Jobo CPP-2 Film Processor

redwoodphotographic · Apr 10, 2009

Hello. I'm looking into purchasing a Jobo CPP-2 Film Processor or any comparable model. Does anyone know where I could find one? new or used? Also is Jobo USA still in business? Thanks for any leads.

If there isn't a way to get one what do people recommend for processing B&W 4x5 sheet film? I figured on building a tray and actually would do that first before a Jobo but would love a Jobo if the opportunity presented itself.

Mahler_one · Apr 10, 2009

Check that infamous auction site Michael. No longer being made, but are serviced by Omega-Satter in Maryland. As discussed recently, units with the newer and stronger motor have a serial number above 22,000. Lots of previous information on processing posted on APUG, and I suggest that you consider doing a search of the site for any information you need. Trays are a very common way of processing 4x5 film, and work very well.

Best of luck to you.

Renato Tonelli · Apr 10, 2009

The Jobo Expert Drums come highly recommended for sheet film; they are still available new (expensive) but you will find them on eBay and craigslist quite often. They Expert drums are touted for even development. I have been using the older spiral reels without problems.
If you do get a CPP-2, take the previous post's advice to look for one with a s/n above 22000

Lopaka · Apr 10, 2009

michael_murtaugh said:
Also is Jobo USA still in business?

Yes and No. Jobo USA closed their Ann Arbor, Michigan location a couple of years ago and sold all their analog equipment. The remnants of that business then began distribution of Jobo digital only products from a different location. I don't know if it still survives. As mentioned, Omega Satter is the only USA contact regarding any film related equipment or parts.

Bob

msage · Apr 10, 2009

I have been using a CPA-2 for a number of years with Expert drums and highly recommend them. I have used trays, tanks, stand and the Jobo. For me, the Jobo was the best for me.
Michael

michael_murtaugh said:
Hello. I'm looking into purchasing a Jobo CPP-2 Film Processor or any comparable model. Does anyone know where I could find one? new or used? Also is Jobo USA still in business? Thanks for any leads.

If there isn't a way to get one what do people recommend for processing B&W 4x5 sheet film? I figured on building a tray and actually would do that first before a Jobo but would love a Jobo if the opportunity presented itself.

Don12x20 · Apr 10, 2009

I contacted Omega Sattler last June about the parts to upgrade a very early SN CPP2 to the latest rev boards/motor. Parts are no longer available.

Subsequent to that, I purchased two late S/N for parts. Most of the used CPP2 coming on ebay are actually in great shape.

By the way, my first CPP2 is in the first 900 S/N built and has been going strong since 1992 -- with the 3005 and 3063 expert tanks (with 7x17 and 12x20 inserts). Gets used all the time -- and nothing has failed yet. The only upgrade was back in 1995 to change out the rollers that the expert drums rested on from the standard solid plastic to the roller bearing. I regularly use 1000ml solution in the drums.

So, even an older SN can work quite well with expert drums. Don't obsess with getting a late SN (but spare parts are nice too!). You shouldn't pay more than $640.00 for a late model SN in really good condition(I didn't for those 2, and no they aren't for sale). Its the shipping that will cause you grief -- try to get them to remove the lift and ship separately. It will reduce the bulk of the overall unit and will cut the shipping price. (Its otherwise oversize, particularly if they pack in a standard UPS oversize box rather than cutting down nearly to size and then filling with beanies)

AgX · Apr 11, 2009

Michael,

Jobo stopped the production of all of their processors in 2006, but they still list the CPP-2 on their website as available.

Don12x20 · Apr 11, 2009

One more tip on extending the life of your CPP2/CPA2 --- when dumping the drum and lowering it, turn the rotation off, then back on when its seated. High instantaneous stall currents of dropping the lift with drum down on the gear will significantly reduce the motor life.

Mahler_one · Apr 12, 2009

Don: I don't think we can find one "correct answer" about the need to turn the motor on and off when operating the lift. The Jobo sites that are still accessible expressely say NOT to turn the motor off when using the lift. People like you who have much experience with the Jobo insist that turning off the motor makes alot of sense, and others state that turning the motor on and off multiple times during a developing session can cause unnecessary stresses on the motor. One wishes that the correct answer...if there is one...is known.

Ed

Cymen · Apr 12, 2009

The news that the upgrades aren't always necessary is great to hear. I found an early CPP-2 with serial number 1177 and it seems to be working fine after repairing the pump. Some sort of metal object at the top of the impeller shaft rusted up and caused the pump to get stuck. Unfortunately, it didn't come with a lift although I see those on that auction site occasionally.

Can the 4500 series drums be run with the lift -- I see the conversion for the other series but haven't figured out if it it is also compatible with 45xx? Mine came with what appears to be a 4551, another one the same size except not as long (one of the 2 units that make up the 4551) and a smaller 1541 I believe. All with the magnetic bases although missing one magnet. I'm also trying to figure out how different sizes of paper are held in place within the larger drums.

Besides the impeller shaft, the pump shaft is rusted up and one of the big plastic rotation motor holding screws is missing along with one of the tiny brass cover screws. All in all, not too bad but I'll certainly replace the big plastic screw. The pump shaft rust is slightly worrying but it still has a lot of metal left and is below the motor itself. Perhaps some POR-15 or Rustoleum will keep it going long term.

Don12x20 · Apr 12, 2009

Mahler_one said:
Don: I don't think we can find one "correct answer" about the need to turn the motor on and off when operating the lift. The Jobo sites that are still accessible expressely say NOT to turn the motor off when using the lift. People like you who have much experience with the Jobo insist that turning off the motor makes alot of sense, and others state that turning the motor on and off multiple times during a developing session can cause unnecessary stresses on the motor. One wishes that the correct answer...if there is one...is known.

Ed

Well, Ed
As I point out, I have a well used early SN CPP2 that has been going strong since 1991. No motor replacement, no gear replacement, no board replacement.

People need to make their own decisions, and they can take or ignore the inputs of others that are more experienced.

I'll keep turning on/off my switch -- that switch can be far more easily replaced or substituted than the motor/board.

Oh, and by the way, I removed and discarded the lift handle years ago. Its cheaply made attachment (plastic on my lift) won't stand up to lifting 1 liter of developer plus drum. Instead use left had to grab the bottom of the lift, and the right to lift the drum.

And I got tired of algae stink, so I drain the unit after use. Its fast to use the Haas intellifaucet to fill with perfect 68C bath water.

And for those that might live in hotter climates, such as Phoenix (I spent 10 years there) - the cold water input will require either a chiller (think $$) or you can get a wastebasket, install a evap cooler fitting (flat tank to hose), attach via hose to jobo water inlet. Now elevate that wastebasket a foot or two, toss in two bags of crushed ice and fill it with water. Works perfectly in areas where the "cold" water comes out at 85 degrees in summer.

Trond · Apr 13, 2009

I asked Jobo (Germany) about availability of spare parts and repairs for my ATL-1000, and also if they still had any new machines for sale, and I quote:

---
JOBO ATL1000 spare-parts are still available and machines can be repaired by
our service.
JOBO ATL-1500 and 4080 Colorprocessor CPP-2 are available ex stock.
---

This was September last year.

Trond

alanrockwood · Apr 13, 2009

If it is just film you want to process in the machine, as opposed to prints, then consider getting a Photo-Therm. It is a higher quality machine and easier to use. You can sometimes find them on ebay for a few hundred dollars. New they cost a few thousand dollars.

Mahler_one · Apr 14, 2009

No argument here Don! Obviously there are many different ways to work. I really do appreciate your taking the time to offer the input and help. There is no substitute for experience.

Ed

Don12x20 said:
Well, Ed
As I point out, I have a well used early SN CPP2 that has been going strong since 1991. No motor replacement, no gear replacement, no board replacement.

People need to make their own decisions, and they can take or ignore the inputs of others that are more experienced.

I'll keep turning on/off my switch -- that switch can be far more easily replaced or substituted than the motor/board.

Oh, and by the way, I removed and discarded the lift handle years ago. Its cheaply made attachment (plastic on my lift) won't stand up to lifting 1 liter of developer plus drum. Instead use left had to grab the bottom of the lift, and the right to lift the drum.

And I got tired of algae stink, so I drain the unit after use. Its fast to use the Haas intellifaucet to fill with perfect 68C bath water.

And for those that might live in hotter climates, such as Phoenix (I spent 10 years there) - the cold water input will require either a chiller (think $$) or you can get a wastebasket, install a evap cooler fitting (flat tank to hose), attach via hose to jobo water inlet. Now elevate that wastebasket a foot or two, toss in two bags of crushed ice and fill it with water. Works perfectly in areas where the "cold" water comes out at 85 degrees in summer.

tmayes · Apr 14, 2009

I have a JOBO CPP2 with lift and accessories that I would like to sell.

redwoodphotographic · Apr 15, 2009

Thanks guys this is great information! Cheers.

ZoneIII · Sep 5, 2010

michael_murtaugh said:
Hello. I'm looking into purchasing a Jobo CPP-2 Film Processor or any comparable model. Does anyone know where I could find one? new or used? Also is Jobo USA still in business? Thanks for any leads.

If there isn't a way to get one what do people recommend for processing B&W 4x5 sheet film? I figured on building a tray and actually would do that first before a Jobo but would love a Jobo if the opportunity presented itself.

I know this is an old thread, but for anyone who is also wondering about ways to process 4x5" sheet film, you may want to check out my videos on the subject on YouTube. Just look for the ZoneIII channel. Or just do a Google search for "zoneIII" and the very first hit will be a link to my YouTube channel. Although I do have a Jobo processor in which I process my E6 film and I also have a line sink setup, I prefer to process b&w sheet film in trays and I have a detailed 8-part series of videos on YouTube covering the subject.

Jobo CPP-2 Film Processor

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency