SP-445 AutoPilot: automating the 4x5 sheet film process

[tim48v]

Our latest Kickstarter just went live:
Dead Link Removed

Before you ask: yes, we are looking at adapters for roll film tanks.

 

[AgX]

Similar inverting agitator is already on the market since many years:

http://heilandelectronic.de/tas_filmprozessor

http://heilandelectronic.de/tas_fuer_cobiplan


But yours would be only a fraction of their price...

 

[mshchem]

JOBO.
A four sheet manual processor without temperature control that would be difficult to change solutions for over 400 bucks with the tank???
The tank has some merit for proofing in the field. Just because you can do it doesn’t mean you should do it.
Just my first take maybe I'm missing something.
Good Wishes, Mike

 

[Patrick Robert James]

You have something interesting there but I think you would get more interest if you added an option with the tank.

 

[Matt Fattori]

Not much interested in an agitator...very interested in tanks for 5x7, 8x10.

 

[williaty]

Yeah you're slowly converging on a Jobo for more than Jobo money...

 

[tim48v]

Does Jobo have an automatic agitation system for less than $1800? I guess we missed it.

 

[williaty]

Does Jobo have an automatic agitation system for less than $1800? I guess we missed it.

You can get a CPE, CPA, or CPP on the used market for well less than that if you wait a bit. Heck, I've seen two CPPs go for <$700 in the last week. Used CPEs rarely go above that. The CPE3 (with lift) is under that $1800 mark you mention even brand new.

 

[KenS]

Hivvens de Betsy... I used dip and dunk 4x5 tanks for too many years... with the occasional tray processing for only one or two sheets.
After being 'gifted' a set of 4x5 BTZS tubes and doubt I would ever 'go back' to either tanks or trays... I was then gifted another set of 4x5 tubes and I re-gifted them to a friend.... I did not 'need' that many tubes.

I was then gifted (again) with set of 8x10 BTZS tubes by someone who thought they were 'too much trouble' and wanted to give them a good and 'caring' home... They are happy now... they get well used rotating away in a large Tupperware container that sits on an old 'retired'... but still-useable waterbed heater for temperature control. I would more than hesitate to have to return the development processes I have used in the past.

When 'working' in a large research centre and in order to keep up with 'demands' for 4x5, 120 and B&W.. as well as an increase in demand for E6 processing, we purchased a Wing Lynch.... to reduce processing time to a few hours rather than the six (and sometimes much more) weeks mailing out for processing by 'well known' Company. I would not 'welcome' that machine at home since I do not have the volume of film... and (anyway) could never 'afford' the cost of the amount of hot water required to keep the temperatures 'stable' over the processing time.

Ken

 

[mshchem]

Hivvens de Betsy... I used dip and dunk 4x5 tanks for too many years... with the occasional tray processing for only one or two sheets.
After being 'gifted' a set of 4x5 BTZS tubes and doubt I would ever 'go back' to either tanks or trays... I was then gifted another set of 4x5 tubes and I re-gifted them to a friend.... I did not 'need' that many tubes.

I was then gifted (again) with set of 8x10 BTZS tubes by someone who thought they were 'too much trouble' and wanted to give them a good and 'caring' home... They are happy now... they get well used rotating away in a large Tupperware container that sits on an old 'retired'... but still-useable waterbed heater for temperature control. I would more than hesitate to have to return the development processes I have used in the past.

When 'working' in a large research centre and in order to keep up with 'demands' for 4x5, 120 and B&W.. as well as an increase in demand for E6 processing, we purchased a Wing Lynch.... to reduce processing time to a few hours rather than the six (and sometimes much more) weeks mailing out for processing by 'well known' Company. I would not 'welcome' that machine at home since I do not have the volume of film... and (anyway) could never 'afford' the cost of the amount of hot water required to keep the temperatures 'stable' over the processing time.

Ken

Very good point . I picked up a CPP2 for "parts" off Ebay. I fixed a couple things works great. However still I used hard rubber tanks and hangers for years for black and white. I still think replenishing HC-110 and doing it on hangers is a great solution.
I do like the Jobo, it's fun to watch.
Best Regards Mike

 

[AgX]

I do like the Jobo, it's fun to watch.

You mean, instead of watching the washing machine...

 

[RauschenOderKorn]

Thanks, I am already having fun ...

About Jobo: some weeks ago, a fully automated Jobo ATL1000 went on ebay for about 500 €. A little more expensive than this project, but fully automated and including temperature control.

 

[mshchem]

You mean, instead of watching the washing machine...

Washing machines are good too. Very soothing watching it go back and forth. Beats watching the news
Best Regards Mike

 

[Sirius Glass]

Best wishes on your endeavor!

 

[MattKing]

Washing machines are good too. Very soothing watching it go back and forth. Beats watching the news
Best Regards Mike

The new front loading machines randomize the "agitation". When we got ours, we found it to be great entertainment