Just wondering given that it is pretty pricey. The temperature control looks pretty crude and no built in circulation pump, otherwise appears to be pretty novel the same as the CPE-2 within reportedly heavier duty motor..
Given no response, I’m guessing that few use this Jobo. I decided to spend a minimal amount of money on my Jobo CPE-2 Plus to get it up and running. It needs a drain hose, four 500ml plastic bottles and a couple of costly drive gears. I’ve found most of my old gear and filled in with new when needed, so I should be up and running within a couple of weeks. I’m starting back with B&W 35mm Tri-x, TMax 400 and Delta 100. I’ve been shooting color and sending out, so will also try the two bath Cinestill C-41 process.
I use a CPE-2 to develop all my film, C41, B&W, ECN-2, and E6 from 35mm all the way to 8x10.
For me the price difference between a refurbished CPE-2 and the new CPE-3 was not worth it at the time of purchase, and I don't have space for the much larger CPP models. If my JOBO were to break completely beyond repair (unlikely I think) I would definitely replace it with another one, I can't fathom having to go back to developing film without the lift.
I did buy and install the 6 slot conversion kit so that I can fit all the bottles for more complicated processes in the water bath (E6 in particular). I also use a cheap sous vide circulator to assist the JOBO with the water bath. It saves time on getting the bath and chems up to temp, though the JOBO will eventually get there on its own.
Thank you. I have, from 15 years in storage, a CPE-2 Plus. It sounds like an upgrade isn’t of any great advantage. I ordered new drive gears and a drain hose. I’m also missing the roller risers, so stuck with 2000 series tanks for now. The riser kit is a bit expensive so I’ll wait to make sure that I can actually get this up and running before spending that money.. I wasn’t aware of the six bottle conversion kit. Thanks for that information. It sounds like a good idea.
In my darkroom days I had an ATL2 plus Autolab. I did everything with it. Had to replace lift gears twice over my time with it along with one water pump. It was a hard unit to tear down to work on.
