Question for Jobo expert drum users

[nbagno]

The loading the drum section of the expert drum instructions reads that when loading 4x5 film, push the material only until flush with the top of the cylinder. 5x7 and 8x0 says to push to the bottom.

Why not to the bottom with 4x5? Are they afraid that it will be hard to take out?

 

[Alan9940]

Though I've used Expert drums for many years--both 4x5 and 8x10--I have no idea why the instructions are written that way; I just follow 'em. That said, however, I'm guessing that pushing 4x5 all the way to the bottom of the drum would make the delicate wet film difficult to remove without scratching. Also, since the drum cylinder looks narrower at the bottom vs top I suppose part of the film may overlap, if pushed all the way down.

 

[paul ewins]

I don't know why Jobo specifies that procedure, but from a practical point of view I found it helpful as I could easily identify which cylinders were empty, half full or full of film simply by running my finger over the edge. On a couple of occasions I have managed to put two sheets into the same position but using that method prevents it.

 

[Sirius Glass]

What Paul said. One can feel the 4"x5" negatives and know which tubes are filled.

 

[Vaughn]

... On a couple of occasions I have managed to put two sheets into the same position but using that method prevents it.

I have resorted to keeping the top of the sheets (8x10 or 5x7 in a 3005) an inch or so above the lip until I load all five. Then I work my way around the drum, pushing them down to the desired level. This has also been helpful when loading less than five. Which Drum model are you using that has instructions for 4x5 to 8x10? My instructions (and on the drum) for the 3005 mentions 5x7 to 8x10, but nothing on 4x5. Or did I make the wrong asumption and you are referring to different model Expert drums?

 

[Ronald Moravec]

I don't know why Jobo specifies that procedure, but from a practical point of view I found it helpful as I could easily identify which cylinders were empty, half full or full of film simply by running my finger over the edge. On a couple of occasions I have managed to put two sheets into the same position but using that method prevents it.

What I do also.

 

[nbagno]

I have resorted to keeping the top of the sheets (8x10 or 5x7 in a 3005) an inch or so above the lip until I load all five. Then I work my way around the drum, pushing them down to the desired level. This has also been helpful when loading less than five. Which Drum model are you using that has instructions for 4x5 to 8x10? My instructions (and on the drum) for the 3005 mentions 5x7 to 8x10, but nothing on 4x5. Or did I make the wrong asumption and you are referring to different model Expert drums?

Using a 3006, but the instructions are for the 3010, 3006, 3005 and 3004.

 

[Vaughn]

Just got a 3006 -- need to put it too use!

 

[nbagno]

The loading the drum section of the expert drum instructions reads that when loading 4x5 film, push the material only until flush with the top of the cylinder. 5x7 and 8x0 says to push to the bottom.

Why not to the bottom with 4x5? Are they afraid that it will be hard to take out?

After using the drum for a while, my assumption is that it's easier to pull the film out if it's flush. Push too far down and it ain't easy!

 

[Vaughn]

Got my 3006 loaded with 3 sheets of 5x7, and my three 3005s loaded with 8x10. Time to rock and roll!

 

[Alan9940]

I use a 3006 drum and my loading procedure is exactly like Vaughn's. However, when working my away around to push the film down into tho cylinder I push it just slightly below the edge; otherwise, I've had the film shift slightly out of the cylinder as it rotates. Never damaged any film because of it, but it just makes me feel better when it stays where it should.