Jobo CPE2 capabilities

I just picked up a Jobo CPE2 from a local source. Seems to be operational and all but I'm here scratching my head. I have tubes for large size prints but can't see how that would ever work with the dimensions of the unit. So, my question is simple, what is the maximum print size one can make with a CPE2 without cutting off the end to allow a longer tube?

I think its 1 x 11x14" (if you have the right tank that is) if I recall with a movement of the clips it wraps around where two 8x10's would go but in the other aspect leaving a small free strip around one side where the two 8x10's would have met...

nick mulder said:

I think its 1 x 11x14" (if you have the right tank that is) if I recall with a movement of the clips it wraps around where two 8x10's would go but in the other aspect leaving a small free strip around one side where the two 8x10's would have met...

Click to expand...

I was afraid that was the right answer. I was skipping like a schoolgirl going home with this equipment. But I think I need the much larger unit/lift. Not sure about the product line if that's CPP2 or what, this is my first piece of mechanical processing equipment other than old school trays, tanks, reels. The newest school stuff I had was the BTZS tubes. Well at least I can retire them in favor of true daylight processing of my 4x5's and now I can do my own E6, so I still feel okay but the skipping like a schoolgirl bit is over. Seems I'll need to buy a much bigger unit here to do these larger prints. I'm thinking the largest tube or tank I have which could do 20x24 prints ought to be able to be used by hand, floating in the bathtub doing strictly B&W, and rotated by hand like how I did BTZS tubes.

If consistency is a factor I always wondered if the CPE-2 would have enough flow around the graduated cylinders to heat up rinse water to 38deg in between E6 processing steps. With a three bath kit you have the extra 600ml to play with, I guess having some water at/around 38deg ready to refill the empty cylinders, it'll temper close enough over any given 6 minutes...

Mind you, after getting a CPA2 with lift E6 is a breeze, 4 x 8x10" in one go very nice (up to 6!) - I'd go back to a CPE2 to do 8x10 neg though, works a treat (the CPA2 size is an issue if you co-habitate)...

Given up on pyro in drums however - for me trays are go with that Aside from the possible conversation piece of the apparatus nitrogen tanks and foot pumps just don't do it for me

Well, if you believe in omens.. would you believe.. I did one test strip using a full sheet of 5x7 (this is my routine), I eyeball my first shot I think everyone does, I have a Beseler print calculator but I don't use it, anyway, first shot I'm always a stop or half off and about 1 grade off. So I get my first strip back and it's the right contrast but half stop or more overexposed. So instead of second test strip to prove it, I decided what the heck, if it's too dark, that one becomes a bromoil matrix as it is routine to overexpose those. So I am normally a hands on and I mean hands right in the chemicals.. I warm the dark spots on large prints with my fingers, get them darker.. so I want to peek but I don't. I trust the timing and adjustment method, and voila first 11x14 in there and it's a perfect candidate for a selenium toned and framed print. So I think this is an omen. You may think I'm crazy but here it is still washing, here's the washing from my cell phone, and also these are the different tanks I got in this acquisition. Sorry my bathroom too small to pan everything in there. What do you think. $400 a good deal for this?