Thanks,

Matt

 

[MenacingTourist]

Matt,

I'm new at loading 4x5 and this really helped me. I see them on ebay all the time.

Alan.

 

[Ronald Moravec]

This is the hardest tank to load, but I can do it. Six sheets and 44 ox of solution.
Make sur you get a daylight tank, not one ment for rotary processing as the lids are different.

I much prefer my Nikor tank or hangar rack and hangars.

 

[NikoSperi]

You're talking the 2500 series, I assume. I have no trouble loading it without the gizmo. In fact, it was the Jobo distributor himself that dissuaded me from getting it. Particularly if like me you're doing it all in a changing bag where real estate is at a premium. Great tank.

On the other hand, I would seriously consider getting at least the rollers if not a processor as it cuts down on chemical use alot.

Final word, start with loading only four sheets rather than all six - easier to find the right slots and more forgiving of imperfect agitation.

 

[Ole]

I'll have to agree with Niko. When I bought mine, the retailer was out of the loading gizmos, so he placed that on back order. I had quite a lot of films to develop, so I decided to go right ahead with four at a time. Next morning I called and cancelled the gizmo.

Do four at a time until you get a feel for where the slots are. Practice putting in the black guide plates in daylight, then with your eyes closed. I have discovered that they are important

 

[Nick Zentena]

You might be better off getting the 2551 tank and a reel. That way you can grow with a second reel. Or switch to a motorbase later.

 

[RGyori]

I bought my 2500 series tank + two 4x5 reels and the loading mechanism along with the Jobo CPE2 processor. To me the most important part of the system is the processor which through continuous agitation and temperature control provides very even, predictable development —all with 19oz/600cc of developer for 12 4x5 negatives. I found the loading guide easy to use and worth the investment, particularly since I frequently load up with 6 negatives per reel.

Bob

 

[Flotsam]

I've always had the loader so I have never not used it. I don't know about hand loading but what I can say about the loader is that it positively clicks at each position which makes finding the next empty slot sure and easy. Also it keeps the film straight and bowed properly to slide easily into the slots. I'd rather have one than not, but whether it is worth the extra money only you can answer.