Processed my first E6

[Joanna Carter]

Patrick, I've just noticed that you said you are not using the lid? Uhoh!! I really suggest you read the instructions.

[Patrick Dixon]

OK, this is what I have:-



I already had the 4x5 reel, the 2500 tank and lid came from the print drum that came with the CPE2, the 1500 tank/column/funnel/lid came from SDS - as did the 120/35mm reel. As per someone on here's helpful advice, I used the funnel and core with print drum base and lid to process the 4x5s - without issue. But had problems with the SDS supplied drum and reel. I don't know if you can see the different clip/rotate mechanism on the two lids? But the lack of seal didn't seem a problem with the larger drum.

[Patrick Dixon]

Patrick, I've just noticed that you said you are not using the lid? Uhoh!! I really suggest you read the instructions.

Joanna - I watched the instructions and there was no sign of TP using a cap!

So what's this red seal all about then?

[Joanna Carter]

OK, this is what I have:-

...

I already had the 4x5 reel, the 2500 tank and lid came from the print drum that came with the CPE2, the 1500 tank/column/funnel/lid came from SDS - as did the 120/35mm reel. As per someone on here's helpful advice, I used the funnel and core with print drum base and lid to process the 4x5s - without issue. But had problems with the SDS supplied drum and reel. I don't know if you can see the different clip/rotate mechanism on the two lids? But the lack of seal didn't seem a problem with the larger drum.

As I said - RTBM

If you are using the magnet drive, then you should use a lid for both tanks. The only reason the chemistry stayed in the tank, with the 2500, is because the shoulder is deep enough, whereas, with the 1500, it isn't.

You don't appear to be using a core with the 1500 tank?

[Patrick Dixon]

I used the same core and funnel with both - I can only attach one drum at a time so it's not a big problem!

[Joanna Carter]

Joanna - I watched the instructions and there was no sign of TP using a cap!

You might have watched Tim's videos but you didn't notice that he is using a 2500 tank with a cog drive lid - this doesn't have a cap because it is really intended for use on a lift mechanism. The lids you are using are for magnet drive use and require a lid.

So what's this red seal all about then?

Take a look at Tim's second video, where he pours out the chemistry. You should see a thin red seal around the small neck opening. This is what usually seals against the lift mechanism to ensure liquids being poured through the lift don't leak out.

[Patrick Dixon]

OK thanks.

When it's all new to you, you don't understand or recognise all the subtle differences between different tanks, lids, reels, processors etc, etc. There's a lot of combinations and versions, and not much documentation of the differences - which is why it's so great to have info and experience from users on this and other fora!

I guess the red seal is only on the 'lift' lids then - so it looks like I have what I need and just need to use the cap - with the smaller tank at least.

[Joanna Carter]

When it's all new to you, you don't understand or recognise all the subtle differences between different tanks, lids, reels, processors etc, etc. There's a lot of combinations and versions, and not much documentation of the differences

As they say, the devil is in the detail

- which is why it's so great to have info and experience from users on this and other fora!

Don't worry, the time will come when you have just that nugget of information for someone else.

I guess the red seal is only on the 'lift' lids then - so it looks like I have what I need and just need to use the cap - with the smaller tank at least.

I would recommend you use the lid, even on the 2500, just allow a few seconds on the dev times for getting it off. Oh, and be sure to "pressurise" the lid by pressing in the middle before sealing it; some of the chemistry gives off gases which can blow the lid off if you don't allow for the extra volume.

[Patrick Dixon]

Don't worry, the time will come when you have just that nugget of information for someone else.

You mean I haven't posted any 'nuggets' yet?

[timparkin]

OK thanks.

When it's all new to you, you don't understand or recognise all the subtle differences between different tanks, lids, reels, processors etc, etc. There's a lot of combinations and versions, and not much documentation of the differences - which is why it's so great to have info and experience from users on this and other fora!

I guess the red seal is only on the 'lift' lids then - so it looks like I have what I need and just need to use the cap - with the smaller tank at least.

Don't worry - I made exactly the same mistake trying to develop some film in the 15xx drum... filled the bath with chems..

Tim

[Patrick Dixon]

Read the f**king manual Tim!!!

(Then I wouldn't have to!)

It was a gash film anyway because I messed up loading my Rolleiflex - so a good one to make a mistake on.

Dead Sunflowers:-

[timparkin]

Read the f**king manual Tim!!!

(Then I wouldn't have to!)

It was a gash film anyway because I messed up loading my Rolleiflex - so a good one to make a mistake on.

Dead Sunflowers:-

I'm looking at filming a sequel to my first movie where I just read the manual in a Laurence Olivier voice..

[Joanna Carter]

I'm looking at filming a sequel to my first movie where I just read the manual in a Laurence Olivier voice..

Heheh. I write tutorials for software developers. It is always a problem when you are an expert in your field but forget that not everybody thinks and does things the way you do.

I recently published a forty-plus page tutorial on Mac programming, which worked perfectly for me. Then a good friend got hold of it and very quickly found a problem; instead of using the keyboard to move from one editing field to another, he used the mouse, which didn't trigger the same validations.

There is no such thing as a "simple" tutorial, there is usually more than one way of doing things and definitely points that the writer can miss or the reader find. The moral is: authors have to think like they don't know what they are doing or, preferably give the tutorial to somebody who isn't even interested in the subject; readers should never skip details or assume that, just because the tutorial looks good, it is correct in every respect.

Tim, I thought your tutorial was excellent but, I have only ever used the exact same tank that you used (complete with cog drive) and didn't spot the fact that the cog drive is optional. It took some research on the Jobo documentation site to determine the different configurations possible. Perhaps the only thing you need to add to your tutorial is a quick overview of the differences in tank options.

For those who need the manuals and instructions for Jobo processors, here is Jobo's site.

[timparkin]

It is always a problem when you are an expert in your field but forget that not everybody thinks and does things the way you do.

I hope nobody thinks I'm an expert! The point of the video was "This was only my second attempt and look how easy it is"

I'll expand on what I've started putting up though as I'm doing some 120 developing soon too..

Tim