Rotary Jobo 2551 + 2509 Reel Max Sheet / Chemistry Requirements

Hi Folks,
I picked up a 2551 and 2x 2509 reels thinking I could get 12 sheets of 4x5 done in one processing run. However it looks like the max capacity of the 2551 in this combination is some how 8 sheets. The 2551 can hold 2x 2509 reels and each 2509 reel can hold 6 sheets.

Curious to hear from anyone who may have used the 2551 tank in this configuration that understands and can explain this limit?
Thank you!

From Catlabs

Hi thanks, thats precisely what I used when putting together this kit, and was surprised the tank says max of 8 sheets... was hoping to investigate why the discrepancy!

RoboRepublic said:

Hi thanks, thats precisely what I used when putting together this kit, and was surprised the tank says max of 8 sheets... was hoping to investigate why the discrepancy!

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The 8 sheets would be the original 2509 reel. 2509n takes 6. Not sure what that does to volumes, my guess is not much as long as you aren't using very dilute developer.

I just went down to my Darkroom/Lair, multitank 5 , 12 sheets 4x5, or 9x12, 2509n reels, requires minimum of 560mL.
5x35mm or 6x120 requires 640mL.

Thanks making a trip down the dungeon!
The reels I have appear to be 2509, but they have 3 slots on 2 sides allowing 6 sheets. I also have retainers, but the retainers don't have anything to latch on to on the reels I have. This leads me to believe I have 2509 and not the 'n' variant.

I hear tell that the 2509 will seat 6 sheets, but its not recommended due to the sheets possibly touching. Is that how both you and the tank are arriving at the 8-sheet max recommendation?

Appreciate the education!

RoboRepublic said:

Thanks making a trip down the dungeon!
The reels I have appear to be 2509, but they have 3 slots on 2 sides allowing 6 sheets. I also have retainers, but the retainers don't have anything to latch on to on the reels I have. This leads me to believe I have 2509 and not the 'n' variant.

I hear tell that the 2509 will seat 6 sheets, but its not recommended due to the sheets possibly touching. Is that how both you and the tank are arriving at the 8-sheet max recommendation?

Appreciate the education!

Click to expand...

I need my IR goggles to load the reels. Even with the loader. I just don't have the "feeling" in my fingertips like I did years ago. Attaching the panels is a trip! It took me at least an hour at first to crack the code.
Even now if I was to try it probably would take me 5 minutes minimum.
You need to attach both panels simultaneously, as they both need to be in place to stay on!
These reels are great once you get it down. I have the Expert tanks but for 4x5 I really like the convenience of washing the film on the reels using a Jobo (Cascade?) bubbly washer hose.

I don't know if the panels are really needed but I like them.

mshchem said:

The 8 sheets would be the original 2509 reel

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I think I still have that somewhere and it sure didn't fit 8 sheets. It was a 6-sheet design AFAIK but it didn't have the two 'wings' that reduce the problems with surge marks.

I wouldn't hesitate to process 12 sheets at a time provided I would have sufficient confidence in even development with this system, which I don't. So I generally don't use the 2500 system for sheet film. Even with the 2509N reels surge marks happen all too easily.

koraks said:

I think I still have that somewhere and it sure didn't fit 8 sheets. It was a 6-sheet design AFAIK but it didn't have the two 'wings' that reduce the problems with surge marks.

I wouldn't hesitate to process 12 sheets at a time provided I would have sufficient confidence in even development with this system, which I don't. So I generally don't use the 2500 system for sheet film. Even with the 2509N reels surge marks happen all too easily.

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The 8 is for 2 2509 reels for OP's 2551 tank. 4 per reel. I don't shoot much sheet film. Last month I was playing in my makeshift "studio" shot a few sheets of 5x7, used 3006 drums
Sorry for the confusion.

So original 2509 4 sheets per reel. The new 2509n reel will hold 6 sheets.