Jobo CPP-2: More than 1000ml in tanks?

[arigram]

Jobo warns not to use more than 1000ml of liquid in their tanks because it would strain the mechanism.
One of the reasons I got the CPP-2 was because its able to combine tanks to develop up to 14 rolls of 120 film yet the docs say that it would need 1500ml of liquid as minimum.

I am confused.
At first Jobo makes possible for CPP-2 to process such large amounts of chemicals and then warns against it.

Why should I do?

 

[Nick Zentena]

Get the big ATL that can handle I think 2 litres? Or find an old motorbase from somebody like unicolor or Beseler. I know the Unicolor works just fine with much more then 2 litres. Plus you can't beat the cost. Considering the cost of repairs I wouldn't want to push a CPP that hard.

 

[arigram]

Too late then. I guess I will only use that much on emergencies.

 

[jonw]

I just had a frustrating experience with my JOBO CPA2 w/ lift. The handle on the lift broke when I was raising the 3005 expert drum...even though I had less than 1000ml of solution. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Now, beside trying to get the item fixed, I am puzzled too as to the cause for the lift's failure, unless it was due to there being too much water which entered the drum when it was rotating.
Does anyone have any experience replacing the JOBO lift handle? Any insight or assistance is appreciated. Jon

 

[jeroldharter]

I would not exceed the 1 liter limit. That is a lot of strain already. 2 liters might break the lift arm. Also, I wonder what process you would be using because 2 liter bottles won't fit in the CPP for tempering and there are only 6x1 liter slots. I think the 2 liter route would too much trouble.

 

[lee]

jonw,

when your handle broke were you helping lift the drum out of the water? I have always heard that you need to do that just for the reason you stated.

lee\c

 

[jp80874]

JOBO suggests that you help lift the Expert tanks with your hand because of the weight problem. By that I mean if you are facing the lift handle you would operate the handle with your left hand while lifting the right end of the Expert tank with your right hand.

Just what you said Lee with some more detail.

John Powers

 

[lee]

thanks John

lee\c

 

[Clueless]

Do you need that much solution because you're using a "diluted" solution" I.E., 1:1, to 1:25? If so then consider a different developer; or, spread the developer on to the second or third bottle so that the first three bottles are developers and then go to the next bottle of chemical (stop).

 

[arigram]

Jobo states that the combination of tank 2563 with the extension 2560 will allow one to develop maximum of 12 135 films or 14 120. The minimum required solution is 1500ml. Even a number of 8 135 and 10 120 requires 1250ml of liquid. That is of course the whole mixture: chemical + water.
Now, it won't be often I will require to develop this amount of film so I hope that the few times that I will to won't be a problem.

 

[Nick Zentena]

I think the extension is mostly for use with the 2521 tank. They can't stop you from using it with bigger tanks but it's main reason in life is to turn the 2 reel tank into the 8 reel.

 

[arigram]

Well, Jobo does include the 2560+2563 combination which they call the 2593 tank...

 

[markbb]

The handle on my lift has always been useless, so I always lift up the drum by raising the front rail beneath the drum as it sits in the water. With an Expert 3005 drum in place I find it hard to do this, so I place a wire coat-hanger (bent into a rough circle) around the drum and rails, and pull up on the hook. Once the tank is up a few inches, I then use the rail to push it up to the empting postion.

 

[arigram]

I just developed five 35mm films with a combination of 2523+2560 drums which required a minumum of 1250ml of liquid and everything went well. The motor didn't seem to struggle at all at the P setting but I imagine I shouldn't do this everyday. I am sure though I can go up to 1500ml for the max of 14 35mm/ 12 120 films in case of emergency.

 

[Joboman]

Here's something to consider: The CPP went through several stages of modification because the Expert tanks and weight considerations. I can tell you which stage you have from the serial number. The newest CPP's have a stronger transformer board, stronger switch board, and an Autolab rotation motor. This is because the Expert tanks take water inside, making them much heavier. To lighten the load: Keep your transfer gears greased, use Expert rollers, and keep the water level in the trough to where it covers the drum about 1/4 inch from the bottom looking at the end of the drum. More than that increases weight, does not provide any better tempering, and strains everything.

 

[Joboman]

Which part did you break, the aluminum handle, or the hub it attaches to?

 

[arigram]

Thank you Joboman!
I am quite honored that you made your first post in my thread!
I have a very new CPP2, bought a couple months ago in its box with foam and everything. I listen to the motor when I work. I have for example spotted a difference of sound when the 3000 series 50x60cm paper drum is empty and then filled. Its the only "expert" drum I have as all the others are of the 2500 series.

 

[arigram]

Which part did you break, the aluminum handle, or the hub it attaches to?

You are probably asking Jonw (who hijacked the thread a bit) because I have not had any trouble so far. And anyway, the handle doesn't seem difficult to reinfornce if you weld one or two steel rods on it.