Thermaphot ACP 305 Processor Experience

I have an option to buy a Thermaphot 305 processor but there's very little info on the web about them, apart from some spec sheets, which I've noticed takes 3.2 litres of chemistry for each bath. That's a lot more than a Fujimoto CP31 which only takes 2 litres of chems/per bath.

Has anyone owned one?
Are they reliable?
Can you still get parts for them?
Would you buy another one if you had the chance?

I would say NO to all of your questions.

If it was brand new in the box might be worth messing with. Even the smallest RT processors take 2+ liters.

mshchem said:

I would say NO to all of your questions.

If it was brand new in the box might be worth messing with. Even the smallest RT processors take 2+ liters.

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I would have thought someone may have owned one…

I have a Durst RCP20 Max width 8 inch. Works great. Originally set up for EP2 process I regeared for RA-4 and B&W. If you find a really mint processor go for it. Zero service, it would be a DIY thing. Plan on 1/2 hour setup and same or longer when finished. You can not leave these set even overnight and expect them to last.

yelmarb said:

Has anyone owned one?

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Nope.

yelmarb said:

Are they reliable?

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The main/only thing that worries me on these machines is the integrity of the rollers. With the older Durst RCP's (produced by Thermaphot) this is a massive problem. I can imagine the ACP305's rollers are perhaps more resilient. IDK. Either way, only buy the machine if it's in 100% functional condition and be sure to inspect ALL the rollers in each of the racks; they should be perfectly straight and of constant diameter without any bulges, warping etc. The machine should also run smoothly without periodic hiccups/'bumps'.

yelmarb said:

Can you still get parts for them?

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Probably not. Apart from the rollers, the Thermaphot machines are pretty robust though.

yelmarb said:

Would you buy another one if you had the chance?

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If the price is right. These table-top RT machines commend ridiculous prices at the moment.

yelmarb said:

which I've noticed takes 3.2 litres of chemistry for each bath. That's a lot more than a Fujimoto CP31 which only takes 2 litres of chems/per bath.

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There is a relation between te length of the way the paper has to travel and the speed. Supposing the time to process stays the same. A longer way demands a bigger bath, hence more chemistry. But the faster running machine can process more length paper in the same time.

I've got a Do-Mac 18" RT processor, bought it back in the early 90s. Made by the guy that invented the Spirotone B&W processor and is just as rock solid simple and reliable. Gets used once a week for small jobs. Uses only 1 liter dev and blix and temperature controlled.