Jobo Processor Models?

tron_ · Feb 1, 2015

Hello,

I'm getting to the point in developing film where purchasing a Jobo processor is making a lot of sense. The convenience of having a machine to semi-automate the process is very appealing and I have been trying to do some research the past few days.

My question is I know the basics of how they work, the features they provide, etc but I am a little confused between the differences between the models. For example what sets the CPP3 apart from the CPP2? There is also a CPE2? CPA2? Is there a CPP3?

For what it's worth I will be developing ~40% 35mm, ~40% 120, and ~20% 4x5. Nothing larger than 4x5 for now!

TheFlyingCamera · Feb 1, 2015

There is the CPE, which is the "entry level" model. It doesn't have a lift, and can't use larger 2500 series drums or the Expert drums (I think the size limit with it is 11x14 for paper). The CPA/CPA2/CPA2+ will accept the lift, can use Expert drums as well as 1500/2500 series drums, and has temperature control within 1 degree C accuracy. The CPP/CPP2/CPP2+ is on the same chassis as the CPA, but it has temperature control within 0.1 degree C. The CPP series also have a cold water inlet in addition to a heater for the water bath, making it easier to maintain a steady temperature. The CPE/CPA2/CPP2+ are all old models out of production. I believe the only model currently being produced is the CPP3. I don't know what if any mechanical changes were made between the 2+ and the 3. They may be calling the 3 the 3 because they discontinued the 2+ several years ago, and then revived it without changes when they saw demand increasing, but gave it a new number for marketing purposes.

karl · Feb 1, 2015

CPA2 with a lift is the best bang for your buck.

Oren Grad · Feb 1, 2015

There was a Lift for the CPE as well, just a different one - not interchangeable with the Lift for the CPA/CPP. The CPP-3 is substantially changed from the CPP-2 - new electronics and control panel, most notably.

Lots of excellent documentation here, including manuals for the older models:

http://www.jobo-usa.com/

tron_ · Feb 4, 2015

Theflyingcamera,

When you say the CPP series has a cold water inlet and heater for the water bath, I'm assuming the CPA series does not have this? Then how does the CPA maintain temperature? Do you just pour water in at the desired temperature and the CPA series maintains that temperature?

karl · Feb 4, 2015

CPA2 has a heater but no cold water inlet.

For most people I'd say the cold water inlet is not particularly useful. I suppose it depends on the temperature of your darkroom, tap water and whether or not you have a chiller. I used to have a CPP2, never used the cold water inlet. The CPP2 does have reputation of being able to maintain water temperature better than the CPA2. It's a good idea to use a separate thermometer in the basin and or water bottles to check the accuracy of the processor's heater.

CatLABS · Feb 4, 2015

Everything you wanted to know is right here:
http://www.catlabs.info/how-to-choose-the-right-jobo-processor

Watch out for some completely erroneous answers on this thread.

paul_c5x4 · Feb 4, 2015

CatLABS said:
Watch out for some completely erroneous answers on this thread.

Indeed.

I'm currently running a CPE-2 with a 2830 drum and have a 2521+2840 extension ready for use with some larger sheets (12x16 max). Have also used the 2521 drum on its own to process some 5x4 sheets (with a 2509 spiral).

TheFlyingCamera · Feb 5, 2015

Ok- so I was off in my recollection (which I indicated I wasn't sure about - I said I THINK the max size is 11x14). I apologize for speaking from obviously a fuzzy memory. I was right on the general principle though - the CPE has a smaller capacity than the CPA/CPP, and it can't handle Expert drums. I also said I DON'T KNOW what changes they made from the CPP2+ to the CPP3. I haven't seen a CPP3 in person, and at their current price point I'm not likely to either. Next time you want to correct me, just correct me instead of bashing.

WoolyJacket · Apr 6, 2016

Does anyone know what the CPE-3 is? Freestyle says it's getting some in the summer.

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/40832-Jobo-CPE-3-Film-Processor-Kit-with-Lift-and-Cogs

I can't find any information on it. Weird. It looks most like a CPE2 (not +) in the picture that's provided, if that's worth anything.

MattKing · Apr 6, 2016

I would ask Jobo USA/CatLabs: http://www.jobo-usa.com/contact

Sirius Glass · Apr 6, 2016

I have the CPP2 [with a lift] which will control the temperature to 0.5 degrees C and handle the larger Expert Drums. I have not been convinced that it is worth paying more for a CPP3. I would recommend getting a used CPP2 with a lift.

MattKing · Apr 6, 2016

Sirius Glass said:
I have the CPP2 [with a lift] which will control the temperature to 0.5 degrees C and handle the larger Expert Drums. I have not been convinced that it is worth paying more for a CPP3. I would recommend getting a used CPP2 with a lift.

The question was about an entirely new model - a "CPE-3" - which seems from the Freestyle listing to be considerably cheaper than the also new CPP-3.

eddie · Apr 6, 2016

Sirius Glass said:
I have the CPP2 [with a lift] which will control the temperature to 0.5 degrees C and handle the larger Expert Drums.

If I recall, the earlier CPP2's couldn't handle the Expert Drums. There was a motor change which allowed later models to handle the bigger drums. Somewhere I saw the serial numbers which were Expert drum safe.

Sirius Glass · Apr 6, 2016

eddie said:
If I recall, the earlier CPP2's couldn't handle the Expert Drums. There was a motor change which allowed later models to handle the bigger drums. Somewhere I saw the serial numbers which were Expert drum safe.

The larger motor are in the CPP2's which have serial numbers starting in 2xxxx...

RobC · Apr 6, 2016

I prefer the R2-D2 myself

wiltw · Apr 6, 2016

tron_ said:
Theflyingcamera,

When you say the CPP series has a cold water inlet and heater for the water bath, I'm assuming the CPA series does not have this? Then how does the CPA maintain temperature? Do you just pour water in at the desired temperature and the CPA series maintains that temperature?

I have the CPA-2, and while I have processed Cibachrome enlargements with it with absolute consistency across darkroom sessions spanning days/weeks while printing for a photo exchange with other photographers, I never have missed the 0.1 degree precision of the CPP nor have I needed the cooling. In some parts of the country, the water cannot even come out of the tap cool enough during the summer, so a cooling flow of water is just so much useless feature.

WoolyJacket · Apr 26, 2016

For those that missed it but were still curious, this is now on the CatLabs site:

The CPE3 is an all new machine, made in Germany with a planned delivery date of June 2016.

The CPE3 is based on the time tested and tried design of the CPE2+, featuring stronger motor and improved electronic control boards, a more robust housing and and a new style lift.

Pretty cool. I just purchased an older model, but it's nice to know that I'll have another option if it breaks down. I bought one because the developing options around here had just gotten too limited. I imagine a lot of film shooters are experiencing the same thing, maybe there's been an increased interest.

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