micha
Hi. Does anyone know about this? Which is easier to use: the Jobo developer tins, or those tanks where you load the films side by side into a square container? What’s the point of the loading aid on the Jobo drums? I’d really appreciate a reply.
Thanks
Gast
Hi Micha,
I’ve been using the Jobo Drum without a loading aid so far.
It’s not the most convenient option; the classic square processor is a bit simpler to use.
I opted for the Drum because I only need to develop 4x5 or 9x12 formats occasionally, and the Jobo processor always gives me a very consistent development.
I prefer to use an older processor, which rotates at 50 rpm instead of 75 rpm, to achieve a slightly softer development initially.
Even though I only use it now and then, I always get very consistent development with good agitation of the sheets and, if necessary – e.g. for very long (push) develops – a heated jacket bath as well.
First of all, you should definitely consider how many films you expect to develop.
For larger quantities, you’ll certainly want to get the loading aid.
Enjoy your new 4x5 kit,
Jü
micha
Hi Jörg,
Thanks for your quick reply. I reckon I’ll be working almost exclusively with my Sinar F2 from now on. I’m going to sell my Hasselblad Flexbody. It just doesn’t have a very wide range of adjustment.
I’ll probably go for the Jobo as well, but I’ll be developing by hand as I don’t have the money or space for a processor. The loading aid is quite expensive, which is why I’m asking.
Bye for now, Micha
Gast
I can only agree – it works perfectly well without a loading aid; you just have to make sure that each film is properly seated in its own slot. (I’ve already messed up 2 or 3). The rotating drum (Processor with lift) has the advantage that the film is ‘dipped’ evenly. I had a batch in Emofin that I loaded and rolled by hand, which then showed a step, probably due to the time between loading and tilting/rolling. This is absolutely not an issue with Rodinal or T-Max or similar.
Gast
Hi Micha,
I’ve been using the large Jobo can manually for years now, and it works a right fine. I chose that can back then simply because I didn’t know any better. The dealer who sold it to me back then advised me to only load the can with four films, so there’s less risk of accidentally putting two films in one slot. Of course, I didn’t believe him and promptly ruined two films. But that was it – the loading aid really isn’t necessary. A while ago, I bought a second-hand processor on eBay; it really didn’t cost the earth and I’m now absolutely chuffed with it. I reckon a second-hand processor pays for itself over time, if only because of the much lower chemical consumption. 270ml in the processor and about 1.5 litres by hand.
Cheers, Sven.
Gast
Hi Micha,
I’ve just thought of one more thing: go for a Jobo, not those square American tanks. They cost a small fortune too; they’re a bit easier to fill with film, but much harder to fill and empty with chemicals. What’s more, they leak a lot more, or rather, they’re harder to screw shut properly.
Regards
Martin
micha
Hi everyone.
Thanks for all the tips. I’ll have a look around for a Jobo drum. And maybe a processor as well. Thanks again for the tips.
Best wishes to all film enthusiasts from Dresden
Micha
Gast
I develop the sheet films in an AP; the spirals stay out, and the spindle tube has to be inserted, of course.
The can holds two 4x5 (9x12) sheet films. I place the sheet films in the can with the emulsion side facing inwards.
When conducting the development of two sheet films, I tape them together at the back using TesaFilm.
For the canister, I’ve cobbled together a rotating mechanism using a barbecue motor, four furniture castors and a piece of worktop from the bulky waste. It sounds a bit wild and looks rather unprofessional, but it works a treat.
I also own one of those US Wundertanks, though I almost never manage to gather enough film to fill it economically within a reasonable time.
Of course, you can also develop the film the old-fashioned way in a tray.
Regards
Matthias
