Thermaphot ACP 305 Processor Experience

[yelmarb]

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?

 

[mshchem]

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.

 

[yelmarb]

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.

I would have thought someone may have owned one…

 

[mshchem]

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.

 

[koraks]

Has anyone owned one?

Nope.

Are they reliable?

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'.

Can you still get parts for them?

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

Would you buy another one if you had the chance?

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

 

[gary mulder]

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.

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.

 

[UnderwoodPhoto]

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.