Phototherm vs. JOBO vs. Dev.a

Hello again!

This time I have a question about film processors. As I mentioned in my previous thread about enlargers, my community primarily shoots 35mm and 120mm, and I am looking for a film processor that can be a great addition to my community darkroom...that is not a Noritsu.

I have the possibility to buy a Phototherm SSK-8, and I have heard that these machines are fantastic and essentially give Noritsu quality images. What are your thoughts about whether this Phototherm SSK-8 will do the trick, or should I consider looking at the JOBO CPP-3 or Dev.a?

Initial thoughts:

• From my research, the SSK-8 is auto-replenishing machine that uses less chemicals per roll compared to the JOBO and Dev.a that are not as automatic and resourceful with chemical use. Therefore, this makes the SSK-8 very attractive for me because that would mean less cost per month on chemicals for community film processing.
• However, the JOBO and Dev.a would allow for greater flexibility with the type of formats that can be possibly processed, which this is attractive for long-term flexibility.

Jobo has been around for decades. I don't have any idea what you're looking at processing. Jobo is the most versatile can do anything. All these machines require loading reels.
I use Jobo

mshchem said:

Jobo has been around for decades. I don't have any idea what you're looking at processing. Jobo is the most versatile can do anything. All these machines require loading reels.
I use Jobo

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Hi mshchem:

I am looking to process primarily 35 and 120mm film rolls, as a service to the public, so we can sustain the operations of our darkroom. We would like to develop around 200-400 rolls per month.

Good morning from my side of the world,

Any other thoughts! I need more opinions .

isocero said:

Hi mshchem:

I am looking to process primarily 35 and 120mm film rolls, as a service to the public, so we can sustain the operations of our darkroom. We would like to develop around 200-400 rolls per month.

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A couple of things -

first, pet peeve- it's just 120, not 120mm.

With that out of the way, if you want the flexibility to do large format, then the Jobo is THE tool you want. I would rule out the Phototherm because as of 2018 they are out of business; Jobo on the other hand is still in business and you can get new parts and supplies for it (granted at exorbitant prices), and there are plenty of accessories on the second-hand market. Also, I don't know what the chemistry efficiency is on the Phototherm, but the Jobo is more efficient than the Dev.A - I routinely do 10 rolls of 120 with 1L of C-41 or b/w. Another advantage of the Jobo is that you don't have to flush and purge the entire system to switch back and forth between b/w and color - Just wash your tank and reels, and use a different set of chemistry bottles.