Kreonite Processors

[Vince Lupo]

Hello All -- I've just been offered a Kreonite processor that can handle up to a 16"x20" print. Has anyone ever used one of these? Are there special Kreonite chemicals that are required, or can you use any dev/stop/fix combination? Will the machine only do RC prints?

[wpb]

It uses standard (mainly RA-4) chemistry. It is usually used with RC papers. You will need a fair amount of turnover to keep the chemistry fresh.

[Trius]

Walk away. Maintenance would be your main activity. Well, maybe that is model-dependent, but in our lab "The Kreonite is down" was a weekly reality.

[sevo]

The flaw with all these roller transport processors is that there is a very narrow margin where the throughput, air exposure and chemical forward transport are in a stable balance with a volumetric replenishment. In every other scenario the chemistry collapses frequently, and needs to be replaced after cleaning the entire processor. And the said stable state seems to be only reachable at a throughput where you need a dedicated full-time employee to feed that processor with large size prints. Not even most labs can fulfil that condition.

For photographer use (which tends to be casual or batch-wise), drum processors (e.g. Jobo ATL, Colenta) are the only economic and reliable solution for large colour print development. Or you might want to consider ink prints.

[Vince Lupo]

Yeah, think you guys are right. I'm going to this person's place to see what other things they have, and they have a bunch of darkroom stuff (not that I really need any more!). If I find anything interesting, I'll let you know!

Thanks again for your advice in this regard.