Topic: Loading the Jobo 2509n

[original_ann]

Hi guys and gals -

OK, here are pics of my JOBO 2509n reel and the film loader thing.  As mentioned in the "Finally... Some LF Results" topic, I lamented about still not being able to successfully figure out how to load sheets. 

Ken, others - anyone have this thing? Can you give me a little lesson in rocket science, please? 

[Sorry, image deleted during forum software upgrade. Please re-upload if so inclined.]

[original_ann]

sorry for the digital uploads everyone - - some of you may need to avert your eyes!

[vicky slater]

No idea, Ann, but good luck with it!

[sapata]

I don't know myself ,  I own the Combi Plan and I'm very happy with it... easy to load the film and chemicals.
http://www.amazon.com/Combi-Plan-Sheet-Film-Developing-System/dp/B0000ALKEH

In the mean time you can register here and get some brilliant advice, I'm sure someone there will know about it !

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/
http://www.lf-photo.org.uk/forum/index.php

Good luck !

[original_ann]

Vicky it's exasperating!! 

sapata - yours looks like a great system - - you can use it for glass negs too!  I have a unicolor drum roller upon which I'll be putting my tank so I don't have to agitate by hand - - that is... if I ever get this loaded on my own. 

 I've gotten advice before and I've read other forums where the SAME question has been asked and answered but my problem is that I cannot visualize what people are choosing to put into words. 

Ihave been trying to practice in the light to no avail. The film won't go in to the grooves easily and when I do manage to get a sheet to go in, it often starts to come out as it hits a curve in the reel, rather than stay in the grooves and hug the curve of the reel.

[sapata]

I did a few research before buying my tank and pretty much everyone recomended the Combiplan. As you said you can even process plates ! The negs goes very easy on the slot... I actually find it easier than loading a 120 film !

[rdbkorn]

Ann, I bought the loader accessory for the 2509N reels, and quickly came to the conclusion that it was more hindrance than help. I just load the sheets by feel into the slots without using the loader. It takes a bit of practice to get it right, but I was able to load the 2509N reels using a dark bag before I had my darkroom set up.

[original_ann]

Paul - okay I will try without the loader - - sounds like many in forums say forget that thing.... but how on earth...

where do you position your body when loading, how do you keep the sheet from first seeming to be going in the grooves and then 'not cooperating' as the reel curves and simply spitting out of the side of the reel (in a continued "straight line")?

Can you post a pic or two?

[Francois]

I know this might sound simple but looking at the design of the reel and the loader, I have a feeling it would work a lot easier if it was used with the reel horizontal (screwing angle bracket legs to the back of the plate?)

I know Patterson reels are made to load horizontally. Loading them with the film vertical must be near impossible due to both gravity and human morphology (we do have two arms )

Anyways... just my 2 cents worth...

[Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes.]

Ann, what a crap waster I am. I have been so caught up in me I forgot to reply to your thread. Sorry about that mate.

Francs is spot on load it horizontally. I have a darkroom with a bench that I use to load, everyone recommends no more that 4 sheets at once, I did 5 and one didn't process properly.

So my next attempt will be 4 - 2 on the outer slots 2 on the inner slots.

I don't use any loaders etc, I just use the reel. I practice out in the light so I could see what I was doing, I did it many times and got a feel for how to thread  the sheet on, then I practice more with my eyes closed but feeling for the same flow and feed of the sheet. Then I went and did it in the darkroom as I stand up in there. Then I did it for real, it was a challenge not to get finger prints on the thing sheets but I am getting better.

I looked at the combi plans but they are very expensive and everyone I spoke to said that they tend to leak after a while, this is not to say they do, but people anecdotally suggested they did.

[original_ann]

Thanks Ken & Francois - -

Ok... this is where I get lost.  You're speaking simply, but I cannot visualize what you are saying.  You say load them horizontally....   you mean, have the reel in the position as it is shown in the above pics? or are you saying to tip it over and slide the sheets in so that they are parallel (or "horizontal") to the ground? 

Hope I'm clear what I'm asking!  Thanks for your patience!

[rdbkorn]

Ann, here are some pictures illustrating how I load the reel. The emulsion of the film should be facing the inside spindle of the reel. Paul

[Sorry, image deleted during forum software upgrade. Please re-upload if so inclined.]

[Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes.]

exactly as Paul has described in his 4000 word presentation 

I know film is not cheap in this size but to stop tears before bedtime, shoot stuff that won't leave your heart broken if the processing fails, do this until you nail it.

The piccies I have posted are really just snaps of anything to practice with the LF and Jobo.

cheers

[original_ann]

Paul you are a DEAR!  Thank you so much!  I shall give this a go tomorrow when I have some time!

And thanks Ken as well.  I have a BOXES and BOXES of old sheet film (100's of sheets) that someone at my local camera club brought in (because afterall, who would ever want film anymore??) - - I held the front of my shirt out like an apron and filled it with all the 4x5 and polaroid film I could carry!  So if I mess anything up, I'm totally fine with that. 

[Francois]

Thanks Ken & Francois - -

Ok... this is where I get lost.  You're speaking simply, but I cannot visualize what you are saying.  You say load them horizontally....   you mean, have the reel in the position as it is shown in the above pics? or are you saying to tip it over and slide the sheets in so that they are parallel (or "horizontal") to the ground? 

Hope I'm clear what I'm asking!  Thanks for your patience!

The pictures pretty much sum up what I was thinking... except I was leaving the reel attached to the loading jig which I had turned sideways so the reel is just like on the pictures...

I was just making sure the jig stayed like on the pictures by adding some type of leg system.

[original_ann]

Francois - I think I"ll see if I can try it your way - thanks!