Sunday, September 30, 2012

For all those who cannot wait for the CPP3

For of those out there who are interested in a Jobo processor, but cannot wait until the new machine is available - we are happy to offer a certified machine from our current inventory.

We have in stock:

ATL500
ATL1000
CPA2
CPP2
Ans many more.

We have processors in all configurations, with and with out lifts, to meet any processing needs, along with the drums and reels for any format.

All of the processor we sell come with our guaranteed satisfaction policy, no questions asked return\repair option.

We also have any spare parts you might want to get at the time of purchase to assure your machine is always up and running well in to the future.

Contact us for details and photos.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

In stock now: 2509n reels for 4X5 - New in box

A limited quantity of brand new 2509n reels for 4X5 sheet film, and use with all 2500 system tanks is now in stock. These will not last long.
Get them while you can!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Photokina 2012 Update II: the future of photocemistry is looking brighter then ever!

During our visit t the Photokina 2012 trade show we made it our business to try and meet as many photochemistry companies reps and try to get a picture of the global position of price points and availability.
Recently, many of our customers, especially in Oceania, notably in New Zealand, but also in the US and Europe have brought up issues they were having with sourcing C-41 and E-6 processing kits.
With the dissappearance of many of the kits and brand that seem like that have been around forever, like Kodak and Fuji hunt (some are still available through convoluted and complex ordering options), there has been a gap in supply, for a market, that at least from our stand point, seems to be growing contiousily in the past 2 years.

About 2 years ago, Tetenal withdrew from the US market its popular and easy to use C-41 2 bath kit, and E-6 3 bath kit in all sizes , along with its powder 1L press kit leaving many users scrambling for replacements which were not readily available. Some smaller re-breanded kits from smaller companies emmerged, but did not offer the same quality and consistency users were used to with the Tetenal kits. A few months ago Tetenal re appeared in the US market, and the full line of its color and slide film chemistry is readily available in the US one again.

It appears that Tetenal and Jobo will once again be marketing their products in some form of cooperation, though it was not entirely clear what that would mean for the end user at this time, aside from the wonderful news about a new film processor that will enjoy a regular supply of chemistry from a venerable manufacturer.

At photokina we learned the Champion photochemistry is resizing its commercial use chemicals for C-41 to meet lower demands, and the new smaller kits and containers will be a much more viable option for the home user then before. Due to the fact that all Champion chemistry has no haz-mat rating in the US it is easy and safe to ship around the country.

CatLABS is working on a Champion based C-41 3 bath kit for the US market, to be ready towards the end of 2012. This projected kit will have an extremely low per roll cost, and will be a single part, easy to mix and store solution for home users, as well as low toxicity\low water consuming option, in conforming with our environmental agenda. Champion photochemistry also have an extremely long shelve life which in todays low volume world is a much sought after quality.

Maco Photo, a company distributing a plethora Foma and Rollei branded films, in BW and IR, as well as AGFA formulated BW chemistry such as rodinal and nuetol replacements offers several C-41 and E-6 kits, along with a plethora of specialty BW chemicals and films.

Indian photochemistry manufacturer Convex is looking in to US distribution for its line of RA-4 chemistry.

Another bright point at the show - the Adox booth was swamped and it was nearly impossible to get near it.

All in all, in a mega show like Photokina, where digital photography dominates over all, it was wonderful to see so many companies offering film based products. From old time camera companies such as Linhof and Rolleiflex now offering a whole new line of film based cameras (albeit with digital conversion options) to newly emerging companies such as the employee buy out AGFAphoto which is now offering APX100 and CT precisia (E-6) films, and many small and specialized darkroom and other high end analog product manufacturers. Many other companies have re invented them selves to match the demands of this new market, creating a market specific product and adjusting their service and production towards a specialized nieche business model. Though this means the universality of film based photography might have been diminished, it is amazing to see the level of dedication this new business model has created.

It seems that not only is film after all not dead, but in fact it is supporting a whole new commercial segment. One which commands the respect of many dedicated users, some of whom were not even born when companies like Agfa went in to receivership for the first time. This is a new world of film users, with new demands and needs, new standards and a whole new view of the world through silver based imaging.

The future of film and film processing has not seemed so bright in a long time.

BRAND NEW Expert drums 3005 are now in stock!

We have a few 3005 Expert drums left.
Take advantage of special pricing if ordered directly from us (contact us for pricing and availability) before this stock is gone.

It might be a while before we can get more 3005's as Jobo scrambles to meet demands.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Its official: Jobo displays two CPP3 prototypes at Photokina

The Jobo booth at photokina was a bustling hub of interest for the many film users who visited Photokina this year. Jobo is amongst the few companies offering analog photographic film products who were represented in the show, and is one of the only companies in the world currently offering a unique film processing system that is suitable for both home and low volume users as well as major top end photo labs offering industry standard film processing.


The all new CPP3 with magnet                                     CPP3 with the 4072 Lift attachment
drive.

For the first time at the show, Jobo has publicly shown the very much anticipated new film processor - the CPP3. This machine is the first new film processor design in almost 2 decades and one of very few currently available film processing machine. The Jobo CPP3, along with the Jobo tank system is a stand alone system, that encompases the ability to process any analog photographic media from BW roll film, to 20X24 inch sheets of RA4 paper or ULF in practically any format and process available.

The new system is fully backwards compatible with all existing Jobo drums, reels and many other components, such as the lift. Our hands on testing and experience with the new machine was incredible. The machine boasts an 'ATL' like control panel, with a huge, blue glowing multi tasking LCD panel (the back light can easily be turned off when needed by the user).

The new machine includes several improvements, the chief one being a built in fully programmable process timer, similar in operation to the well established Jobo timer 8\16. The timer and display offers an audible and visual alert for the user as process stages progress, and also helps start stop the main rotation motor as needed.

With 32 channels (which come pre programmed with some popular processes, but that are fully user programmable) the possibilities are endless. A suggested foot switch, similar to the one used on the Jobo timers, and on many enlargers will allow the user two free hands is being discussed by R&D folks at Jobo.

The new machine also has a newly designed thermostat control, which like the timer control is extremely programmable and flexible and offers the user control not seen before. Motor speed control is also fully controllable via the electronic interface, Jobo say they are working on a way to combine the motor speed setting control with appropriate process\format user input, that might be integrated into the timer channel programming.


Many of our customers are asking about the motor in the new unit - the motor is a newer version of the ATL motor, stronger then ever before, supported by stronger board components, making is suitable for use with any of the Jobo drums, and especially for Jobo Expert drums (3000 series drums). The stronger motors insures a longer life span, better reliability and a larger max capacity (Pyro users will be happy to know that even though there is no official number from Jobo we suspect it to be much more then the 1200ml max of the past allowing for larger loads of stock solution per square inch in the drums)

As before, a cold water inlet solenoid will take care of over heating by introducing cold water into the trough.

The all black finish of the machine looks sleek and clean. The materials are more robust the ever before.

At this time Jobo is working on the 115V US market version of the processor and we are anxiously waiting to be given a test drive when a working 115v prototype is ready - we will sure be updating whenever that happens.

Another thing we are waiting to hear about is a direct bolt on CPP3 upgrade option for existing CPA2 and CPP2 (of any production model) - we will be updating on that front as any new info comes in.

 As always - please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding Jobo products or spare parts - and of course about pre-ordering the CPP3.

Stay tuned for tomorrows update about exciting news regarding new analog film chemistry products and availability in the US and around the world. Sign up to follow the blog to get all the updated automatically.

Photkina 2012 Update coming - stay tuned for news about the Jobo CPP3

CatLABS has just returned from Photokina with TONS of news.

We will be updating about our visit to the Photokina 2012 trade show in Cologne, Germany, where we met with Jobo officials, and many representatives of various companies in the Photographic FILM trade.

We have some interesting stories and news to bring - so stay tuned.

Most importantly - we have news of the newly released CPP3, including glimpses of the pre production prototypes.

Monday, September 10, 2012

CatLABS of JP will be at Photokina 2012!

We are pleased to announce that CatLABS will be attending the Photokina 2012 trade show in Koln, Germany. We are looking forward to getting first glimpses of the all new Jobo CPP3, as well as news from Film manufacturers in Europe and around the world.

We will try to post new updates from the show in real time, as much as prevailing WiFi conditions will allow.

CatLABS will be operating as usual during the show, though some orders may be slightly delayed.
If you have any urgent orders or in need of service please contact so we can accommodate your request in advance.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Single Jobo EXPERT 3005 drum in stock (SOLD SEP 12)

As we wait for a shipment of Brand new Expert drums to arrive to our regular stock, we just received a very nice condition used Jobo 3005 Expert drum for 8X10.
This one wont last long. - (SOLD SEP 12)
Foot pumps are also in stock.

Contact us for more details.