Mixing film formats in a Jobo 2551 tank

[Jerry Thirsty]

Hi all,

I have a Jobo 2551 tank for developing film. It can hold 5 reels if they're set for 35mm, or 3 reels if set for 120. But it also maybe (?) appears that it can hold 2 reels set for 35mm and 2 reels set for 120 simultaneously. Has anyone else used it this way? When I assemble it that way the top of the top reel is about 3/8 inch higher than when I assemble with 5-35s. But I can still put the lid on and it appears to clamp properly. What worries me is that maybe the lip on the inside of the lid is pushing down on the edge of and bending the top reel, and is going to cause it to warp or buckle the film and develop unevenly.

thanks,
Jerry

 

[domaz]

You should try that tank with 4x5 reels. The reels stick out way higher than the bottom part the tank and it still clamps and works just fine. Don't stress too much.

 

[blaze-on]

I've done a 4x5 reel, a 120 reel and a 35mm reel all together. No probs..

 

[Jerry Thirsty]

I hadn't thought of the 4x5s; I have a pair I've never used. Just did a comparison and the 2/2 combo is maybe an 1/8 inch taller than the 4x5s, but it does look alright. Thanks.

 

[Jim Chinn]

I have developed 135 and 120 of the same emulsion in the same tank with my JOBO and never had a problem. I have never tried 2 and 2 due to the tightness of the lid fitting and don't want to damage the reels. If the need arises I will mix a reel of 120 with two 135s.

 

[Venchka]

If you need to develop 2 rolls of 120, load the film end to end on 1 reel. Then add 2 reels @ 135. That will work.

Unless of course you were trying to process 3 or 4 rolls of 120 in which case I was never here.

 

[Ian Grant]

I regularly mix 5x4 & 120 in my Jobo 2000 tanks, and in the past 35mm as well, just make sure you use a sufficient volume of chemistry.

Ian