I like this idea. I like how the actual video showed so little of the actual development process. How are the chemicals poured out of the unit? Entirely too much talking for a video with this title.
With regard to the three holes on the Paterson cap - Do we have to modify and drill the holes ourselves or is a drilled Paterson cap provided with the Ago? Really cool. I presume the chemicals are manually poured out of the tank. Is there any time lag vs manual rotation between developer and stop stages?
The unit comes with an adapted Paterson cap I believe. The chemicals are poured manually in and out, so the lag is dependent on how quickly you pour, if i've understood the question correctly :)
For B&W, most developers work at or very near room temperature, so the time variable feature based of temperature drift during processing has little to no value. On the other hand, B&W film does not develop optimally with continuous agitation, which is mandatory(*) with the AGO. For B&W, the AGO appears to be more complication than help. (*) I suppose the AGO would still process if you set a tank upright, in which case it becomes a very pricey powered swizzle rod for a Paterson tank.
I think the key feature really is making developing accesible / controlled for people who want to develop themselves at home. The rotational development is ideal for C-41 and yes, inversion is better for B/W, but still completely sufficient results can be achieved with rotatry development.
@@doyoudevelop "inversion is better for B/W, but still completely sufficient results can be achieved with rotary development.” Well, then I’ll pay 439 Euros for one of these right away. Wouldn’t want the simplicity of the steel tank and Hewes reels that I’ve been using for decades :)
@@roryonabike5863 It all comes down to what you prefer really :) Most people will never notice the difference. People who develop colour will definitely benefit from the price difference of the AGO versus a Jobo for example. Hewes are great, i've those as well for my steel tanks!
This does look interesting. Is it agitating with the twizzle stick? Have they tested it extensively with 120 and 4x5 film? So far I've had acceptable results with E6 with just a sous vide. However, this does add extra "security."
Essentially yeah, it attaches to the where the twizzle stick would usually go and then turns the reels on the inside. Essentially like with a Jobo rotatry processor. I think for E6 it could work beautifully!
@@doyoudevelopI'm lucky I snagged a Jobo with a lift for cheap years ago. It doesn't seem like there's an advantage to these newer machines. Neat system though - great video!
Interesting concept for sure. But how does it work for push or pull processing? Because the development time is a variable, depending on temperature of the chemicals, how do you set the timing for push or pull with this?
Excellent question! I assume that since you can change the overall developing time, push/pulling shouldn't be an issue. The compensation algorithm is tuned for adjusting for temperature fluctuations, meaning if I manually adjust the developing time, the temperature compensation would be the same.
I don't use it because I currently only do B/W, which I prefer doing with inversion technique. But if I was doing colour from home, I'd definitely use it :)
I like this idea. I like how the actual video showed so little of the actual development process. How are the chemicals poured out of the unit? Entirely too much talking for a video with this title.
an insanely smart and convinient product, im buying this thing rn. Thank you for the review!
Thank you! Check out my affiliate link if you'd like to support me :)
Totally!
Oh wow it has a Bellini preset, my favourite C41 kit 😊
With regard to the three holes on the Paterson cap - Do we have to modify and drill the holes ourselves or is a drilled Paterson cap provided with the Ago? Really cool. I presume the chemicals are manually poured out of the tank. Is there any time lag vs manual rotation between developer and stop stages?
The unit comes with an adapted Paterson cap I believe. The chemicals are poured manually in and out, so the lag is dependent on how quickly you pour, if i've understood the question correctly :)
How are the chemicals poured out of the unit?
The unit stays on top and they are poured out the same way they are poured in, by simply tilting it.
For B&W, most developers work at or very near room temperature, so the time variable feature based of temperature drift during processing has little to no value. On the other hand, B&W film does not develop optimally with continuous agitation, which is mandatory(*) with the AGO. For B&W, the AGO appears to be more complication than help. (*) I suppose the AGO would still process if you set a tank upright, in which case it becomes a very pricey powered swizzle rod for a Paterson tank.
I think the key feature really is making developing accesible / controlled for people who want to develop themselves at home. The rotational development is ideal for C-41 and yes, inversion is better for B/W, but still completely sufficient results can be achieved with rotatry development.
@@doyoudevelop "inversion is better for B/W, but still completely sufficient results can be achieved with rotary development.”
Well, then I’ll pay 439 Euros for one of these right away. Wouldn’t want the simplicity of the steel tank and Hewes reels that I’ve been using for decades :)
@@roryonabike5863 It all comes down to what you prefer really :) Most people will never notice the difference. People who develop colour will definitely benefit from the price difference of the AGO versus a Jobo for example. Hewes are great, i've those as well for my steel tanks!
@@doyoudevelop We weren't talking about colour. I was referring to your bizarre statement about the AGO processor and black and white.
Thank you for sharing
Thank you for tuning in!
This does look interesting. Is it agitating with the twizzle stick? Have they tested it extensively with 120 and 4x5 film? So far I've had acceptable results with E6 with just a sous vide. However, this does add extra "security."
Essentially yeah, it attaches to the where the twizzle stick would usually go and then turns the reels on the inside. Essentially like with a Jobo rotatry processor. I think for E6 it could work beautifully!
@@doyoudevelopI'm lucky I snagged a Jobo with a lift for cheap years ago. It doesn't seem like there's an advantage to these newer machines. Neat system though - great video!
Well, they are definitely cheaper and more compact than a Jobo :) @@jw48335
Interesting concept for sure. But how does it work for push or pull processing? Because the development time is a variable, depending on temperature of the chemicals, how do you set the timing for push or pull with this?
Excellent question! I assume that since you can change the overall developing time, push/pulling shouldn't be an issue. The compensation algorithm is tuned for adjusting for temperature fluctuations, meaning if I manually adjust the developing time, the temperature compensation would be the same.
How do you do the final rinse using the Ago?
Pour in water, set a custom time (like 10 minutes) and refill fresh water every minute.
I’ve had two Patterson tanks now and they both leaked light without the lid on them.
That's a shame. Was the funnel properly "clicked" into place?
Thanks for the review, do you still use it? any long term experiences?
I don't use it because I currently only do B/W, which I prefer doing with inversion technique. But if I was doing colour from home, I'd definitely use it :)
@@doyoudevelop if you want to sell it, just let me know. I'll pick it up :)
Hi, nice job. Can it also be used to develop darkroom print paper ?
There is no programm for developing paper, but there's nothing stopping you from adjusting the program time to your own needs.