Print processor setup

[Ben Fitch]

I am thinking of trying to find a used 16x20 Nova Trimate or Quad processor for color paper usage.
Would a stop-bath be necessary with this system? At the moment I'd be using Kodak chemicals
Also, must the final rinse be conducted at the same temperature as the rest of the process –
could I wash the print in a tray if/when there is no room left in the processor?
I am new to this side of photography and would appreciate any help!

 

[Matt5791]

Hi there - Although I've not used this type of processor, I think that a stop bath would be helpful because of the potential large amounts of dev that can carry over - with a Durst or other roller processor the exit rollers squeege the print meaning very little carry over so you can avoid the use of a stop bath.

With that in mind, I use a Durst Printo and it is an incredible machine, ofter cropping up on ebay. You only need two baths/therm units and the intro unit for RA4.

For chemicals, by far the best value kit is the Kodak dev and blix available from Firstcall Photographic - you get 4x5l - ie enough to mix 20L, but because of the separate concentrate packaging you only have to mix 5L batches at a time. The Printo uses 2.5L per bath so ideal, leaving you some to replenish with.

Matt

 

[Tom Kershaw]

Matt,

Have you tried printing ILFOCHROME in a Durst Printo with an extra bath?

Tom.

 

[Matt5791]

Hi Tom - no not yet. I do have the option as I have 4 units, but just haven't tried Ciba yet.

Really do want to though because I love shooting on reversal film and I have a number of transparencies which I long to print this way!

Matt

 

[Tom Kershaw]

I'm planning on starting to make ILFOCHROME prints this summer, processing in my Jobo. However, I'm not sure how the workflow will go, processing prints in a drum would mean drying the drum(s) between prints.

Tom.

 

[Matt5791]

Absolutely - I never wanted to be bothering with the drying. On the other hand, it depends on what sort of volume you are trying to produce.

The printo is an amazing machine - whoever designed it should have been given some sort of design award or something! (maybe they did!)

 

[Tom Kershaw]

Matt,

I have a Thermaphot ACP 505 for black & white RC and RA-4 colour but I need to sort the heating system out. With this unit there are two "chemical" tanks, developer and bleach fix, with a volume of about 5.5 litres each. However the ACP 505 will process 20 inch wide prints, but is not suitable for ILFOCHROME due to the lack of a third processing chemistry bath.

Tom.

 

[Matt5791]

Not really familiar with the Thermaphot.

The great thing about the Printo is that it is modular - you can run anything from 1 - 5 baths + optional dryer module - you just keep adding them on. There was even an optional automatic replenishing unit. With just an archimedes screw to agitate the baths, it is amazingly simple with only a minimal number of things that can go wrong - although there is a pretty good supplly of parts new from stock. Last time I looked it was still listed by Durst as a current product.

Only downside is max 12" wide.

I have a Kreonite in store waiting for when my darkroom is large enough to take it!

Matt

 

[nickandre]

Have you considered trays at room temp?

The process is Developer, Blix, Wash. I haven't used final rinse.