Taking the plunge

[daniel]

Firstly this forum is a fantastic source of information, especially on the dwindling topic of traditional darkroom methods.

Having moved back to South Africa, I was faced with the fact that film and this country are no longer friends. Finding a pro lab that didn't mess the processing up is now damn near impossible.

Luckily I found a Jobo Duolab for sale and quickly snapped it up and now I'm in the process of working out how the hell you use this thing and getting chemicals.

For a total newbie in processing, this forum has helped so far, so this is me saying thanks.

Any tips on using the Jobo range would be greatly appreciated

[Malcolm_Stewart]

I used a Jobo Duolab for several years for processing my E6 Provia 100 films (35mm) and still have it, the instruction manual and servicing info. I can't remember when I last used it, as digital took over and it became uneconomic to buy the chemicals.

I assume you have the correct tank lid to engage with the Duolab's drive cog, and plenty of the square bottles?

If you need any help get back to me.

[daniel]

Thanks for the offer.

I do have all the bottles, I've ordered a tank that will work with 120 film and hopefully they have the cog in stock.

Whilst the chemicals might be a little more expensive, shooting film on a pro level here in Africa is a pain in the ass, so it's the price you have to pay i guess.

Then again, film equipment is incredibly cheap at the moment, so you can offset the cost of processing in some way.

[Malcolm_Stewart]

Bear in mind that there's two different sizes of cogged tank lids in the Jobo range. The correct one for the Duolab is 6cm. diam across the OD of the cogs. I'd expect the other smaller cogged lid (4.5cm diam.) is for other units in Jobo's range.

[daniel]

Now that i didn't know, ta!

If you happen to know of any supplier that might still sell the lids that would be handy.

[Malcolm_Stewart]

Sorry I don't know of suppliers but this old article gives part numbers for the special lid.

Jobo Quarterly 3/1995

You could register an interest with The Secondhand Darkroom people and see what turns up. There's also Nova Darkroom from whom I bought my chemistry. There's also Mr CAD with a now rare extensive darkroom section.


Sorry I don't know any in SA.