Been offered a Jobo CPE2

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Hi all, I do a little mono processing with 35mm/120 using a Paterson tank. I'm a low volume film user but like the format but shoot mostly digital. I have been offered a Jobo CPE2 processor at a good price. I'm assured it is all working and comes with choice of several drums. Of course, I'd like it, but is it really any use to me? I suspect not. I presume something like this comes into it's own if you are a high volume user processing several rolls at once, want to try rotary developing or maybe C41? Should I buy it, these seem quite dodgy nowadays with lots of references to dodgy motors and temperature control. I'm assured 'it's the German version' (yes, I know they are all 'German'), but does this mean there was some difference for their home market? Thanks
 
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Can't help on any differences with the "German version", but I bought a CPE2 as I fancied doing some E6 processing and I bought it from an older guy who had belonged to the Postal Photographic Society* (or something like that). It was his pride and joy and he was clearly being forced (boo!) to give up his darkroom in the garage, so I bought it from him as it had clearly been well looked after. I think I've used it twice as a trial only, since constant agitation is just not needed for mono processing of films unless it is for a specific purpose. It can certainly do prints as well in the daylight after the tank has been loaded in the dark, so maybe that's an attraction for you? The must-have accessory for some is the Lift as it will empty the different chemicals automatically and keep your hands clean, which is a bigger bonus on multi- bath E6 processes.

*Possibly this bunch http://www.postalphotoclub.org.uk/about.html
 
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Thanks for your input Peter, it's one of those things I'm trying to justify getting as we all like 'gear', but I don't think there is a proper need. I know it doesn't have a lift and have read many articles on the merits of or not. Not doing any print processing, I scan my films. Thanks.
 
I love my CPP2 + lift. Wouldn't be without it for colour film development and I'm sure it's already paid for itself. I wouldn't bother using it for B&W as it's so easy to do by hand. I tried it for RA4 prints, but I much prefer using a Nova tank for that.
 
I had one for a while and was impressed with it, it did have the lift and the motor and thermostat were all functioning as they should but unless you have room to leave it set up and are processing a reasonable amount of film I wouldn't bother.
 
as above, its a big beastie. Ive one and have it permanently out in the spare bathroom. I wouldnt say im a heavy user but it does make like a whole lot easier and saves a lot of money on chems since it uses so little. The days of standing over the kitchen sink manually tipping up and down and getting chems all over the place are happily gone :) If its a good price, and they do fetch silly money for what they do, then get it.
 
I have one and it makes going through a lot of film a total breeze. Not to mention the chemical yields are much better using one of these. I have probably saved about 30% of the chems I would have used over both B&W and C41 processing by using my Jobo.

Get it!
 
Guys, on making further enquiries I have been told this is a CPA2, not E. I don't think this makes much difference, only automatic temperature control, not manual? Anyone know or affect the previous answers? Sorry, and thanks for your help.
 
The CPA is a lot bigger than the CPE. It has more slots (6?) for chemical bottles and can fit longer print and fim tanks. I'd check the specs online before buying if you have limited space. I think it's roughly the same size as my CPP2 - which takes up quite a bit of room (but incidently, isn't very heavy or difficult to move around, as all the weight is at one end).
 
FujiLove said:
The CPA is a lot bigger than the CPE. It has more slots (6?) for chemical bottles and can fit longer print and fim tanks. I'd check the specs online before buying if you have limited space. I think it's roughly the same size as my CPP2 - which takes up quite a bit of room (but incidently, isn't very heavy or difficult to move around, as all the weight is at one end).
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Quite heavy if its full of water though ;)
 
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