jobo 3000 drum or cpe 2+

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I want to start processing my B&W film (120 and 4x5).Because the bathroom in my apartment is very small,it's difficult for me to do tray processing .I am thinking to get an either CPE 2 ,or one of the 3000 drums to do by hand.I know CPE 2 costs more ,but I saw some used ones at Midwest camers exchange for reasonable price.I like CPE 2 because it controls tempretrue and the machine does all the work.But,then I read on this froum and jobo webpage that 3000 drums are very good.I don't want to go for the Cpp or CPA,they are too expensive .So I hope to get some suggestions.Thanks.

-- tao wu (twu@math.nwu.edu), January 10, 2000

Answers

I use a 3005 drum in a CPP-2 for 8x10 film. For 4x5, you have the option of using reels with a CPE 2. I have not tried the reels, but I read on Jobo's site that the reels do not develop the film as evenly as the 3000 drums. I first tired the 3005 drum on a motor base (there in one on ebay now). The base rotates the tank. You have to pour the chemicals in a 3000 drum while the drum is rotating. On a CPP-2, the lift does this. On a motor base, you need a special long-tube funnel, which can be found at automotive stores. The motor base worked okay for me. You have to watch that the drum does not rotate off the base. I noticed a significant amount of temperature drift with the base. I used the base in the summer, and developer temperature was drifting up about 4 degrees by the end of development.

You have two choices: temperature control and ease of uses with a CPE- 2, or more even development with the drum. From what I read on this site, those who use a CPE-2, do not experience problems.

If you did want to go with a CPA-2/CPP-2, get one used. A CPA-2 with lift can be had for about $650, but these processors are large, and appear to belong in a darkroom. Mine is an eyesore in my little apartment.

-- William Marderness (wmarderness@hotmail.com), January 10, 2000.


The 4x5 drums for the CPE2 Plus do an excellent job if you only load four sheets per drum. They're not as good as the expert drums, but quite acceptable even for critical work. Whatever you do, get the Jobo Lift. It is well worth the price.

-- Darron Spohn (dspohn@photobitstream.com), January 11, 2000.

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