Jobo, TMax, and Rollo Pyro

The instructions from Photographer's Formulary say to make a working solution of 1000ml for developing (after combining stock solutions A and B with water). This is the most developer I have ever used (with a CPA-2 and expert drum) and wonder if anyone has ever used a like combination with less of the working solution. Also, there is no indication of how much developer is needed for each negative (in this case, 4X5). Most instructions for other developers state how much developer is needed for so many square inches of film, which makes it easier to determine how much developer is needed. Does anyone out there have any experience with different amounts of working solution to have any idea how much developer would be needed for each negative developed?

Thanks for any suggestions in advance.

Brian,

I have been using Rollo Pyro from Bostick & Sullivan. I think the products are the same. I use a CPP-2 with lift. That shouldn't change anything. I have been doing T Max, first in 4x5 Expert drum, then 8x10 Expert and now 7x17 (two sheets in a 1500 series extended tube) for about three years. I have printed in silver (first Kodak Polymax VC FB and then Kentmere VC FB) mostly with a little bit in platinum. I have been very happy with the results, been given two solo shows and gotten into two more juried shows.

There have been several threads on older Jobos not driving that much weight. In that case you might have to use less fluid. As long as your Jobo can handle the weight of 1 ltr, I would not change. That doesn't mean I don't think less fluid will work. It just means that I have been happy with the results doing it by the instructions. One person’s opinion.

John Powers

John:

Thanks for response. I have more recent (2nd upgrade) CPA-2, so I don't think that volume/weight will be an issue (for that reason). Just curious though, at what rotation speed to you typically set your Jobo at for developing when using Pyro?

Thanks again.

I use 1000ml for two 7 x 17's in a jobo drum at the lowest rotational speed on the jobo with successful results. Have not tried less than 1000ml. But I also like to tray develop with more than two sheets of 7 x 17....

I find it easier to tray develop multiple 8 x 10's as well.

This seems like a large amount of solution, but I don't use the expert tank. With the regular tank, 300ml of solution is adequate, and 500 is about the most you can really use. Jobo warns you about a maximum of 1 liter for some rather large tanks. You might check the Jobo instructions for the expert tank to determine what the maximum recommended amount of solution is. The object is to use enough solution for complete, even development. Too little can lead to strange stains and underdeveloped negatives. This usually isn't a problem with one-shots unless the developer is very dilute. The Jobo instructions are usually pretty good guidelines on how much solution to use, and I doubt that you would ever need more than twice that amount. Overfilling the tank interferes with the fill and drain system on the lift and may simply splash solution out of the regular tanks.

Brian Edwards said:

John:

Thanks for response. I have more recent (2nd upgrade) CPA-2, so I don't think that volume/weight will be an issue (for that reason). Just curious though, at what rotation speed to you typically set your Jobo at for developing when using Pyro?

Thanks again.

Click to expand...

Brian,

I use the number 4 speed setting per the instructions for 7x17, 8x10 and 4x5. If you search here on APUG and over on the LF form you will find that there is quite a bit of disagreement on the speed and even use of the Jobo. I have been very happy with speed setting #4. Others as you have seen say it should be the slowest possible. Many feel there is so much agitation in the Jobo at any speed that contrast is too high. Usually I have to print at a 2.5 or 3 filter to add a bit of contrast. I would suggest that you first try it by the book, then try what others suggest and see what you or the critics you like say works best for you. Follow the old cliché, if all else fails read the manual, but let that be your starting point.

I like the consistency and control in the Jobo. It also lessens problems I have with allergies. This is a benefit unrelated to negative quality, but one that allows me to continue making them.

John Powers