The key for me with the Jobo tanks was to start using the Hewes/Jobo stainless steel reels instead of the Jobo plastic ones. Maybe I just lack adequate manual dexterity (though I somehow was able to perform thousands of heart procedures!), but I was very frustrated with the Jobo 1500 series plastic reels. I tried all of the tricks that I read about, but, inevitably the film would get stuck or jammed when the reel was partly loaded and I had to start over and over again. This was not good for my blood pressure. I had used regular Hewes reels before and was thrilled to find the Jobo adapted reels on the Freestyle Photo site. Since switching to them I have had no further problems--the film loads easily first time every time and now my blood pressure is good! They are expensive compared to generic SS reels or Jobo plastic reels, but the lack of hassle is definitely worth it to me and they are so well made and heavy duty that I am going to have to list them in my Will and pass them on one day. =)
I didn't know the jobo system was that versatile! Pretty neat. If I ever decide I shoot enough to justify one I'll probably ebay shop. 500 for the magnet system is too high for me personally. Especially for technology that's been around for as long as it has.
These Jobo videos arrived just at the perfect moment. One of the plastic lids for my steel tanks cracked and I started to consider an upgrade. Now, Jobo is not the cheapest tanks one can buy, but they sure seem to be super versatile. And the best part: they’re still being manufactured with spare parts available. Even better, they are a family business now run by third generation of “Bo’s” (yes, the company name is an acronym formed from the first two letters of its founder’s first and last names) and they still manufacture in Germany. Ahh, I’m quite satisfied now that my processing system is becoming more… systematic :)
That’s not only impressive as a system, but very impressive without a script or referencing any notes, which has to display that you know what you’re talking about!
Great info. I have a bit and piece collection, too. I did not know about the cup/funnel swap out. I have not used it for paper. Because I never knew about the clips... BTW if you have one of the Jobo water bath processors with a cracked or leaking base. I found a fix for it. Position the area to be repaired in as much of a level way as possible. Mask off the area with painters tape with a small tape edge turned up. To dam the area, to keep the patch from running off. The patch is ABS plumbing cement. ABS cement can be found at big box stores for gluing black sewer pipe together. This is as I understand it, ground ABS dissolved in a solvent. It is VERY runny. Brush it on and let it dry you may need a backing piece of tape if the crack is large. Let it dry and repeat to build it up.
Jobo are the best. All is the best: plastic, lids, reels. The system for closing the tanks is simply and genial. Paterson and others are only imitations and they don't work so good like the Jobo.
The JOBO system is so beautiful yet functional. I remember using them at university. I combined multiple extensions so i could develop 10 135 in the same development. So cool. Was hard to invert though :D My teacher always developed 4x5s in those smaller drums securing them with justrubber bands.
Thank you so much for this informative video. Recently started to invest in the Jobo system being given a CPE2 machine. Had most of the tanks you spoke about but had no reels. After hearing about those little clips I’m starting to think who I got it from was mainly processing prints with it. Anyways excited to see more videos and to swap over from a Patterson system. Hope you’re doing well! Keep up the awesome content.
great video on Jobo products. It has got me interested in developing large prints in a drum , but I know nothing about them-- e.g. how to insert paper, volume of chemicals to be used by tank, is there adjustments to development times , how do you wash print in drumetc etc-- a lot of questions in my head. A video on how to use tanks for paper development would be great if that was possible Keep up good work , Gordon
Thanks for the informative video. I think about getting the 1520 tank plus the 1530 extension. Hence, I would be able to load 3 reels loaded with 6 films in 120 format, right? What would be the volume of chemicals needed for inversion or rotation processing?
Great video, very informative. I have one question: Where can I buy the cup and extensions (as spare parts or accessories) for the 25xx series tanks? Do you have the serial number? I would like to use one #2520+extension for a 9x12 color paper.
Proviso on prints in JOBO tanks; they advise against fibre-base prints in their tanks because those ribs in there will ruin fibre paper. Strange they never did anything about that.
I am used to stainless tanks, but would love to give Jobo a shot, especially as I try to develop C41. Can I start with a 2500 series and expand to a setup that would also allow me to double as a print drum for RA4? How big would I need to go?
The short 2500 tank I show and one of the 2800 extensions would let you develop roll and sheet film with the right reels, then attach the extension and process up to 11x14 prints.
There is a version of the 2500 tank that's ideal for two 8x10" prints, but doesn't match up with the size they make for film processing. I believe its called the 2830, and I've collected a few off eBay. Generally the print drums are labeled as 2800 series, and are technically "discontinued," but are part-compatible with the 2500 series.
@ 9:09. Can these be fitted or modded to load 1 or 2 of 2x3” sheet film? Interested in 2509n later on for my 4x5”. But what is my options now on a 1520 tank of I just want 1 or 2 sheets ?
Really wish I had gotten into Jobo instead of Patty… unfortunately buying new in the states is not an option because of who sells it. Maybe I’ll find one locally.
Jobo are a world apart from Paterson. There’s a slender portion on the reel that makes film loading easier. They also don’t leak. I wouldn’t buy Paterson anything tbh.
