Silly Jobo Spiral Question

[numnutz]

Hi - Just about to use my ATL1000 for the first time.
I have the Jobo sheet film reel 2509n for 6 5x4 sheets ready.
One end of the reel is clear plastic and one is black.
Is there a specific way round the reel goes in the tank?

Or doesn't it matter?


thanks in advance

nn

P.S. how will I be able to tell the difference in the dark anyway...

[Joanna Carter]

Hi - Just about to use my ATL1000 for the first time.
I have the Jobo sheet film reel 2509n for 6 5x4 sheets ready.
One end of the reel is clear plastic and one is black.
Is there a specific way round the reel goes in the tank?

Or doesn't it matter?

I don't think it matters. I tend to keep the black end at the top; my theory being that it helps keep out any possible light leaks, but that could well just be a load of rubbish.

P.S. how will I be able to tell the difference in the dark anyway...

You have to remember which way the spiral runs

[Marizu]

That seems like a good idea, Joanna.
I always keep the clear half at the top. I'd assumed that the clear half was for reversal processing of slide film using light for the reversing.
Doing it my way does make the spiral left-handed in the changing bag, though.
I think I'll switch

[Bogdan_B]

P.S. how will I be able to tell the difference in the dark anyway...

You can tell by inserting the center core or the drum outside the tent/changing bag. I too keep the black side at the top for no reason, other than keeping things consistent.

[Marizu]

I can tell the difference in the dark because I leave the centre axle in (which is needed for the light trap).
I don't use the 'wings' because they don't fit in my tank.
If I develop 6 films, the centre ones on each side tend to come put a bit which can put some small scratches up the sides of the negs.
As the Jobo spins longer in one direction than the other, I'm wondering whether the 'handedness' of the spools retain the film better without wings if the black is at the top.
I'll test next time.

[Joanna Carter]

I don't use the 'wings' because they don't fit in my tank.

In that case, you're doing something wrong, because the wings are meant to be completely enclosed within the reel.

If I develop 6 films, the centre ones on each side tend to come put a bit which can put some small scratches up the sides of the negs.
As the Jobo spins longer in one direction than the other, I'm wondering whether the 'handedness' of the spools retain the film better without wings if the black is at the top.

If you are using the 2509n reels, you should be using the wings to ensure even development and to retain the films properly. Give me a call if you want.

[richard littlewood]

Some films stay put without the wings. Foma 100 will, but FP4 might move on the inner slot. I've dedicated way too much time to 2509 reels (on my website under equipment/film development). The 2509 reels are a bit of a compromise, and seem to suit some folks better than others. As for the reel colour, I reckon it's so a black half always fits a clear half!