ndjambrose Posted June 2, 2009 Share #1 Posted June 2, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'm looking for some recommendations for a low-volume (around 30 rolls per month) C41 automatic film processor that I can buy in the UK. I'm reaching the point where it's too expensive to outsource to pro labs, and I haven't found a consumer lab that I trust. Hence, I figure time to do it myself. I've found lots of used minilabs that would be perfect except for one thing - I can't accommodate their footprint. So I need a system that's tabletop size. I'm aware of Phototherm Sidekick and Bray Midget, both of which are quite suited to what I'm looking for. But they're hard to find in the UK and seem to be very overpriced. The best price I've seen on a sidekick is over £4,000 which is ludicrous when I could buy a used Noritsu QSS minilab for under £800, assuming I had space. Does anyone do C41 in that kind of quantity - and if so, what do you use? Thanks for any help. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 2, 2009 Posted June 2, 2009 Hi ndjambrose, Take a look here Recommendations for C41 Processor. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jpattison Posted June 2, 2009 Share #2 Posted June 2, 2009 Hi, Is that 30 rolls - 1 per day, or 6 sessions of 5 per month? For either, I'd buy a used Jobo ATL1500 (new if you can afford it!) Jobo Autolab ATL-1500 Digi Processor - 593-256X - 39094 (The ATL 1000 doesn't allow for user progam changes, so the 1500 is more versatile) The compact, 6-bath processor. Perfect technology for simple handling. Chemicals are manually filled-in before each run. When required, it even works without running water, providing mobility and independence. Professional quality for occasional use or low film throughput. For all processes (E-6 3-bath, and 6-bath; C-41; B/W and films (135-36; 120/220; sheet film 4x5"). Capacity: 5 films 135, 6 films 120 or 12 sheet films 4x5" per batch. Processing times per batch: B/W approx. 20 min.; C-41 approx. 30 min.; E-6 approx. 45 min. 15 memory channels come pre-programmed but are user-programmable for push/hold processing. Auto-start function. John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alifie Posted June 2, 2009 Share #3 Posted June 2, 2009 Could the film part of a minilab be 'sawn off' reducing the footprint somewhat. £800 vs. 3-8k sounds like a proposition. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ndjambrose Posted June 2, 2009 Author Share #4 Posted June 2, 2009 John - thanks for the Jobo suggestion. I was looking for something that's all in one without needing plumbing or external water supply. It's my understanding that while the ATL has a regulated water bath, it still needs a temperature controlled external supply for the wash cycles. That's why I was thinking of a sidekick (with entirely automatic self-heating wash, rinse and dry cycles). Pity they're so hard to find. BTW - if I'm wrong about the above please let me know. Alfie - not sure if a minilab could be cut up. I suspect not. But the biggest obstacle may be their weight - around 700 Kg. It would go through my floor boards. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alifie Posted June 2, 2009 Share #5 Posted June 2, 2009 If you have eyes on a Noritsu, why not contact them to see if it can be done. I suspect sawing would not be required if it is modular. Floors will take a lot more load next to a wall. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotohuis Posted June 2, 2009 Share #6 Posted June 2, 2009 Concerning the amount of films and DIY I would advise an ATL 500 - 800 or 1500. And search a solution for the permanent connection of the tap water. All those machines are not new available so you have to search the second hand market anyway. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brucek Posted June 2, 2009 Share #7 Posted June 2, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Jobo has/had a water temperature regulator gizmo that keeps the rinse water at the correct temperature. I was in a similar situation as you and went with a used ATL-1000. I love it but have to admit it hasn't received a lot of use lately. I need to fix that... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpattison Posted June 3, 2009 Share #8 Posted June 3, 2009 Neil, I think the ATL1000 and 1500 only have a single wash water input, for pre-heated water. They did offer a small(ish) heater, and also a pump to take in hot water from a bucket. The whole idea of it is that it is portable. BTW, there is a used ATL1000 on e thingy at the moment, £769 BIN I found this... Jobo ATL 1000 pump - Photo.net Film and Processing Forum John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattLain Posted June 3, 2009 Share #9 Posted June 3, 2009 I use an ATL-1000 regularly. Most recently up to 20xE-6 films per week, C-41 results have been great and consistent with it too. The external water and waste inputs/outputs aren't too much of an inconvenience for me. Just have 'water-spillable' flooring surrounding the machine for transferring water tanks. I like feeling a bit more involved with a less automated and more manual process anyway. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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