What tank for JOBO CPE2 without lift?

[iandvaag]

I found a CPE2 (non-plus) without lift locally for a reasonable price. Unfortunately, it came with no developing tank or reels. Boy are they expensive! What tank do you recommend? Some things to consider:
-The CPE2 is rated for 600mL max
-I plan to use it primarily for 120 format E6 processing.
-I like to wait until I have accumulate a batch (~15 films) before processing and I'd like to run as few cycles as possible.
-I currently am unable to find a suitable E6 bleach, so I'm stuck using 3-bath liquid kits and separating out bleach and fix via the method Rudeofus outlined. All this to say, the kit makes 1 litre, and I'd like to process the maximum number of 120 films through it.

Which tank do you think is suitable? Right now I'm thinking of the 1540. It would hold 4 rolls of 120 and use 470mL, allowing me to get the full stated 8 rolls out of a 1 quart kit.

I'm pretty sure I need the magnet to be able to use it. Do I also need the cog lid to be able to empty and fill the tank quickly, or can I just buy one with the inversion lid and leave the lid off? Any advice is welcome.

 

[Soeren]

Youll need the inversion type lids and don't want the coq lids. They are for the lift.

 

[iandvaag]

Thanks. Does that mean the cog lids won't work with this setup, or simply that they aren't required?

Also, is the 1530 coupled to the 1510 equivalent to the 1540?

 

[Soeren]

They aren't required and your Drums will be open so I would advise not to use them without the lift.

 

[bdial]

You could use a cog lid, but I don't think stoppers are available for them. If you don't have a lift then the base of the tank faces the motor to engage the magnet.

 

[iandvaag]

Is a stopper required? This guy doesn't seem to have one. I was under the impression that the solution level in the developing tank was low enough that a lid was not required.

 

[keithcraigs]

you would typically use the inversion tank as others have stated. I have a few tanks with the cog lid and can use them successfully on my non-lift CPE. You will need the magnet base, they can be bought separately and you can even move them from tank to tank if you don't have enough. You can also remove the cog lid and use the inversion stopper if you are sure you won't ever be using a lift. This will more than likely destroy the cog lid.

 

[iandvaag]

I just want to make sure -- If I bought this kit and added a magnet, this would be compatible with the CPE2 without lift, right?

Thanks for all the help.

 

[MattKing]

I just want to make sure -- If I bought this kit and added a magnet, this would be compatible with the CPE2 without lift, right?

Thanks for all the help.

Most likely yes.

And CatLabs will be happy to help with advice!

 

[iandvaag]

Great advice. Thanks.

 

[CatLABS]

. You can also remove the cog lid and use the inversion stopper if you are sure you won't ever be using a lift. This will more than likely destroy the cog lid.

Thats not true. Youtube for demo video.

Also - moving the magnet from one base to another will wear it out VERY fast, they do not last long when that is done.
While a #6 stopper will plug the opening of the cog lid, it would be much easier to use the regular inversion lid with a magnet drive, it pours in and out faster, and allows you to more easily invert (required for the first 30 seconds of any solution before attaching to the machine).

In any case, if you use the rotation amounts, they are lower then the opening in the cog, if you wanted a larger amount (for higher dilution or any other reason), you will get some spillage if the lid is not closed/plugged.

 

[keithcraigs]

please clarify that you don't think the cog will be damaged, your post looks like you are saying you can't remove the lid.

 

[iandvaag]

The cog can be removed without damage, as evidenced in the demo video referred to.

 

[adelorenzo]

I use the three-reel tank with my CPE, so that is the 1520+1530 combo with the inversion lid. Six rolls of film. The minimum quantity of developer is listed as 570 ml, I use 600 ml for a full load of film without any issue. Using the three-bath Tetenal E-6 and C-41 kits.

 

[iandvaag]

adelorenzo, do you reuse chemicals from the 3-bath kits? If so, do you notice any adverse effects? If not, what do you do with the remaining 400mL of chemicals from the 1L kits?

 

[adelorenzo]

adelorenzo, do you reuse chemicals from the 3-bath kits? If so, do you notice any adverse effects? If not, what do you do with the remaining 400mL of chemicals from the 1L kits?

With C-41 I just pour the chemicals back into the 1 L bottle when done. I figure that only using 60% of the chemicals at one time means that I should be able to get more use out of the kit. They are rated for 16 rolls per litre so I normally do 20-24 rolls with a 1 L kit and I've always had consistent results. I extend my first developer and blix times as per the instructions.

The E-6 I've done so far has been one shot just because I don't shoot a lot of it. I've got a fresh kit sitting on the shelf and a bunch of new film to shoot so I'll follow the above method and see how it goes.