aXL
Hi there, lads.
I’ve just been offered a large-format paper developing machine. As I reckon and hope to be processing a bit more volume (on PE) soon, I’m seriously considering buying it.
It’s a Metoform 60, which, as far as I know, is or was designed for RA-4.
What do I need to bear in mind if I want to put this little machine into operation in my home lab? :lol:
Is special machine chemistry recommended, or will it work with standard chemistry (N113 for example, or Eukobrom)? What actually distinguishes machine chemistry from the standard kind? Is it about processing times – is machine chemistry simply faster?
I’m getting a regeneration unit with it. Does that make sense for black and white?
What’s the best way to set up the baths? As far as I know, the machine has four tanks and operates on a dry-to-dry cycle. So the washing is built-in. Developer, Fix 1, Fix 2 and washing? Or perhaps two washings? Or maybe Dokumol in the first, Centrabrom in the second, then Fix and finally water?
And while I’m on the subject of coming up with odd ideas: is a toner bath (blue?) possible, or will I completely ruin the machine with it? :o
Thanks for your tips! :)
Axel
MKL
Hello,
I have a CAP-40 with three tanks and fill it with N113, stop bath and fixer. I do the washing separately. You can also use a two-bath fixing process and omit the stop bath if the machine squeezes the paper well via rollers, thereby preventing the chemicals from being carried over. Mine takes about 2 minutes per bath (it’s actually designed for Cibachrome/Ilfochrome) and works perfectly. Any formats smaller than 13x18 are too small for my machine. Only PE papers work. I don’t regenerate the baths, as they all need to be changed at the same time.
Best regards,
Michael
