Who Uses Jobo to Print BW Paper?

RedSun · Apr 29, 2014

I know Jobo does not recommend fiber BW papers. So just wonder if anyone still prints BW paper in Jobo drums, either RC or fiber....

(Mod, please move this to Darkroom: B&W please.)

Muihlinn · Apr 29, 2014

I doit only with 20x24 sheets of RC paper. Saves a lot of chemicals and fuss. Smaller prints are done in a nova.

I do even make selenium toner in it. nifty.

RedSun · Apr 29, 2014

Any change with processing time (compared with tray)?

Muihlinn · Apr 29, 2014

not really, if you don't count rinsing the paper first. Take a look to this:

http://www.jobo.com/web/jobo_servic...tructions/instructions_process_b-w_prints.htm

for toning I do use a highly concentrated solution for a short time, à la Bob Carnie.

markbarendt · Apr 29, 2014

I do it too, all sizes up to 16x20.

Obviously you can't see the image come up so using ideas like factors that Ansel Adams used aren't practical.

I use 2-minutes normally at 68 degrees, if things are warmer maybe 1-1/2, colder maybe 3-4.

Consistency is more important than the specific time.

Experiment a bit and you'll find a good number.

Dr Croubie · Apr 29, 2014

Just did my first pinhole negs (MGiv, RC, 8x10 and 11x14) in my Jobo 2840. Mostly because I was down at the shack, no darkroom (just dark enough to get paper from box to suitcase-camera and suitcase to tank with a bit of 'flashing' from the not-very-well-covered window).
Hand-rolled in the sink, gave it a few mins in each of MG and Fix, obviously couldn't see what I was doing so just gave it 'long enough'.
Also did an 11x14 HDPP FB. No ill effects.
Why exactly does jobo say no FB paper? I was thinking it would be perfect for an hour of washing FB, just leave it running while you watch TV, change water in the ad-breaks...

Muihlinn · Apr 29, 2014

the ridges inside the tanks may mark the paper when wet. get a siphon for washing, it will be cheaper than having your jobo on for an hour.

RedSun · Apr 29, 2014

I have the Jobo siphon, but do not know when to use it.

Muihlinn · Apr 29, 2014

I mean a Kodak tray siphon, or similar. Afaik the jobo siphon is to empty containers

anikin · Apr 29, 2014

For large prints I would not want to do it any other way. Minimal amount of chemistry needed, and minimal chances of creasing or scratching. I process and rinse in the Jobo, and then wash in a large tray.

For small prints, you can't beat Nova processor. So, I typically use both when printing large prints - use Nova to determine exposure and filtration, then Jobo to process the actual large prints.

I've never seen any markings from the ridges. I don't think it's a problem at all.

RedSun · Apr 29, 2014

Can you use Perma Wash and reduce washing? So fiber paper is fine with Jobo?

grahamp · Apr 29, 2014

I have done 20x16 fibre prints in a Jobo tank by hand rolling. I consider it a special case. I did it when I only had to make a couple of large prints, and did not have large trays. I did my proofing prints using 8x10 trays.

Washing was done in a modified 11x14 Versalab wash tank in my case. Washing in a Jobo tank with fibre paper is not going to be as efficient as a tank - the water will not reach the back of the print.

wildbill · Apr 29, 2014

I've yet to try doing large fiber prints in my jobo because I've been told the weight of the wet paper will cause it to collapse on itself. There are several threads on the subject but I don't recall anyone doing it successfully. why not just try it and report your findings?

anikin · Apr 29, 2014

wildbill said:
I've yet to try doing large fiber prints in my jobo because I've been told the weight of the wet paper will cause it to collapse on itself. There are several threads on the subject but I don't recall anyone doing it successfully. why not just try it and report your findings?

Paper collapsing is an urban legend. Once the drum gets wet, the paper sticks like glue and you'll even have hard time peeling that paper off of the drum walls. At least that has been my experience. And yes, I have been developing fiber in drums. Many times.

wildbill · Apr 29, 2014

anikin said:
Paper collapsing is an urban legend. Once the drum gets wet, the paper sticks like glue and you'll even have hard time peeling that paper off of the drum walls. At least that has been my experience. And yes, I have been developing fiber in drums. Many times.

good to know. I have the 3063 drum which I've yet to use and am in the process of building a slot washer for large prints.

Muihlinn · Apr 29, 2014

anikin said:
I've never seen any markings from the ridges. I don't think it's a problem at all.

I haven't either, but I'm conservative giving advice

Sal Santamaura · Apr 29, 2014

Here's a 1-1/2 year old post of mine that will refer you to abundant information on the subject:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Mark_S · May 2, 2014

I prefer tray processing, but with my last darkroom move, I went from one 8' long sink to two smaller sinks - one 5' and one 6' - the new sinks are narrower, so I can't fit the larger size trays in them to process large prints. I like to set up a line of 7 trays for printing (dev, stop, fix1, fix2, water hold, HCA, water wash), and I can't do that with trays for bigger than 11x14 prints. for 16x20 and 20x24 I use the Jobo drum and processor for develop, stop, fix, rinse then go to trays for water, HCA, wash.

The main issues that I have had are my own fault - you need to rinse the empty drum out really well prior to starting the next print - residual fix on a print before developer is not good .

I tone in trays since you really have to be looking at the print for that.

Tip to people who are building a new darkroom: the sink that you are considering isn't big enough.

Who Uses Jobo to Print BW Paper?

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