Jobo and 4x5

JWMster said:

Found a Jobo 2508 and 2512 on eBay to help with the 2509n reels. "And so it starts!" Yeah... another one of my "Yeah... I'll do X but never Y" statements fails. Looks like we're headed towards doing Y (Large Format) and my wife will say, "Looks like I told you so....again."
Worse things could happen, right?

Click to expand...

We all know the feeling!

But, look, if you think you are going to stay with 4x5, a good CPE is not expensive, nor are the drums. I used that system for a decade. However, it sounds to me that you are planning, in the back of your mind, to go the whole route (to 8x10), so if you have the dough, you might as well go for it now. Bite the bullet and get yourself a reconditioned CPA/CPP from Omer with some Expert Drums. Start with just a 4x5 drum (I forget the number... 3010?) You won't be sorry and good equipment that is in demand usually holds its value.

Don't forget 5x7 on your way to 8x10. It is a different aspect ratio and also great for smallish contact prints.

The 2509n reels never worked for me (difficult to load, uneven development...) so I saved for the 3010 expert drum. I'm using it on a manual processing roller base.

Guys - thanks for your input. So now I'm wondering whether the Spearman Press SP-445 or the Jobo with 2509n reels is going to be more reliable? Going upscale on a Jobo at this point isn't in the cards (maybe later, but not now) and these two options are basically about the same cost. Curious now that we're two-plus years later what reaction and experience with the SP-445 is like in the real world?

I have been using the a Jobo CPE2 with lift, (original model) for around 30 years. I have been doing 4x5" film, C41, E6 and B&W over the decades in the Jobo with the 2509 reels and loader, brilliant.

I was one of the recipients of the kickstarter SP-445 program and received my tank a couple of years ago. The intention was to use it on long trips (think months) and develop 4x5" film as I travelled, so part time use. Well, the SP-445 turned out to be so nice and easy to use that after around 6 months, I stopped using the CPE2 for 4x5" developing and just used the SP-445.

This turned out to be a good thing as my Jobo died recently, after literally, thousands of film processes. I do not at this stage, think I'll actively seek out a replacement for the Jobo, as 4x5" film is pretty much all I do these days and the SP-445 is so easy to use and gives remarkably good negatives every time.

Mick.

I have the Jobo CPP2 with the lift [the arm is broken off, so I just lift the tank] and use the 3010 Expert Drum for processing my 4"x5" sheet film. I get consistent good film development and since I have used it for years and will continue to use it the cost per film sheet is small. I use it for color and black & white processing. I highly recommend it.