Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/12/02
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Martin >>Should I get a JOBO?<< I thought about getting a Jobo CPE/CPA/CPE. But I tried Bessler/Unicolor roller bases with Jobo tanks. Works great. I'm not too anxious to get a tub system now. You're probably familiar with the roller bases. Rather than a tub design it's a small motor base with wheels on top that will roll a tank bidirectionally. The roller base costs less than Jobo. I have 2. I paid $25 for the first and $10 for the second, both used. The roller unit is much smaller than a Jobo. It's easier to set up and to store. It lacks the water bath temperature control. That hasn't been a problem for b/w. Temps only change a degree or two. I use my own times for Xtol and TMAX RS. Development is very consistent. I can develop 2-6 rolls at a time with each unit. I've developed my own film for years. I just got tired of agitating tanks (and paper trays). I use the roller bases for both film and paper. I use Jobo and Unicolor tanks. I even built my own tanks out of PVC pipe for developing up to 20x24 prints. Much better than using trays. Newer films seem to really like constant agitation. I'm shooting TMax and liking it better than ever. I've had some success with color but my home darkroom is really set up for b/w only. A Jobo tub system is probably better for color. Overall it's probably better for b/w too, but the roller base options has worked well for me. Dave - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html