Jobo CPE-2 Plus Processor

There are only three important variables when developing film and prints. The three are time, temperature, and agitation. As you may or may not know, when developing black and white film by hand without a processor, you change the development time based on changes in room temperature. With B/W film, there is a set formula (for a given chemical developer/dilution) that dictates any increase in temperature will result in a decrease in time, and vice-versa. It's important to realize that this is not true with color film. There is no uniform correction with respect to time and temperature, and therefore it's difficult to develop color film consistently without a processor that controls the temperature accurately. The following is an explanation of how the CPE-2 Plus handles the three variables. The CPE-2 Plus Processor does not automatically time the filling and draining of the chemical and rinse steps. In order to achieve the correct timing, you will need a manual darkroom timer, or a more sophisticated timer. The way you fill and drain chemicals differs with whether or not you're using the processor with the optional Lift Accessory. The CPE-2 Plus Processor uses a water-bath to ensure even tempering of the chemicals, and the tank or drum that contains the exposed paper or film. This is important with B/W processing to help you be more consistent -- but it's not critical. You don't need to install the CPE-2 Plus in a darkroom.

Once the lids are closed on the tanks, they are completely light-tight. One processor is used to develop 35mm, 120, and 220 roll film, as well as up to 12 sheets of 4x5" film, and prints up to 11x14". The CPE-2 Plus uses a bi-directional rotation system to agitate the solutions. It's very important that the rotation is bi-directional because it prevents the chemicals from forming flow patterns which could result in improper processing. Another important point to mention about agitation is the perception that rotary processing increases agitation and therefore must result in a decrease in process time or over-developed negatives will result. This is true! The same can be said of an increase in temperature causing over-development. This increased agitation can yield shorter development times without a decrease in consistency or process quality. There are two ways to operate the CPE-2 Plus. The first is without the optional Lift Accessory, and the second is with the Lift. The only differences between the two methods are how you attach the tank or drum to the processor, and how you fill and drain the processing tanks and drums that hold the film and paper.

Jobo CPP-2 & CPA-2 Processors

The CPP-2 and CPA-2 Processors are very similar. Both use a recalculating water bath to temper the chemicals, and both have the same maximum capacities. These processors are designed for advanced amateurs and small labs. There are four differences between the two. The CPP-2 has a cold-water solenoid to allow you to either cool the process down below room temperature, or to quickly lower the temperature of the water bath (i.e. changing from a C-41 process at 38 deg C to an RA-4 process at 35 deg .

The CPP-2 uses an integrated digital thermometer which allows it to hold the temperature of the process to within +/- 0.1 deg C. The CPA-2 uses a different temperature probe which holds the temperature to within +/- 0.2 deg C. This is really only an issue with the C-41 process. It's much easier to set the temperature on the CPP-2. You program the temperature using three knobs for the tens, ones, and tenths of degrees. With the CPA-2, you dial in the temperature with one knob. The CPP-2 displays the water bath temperature on a digital LED readout. The CPA-2 comes with a traditional color thermometer.

JoMate Conversion Kit

Use the JoMate Conversion Kit #200019 to transform your CPE-2 Plus rotary-style film and print processor to an 8x10" temperature controlled dip-n-dunk style print processor. You'll then be able to replenish your chemicals to save money. The JoMate comes with an installation rack, four 8x10" print slots, and a #200007 Print Clip. (The CPE-2 Plus shown grayed out is available separately).